Wanderlust and Lipstick » Eco Travel

RTW and Long-term Travel Trends

Beth Whitman - Wanderluster — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 16:06:43 +0000

I read a review recently of my book, The Essential Guide for Women Traveling Solo, that wasn’t exactly favorable. Though she was nice about it, Anastasia over at the Bird Brain(ed) Book Blog, suggested that I didn’t address long term travel enough and instead concentrated on travel for business types and their ability to travel for just weeks at a time.

What stood out to me was that she was craving more information about long term travel. You know, those round-the-world trips that seem to be so trendy now that people have found themselves out of work, unable to find a job after college or simply looking for more meaning other than their 12-hour a day job in the tech world.

Anastasia was absolutely right. I didn’t touch on this type of travel much because when I wrote the first edition of this book 4+ years ago, there was little mainstream talk about long-term travel. My year-long trip in 1992 was an anomaly at the time to most Americans and Canadians (for which my book was primarily written). But I’m ecstatic to now hear about so many people, including WanderMom, that are in the middle of, just returning from or are working on details for long term travel, whether it’s a month, several months or a year away.

While Rolf Potts has done a great job for years at inspiring people to plan for long-term travel (from 6 weeks to 2 years), a few years ago I wouldn’t have said this was a big trend in travel. As a matter of fact, I can’t even find any statistics on this “trend” which makes me think it’s so not a trend as to be pre-trendy. (Anybody have stats on whether people are actually traveling for longer periods of time?)

Anecdotally, I can say that I’ve never heard so many people talk about long-term travel as I have since the economic downturn. Not to pick on her, but Anastasia, at 21, might be a little young to know that this is a recent phenomenon. And the fact that young people think this is the norm and that all travel guides should address this topic is a good sign that the world of travel is changing.

I recently met Warren and Betsy at a Seattle travel event. They launched Married with Luggage to share information and stories about their planned four-years of travel. They’ve sold their home and most everything in it. Early in their planning phase, they discovered that it’s actually cheaper to travel for an extended period of time rather than a short time because of the cost of flights and other modes of expensive transportation involved when you’re in a hurry. You know the adage, you either have time or money. While most of us travel with more money than time, Warren and Betsy have turned that on its head and decided to spend more time and less money.

But they aren’t the only ones…

Just in my circle (which admittedly might be unique), many people are taking off on a vagabonding trip. My friend, Dave, just returned from a bicycle trip from Seattle to the tip of South America. He upped and quit his tech job, sold his house and jumped on the bike. WanderMom is leaving at the end of the summer with her family on a worldwide tour with her husband and 2 young boys. Then there’s Gary at Everything Everywhere and NomadicMatt who are on seemingly non-ending journeys. And Johnny Jet, who by all appearances has a home but is always on the road.

What are your travel plans and have they changed in the last few years?

Travel Well!

Beth

Photo credit: Globe by Horia Varlan

The Google Factor: Ethical Business – Ethical Travel

Beth Whitman - Wanderluster — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 17:00:38 +0000

Google’s been in a tussle with China for some time now over the decision to censor content in their search results. On a Google blog post dated January 12, the company states that Google launched their China site, “in the belief that the benefits of increased access to information for people in China and a more open Internet outweighed our discomfort in agreeing to censor some results.”

In December, Google discovered a cyber attack against their site and about 20 others. The Google attack involved the Gmail accounts of human rights activists in China. As a result, Google is now “discussing with the Chinese government the basis on which we could operate an unfiltered search engine within the law, if at all.” In other words, they are willing to entertain the possibility of shutting down Google.cn and their offices there if the government doesn’t play nice.

This is Google’s attempt at ethical business practices (after all, their policy is “Don’t Be Evil”). This has made me think about ethics in travel and whether by traveling to (and ultimately supporting) countries with very bad leaders, this ultimately hurts or helps the people.

Let’s take Burma as an example.

