Archive for August, 2010
An encouraging read for local travelites: The Lunatic Express by Carl Hoffman
If local travel means putting oneself in the shoes of a local, then travel writer Carl Hoffman has earned status as an expert local travelite with a compelling story to tell. In his latest book, The Lunatic Express: Discovering the World via Its Most Dangerous Buses, Boats, Trains, and Planes, Hoffman relays his round-the-world jaunt […]
The responsible traveller – the impact of not knowing the local language
We have all seen the stereotypical struggling tourist abroad, hands flapping, shouting and getting nowhere fast. Is this a responsible way to travel? Or by not trying to learn even a little of the language native to a country we are visit, are we eroding the culture of that country? Entering a room in a […]
Local Travel – that’s what we’re talking about!
That is literally what I’m talking about below: On Friday 20 August, in my capacity as one of the initiators of the Local Travel Movement, I had a chance to chat about Local Travel with Ron Mader of Planeta.com, a global journal of practical ecotourism and an active Local Travel Movement partner. This online get-together […]
Local Europe Travel inspiration – Zurich
Every two weeks, I share some of the latest tips from one of our (currently) 29 Spotted by Locals blogs – with you. Today: tips by our locals from Zurich (Switzerland) 1) Outlane Zurich- Where videogame history comes alive Zurich Spotter Roman Rey: “A mix between bar, museum and private collection of pinball machines and old […]
Agriturismo in Italy – a great local-travel alternative
If you want to experience Italy in a mindful way and stay true to the values of Local Travel by connecting with Italians and travelling in a way respectful of their environment, history, culture and economy, try staying in an agriturismo. Not only do you reap the benefits of knowing you have done your part […]
Travelling irresponsibly – the impact of the package travel regulations
Do you like to travel independently? Maybe you have done a little backpacking or taken time out and enjoyed the pleasure of exploring, discovering local gems and getting off the beaten track. Maybe you try to book locally and pay a fair price (and make sure as much of your money as possible goes to […]
Abraham’s Path: walking on the path of the friend
Ahlan wa Sahlan – welcome – was a common phase I heard throughout my trip to Al Ayoun. I was there as part of a volunteering team from Leeds Metropolitan University in the UK which had travelled to Jordan to embark on a pioneering experiment in ecotourism, rural development, and cross culture exchange (see video). […]