On the one hand, there’s the belief that by traveling to a country like Burma, you are exposing the local people to a world beyond their limited access. It provides them with information and some hope that they can one day have a better life. Perhaps you hire a guide for a day. He might make $5 that he wouldn’t normally be able to earn. He can now buy food for his family. All good.

On the other hand, many tour operators and popular sites are run by the government including the temples and palaces. This makes it nearly impossible to avoid putting money in the pockets of Burma’s repressive regime. Little, if any, of that money directly helps the people who need it most. Instead, it’s used to further the cause of the government and make the politicians richer. All bad.

At one point, political activist, Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been under house arrest in Burma for 14 of the last 20 years, requested that travelers not visit Burma. She recently reversed her decision on that – proving that this is a conundrum even for those closest to the situation.

Let’s get back to Google.

They’re a huge company. But China’s bigger. Even if they were to pull out of China (and I personally hope that they do), will it actually help the great people of this country? Probably not. But it is a symbolic, if not a truly helpful gesture to China that they can’t get away with this S*^&. Neither the suppression nor any involvement (if indeed they were involved) in hacking sites for the purpose of tracking down those opposed to their government.

I haven’t been to China and have no immediate plans to visit. I’m sickened by the treatment of the Tibetan people and while I’m eager as anything to get to Tibet, I can’t bring myself to do it. I think I’d be too sad. Right or wrong thinking, I don’t know. I do know that for now, I’m content visiting countries where the human rights records are a bit stronger. No country is perfect, but with China I have strong enough feelings about it that it’s kept the country low on my priority list.

And you?

Travel Well!

Beth

Join other Wanderlusters and stay updated on travel-related items by subscribing via email or RSS feed.

Photo Credit: China Protest – tibchris

Where Have all the Clunkers Gone?

Beth Whitman - Wanderluster — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:02:59 +0000

I was almost sucked into the excitement of the Cash for Clunkers program. I test drove a Smart Car and briefly considered trading in my ’99 Jeep Wrangler for one. Turns out I didn’t like the way the Smart Car shifts gears and abandoned the whole idea. (Go test drive one if you don’t know what I’m talking about.)

Despite my desire to upgrade, there was something that really bothered me about the whole Cash for Clunkers program. This niggling in the back of my mind arose from what I’ve seen over the last 22 years during my travels to developing countries. Specifically, I have seen just how ingenious a person can be when it comes to repairs (of cars, electronics, phones, bicycles, motorcycles, you name it) when they don’t have the money to buy (or have access to) new parts.

I’ve seen barrels filled with water, hoses connected to the engine, sitting atop buses in Vietnam, a sort of cooling system when the original one fails. I’ve seen bicycles held together with wires. I’ve had my own motorcycle dismantled and fixed in Mexico in a remote area without the use of a lift or proper tools. And in Kolkata, I had my broken camera repaired at the “camera hospital”, a tiny room filled with unsophisticated equipment. It was returned in perfect condition.

For about $20 U.S., I had my camera repaired in Kolkata. This same repair would have been prohibitively expensive in Seattle. I would have tossed the camera and purchased a new one.

I understand the relationship between cheap labor in a developing country and affordable repairs, but in the U.S., we think nothing of buying a new item and tossing the old into the junk heap. This forces us into our disposable mindset. And hence the frenzy to trade in a car that runs perfectly well for a car that gets a bit better gas mileage. Not a bad idea, really, until you consider what happened to all those cars.

Described by the U.S. government as “wildly successful”, more than 700,000 “clunkers” were taken off the road. Liberated. Replaced by a car that’s more environmentally friendly.

Liquid glass was added to the engines so as to render them useless. Then these now undriveable cars were crushed or dismantled for their parts.

In a 2005 story from the Cambodia Daily, cars considered scrap in the U.S. are shipped to Cambodia and other developing countries en masse. They’re sold at affordable prices to these countries and give the cars a new life. What happens now? In a recent article on Vox, the Cash for Clunkers program “is likely to displace international trade in used vehicles”.

We’ve just buried nearly 3/4 million cars. Cars that could have been shipped to other countries. To people whose governments will not provide them with a rebate to purchase a car – new or used. People who cannot afford anything but what we might consider a clunker. These people will now have to go without or continue to maintain older vehicles that could very well add even more carbon emissions into the environment than if they had traded up to one of our clunkers.

If we’re truly a global society, who’s thinking about the rest of the world?

Travel Well,

Beth

Photo cars: Kodiax2

The Many Faces, er Beds, of Couchsurfing

Beth Whitman - Wanderluster — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 14:00:39 +0000

I’ve couchsurfed all over the West Coast of the U.S. and in India. I’ve slept on sofas in the middle of living rooms and in home offices. I’ve slumbered in spare bedrooms. I’ve been treated to amazing dinners and great coffee. I’ve dined with families, couples and a transgender person with breasts and a beard. I’ve fended off large dogs and been kept awake until the wee hours by loud music. Most importantly, I’ve made great friends with my hosts (and, sometimes, their friends) whom have shown me some amazing hospitality.

Though I’ve written about this several times over the last couple of years, I continue to receive emails about couchsurfing so I thought it would be a good idea to revisit it as a topic. This post is meant for the traveler but hosts might find useful info here, too.

Some of you may be asking, “What the heck IS couchsurfing?”

Simply put, it’s staying at someone’s home whom you haven’t previously met in person. You may stay on their couch, on their floor, pitch a tent in their backyard or stay in a comfy bed in a spare bedroom.

You may be traveling solo, with a friend/sig’ o or with kids. And you might stay with a single person, several people, a couple or a family.

In other words, there’s no “one” way to couchsurf and it may change for you over time and depending on your destination(s) or life situation.

Start your search for a host on one of the following websites or organizations:

Couchsurfing – Though this wasn’t the first, this site certainly claimed the phrase for this type of travel. It probably has the most members and highest chance that you’ll find a host. it has a built-in security feature in that all communications (at least initially) go through the site. If something were to happen to either the host or traveler, the emails could be followed through the site.

GlobalFreeloaders – This is similar to the Couchsurfing site. It’s been my experience that it’s a bit harder to find hosts through this site although it’s a great alternative as there are some folks who are GlobalFreeloader hosts but not Couchsurfing hosts.

Hospitalityclub – I haven’t used this site but have heard that there are many people on this site that are on the other sites.

Servas – The oldest (and least technology-savvy) of the options. Formed more than 30 years ago, the purpose of Servas is to promote world peace. Travelers are asked to stay at least 2 nights with the host who in turn are asked to spend time with their guests. The idea is to create a connection and understanding between cultures. There is a membership fee of about $80 and a small fee to acquire the list of hosts in each country.

I met this lovely group of folks while couchsurfing in Walla Walla. I’ve become good friends with my host and her daughter.

Every site but Servas encourages hosts and travelers to write recommendations/referrals about those they meet through the program. This gives you the opportunity to learn about your host prior to arrival. Hospitality Club requires that the travelers provide their passport information and recommends that hosts check the passport upon their guest’s arrival.

In all of these cases, there is no cost for the actual stay. However, it’s recommended that you pay for any costs incurred by the host (food, telephone, etc.). Also, keep in mind:

As a woman, only stay with a single woman or where the woman is the primary contact. Not that women don’t sometimes make bad hosts, but you’ll drastically reduce your hassles if you stay with a woman.
Always call in advance and have a conversation with your host before arriving. This will give you a chance to build up some rapport, decide if it’s a good fit and politely back out if you don’t feel like the situation feels right.
Bring a small gift or offer to cook or take your host out for a meal. After all, you’re crashing for free. Any one of these simple gestures will go a long way.

One thing to consider, too, while your choosing a host, is her proximity to areas of interest and/or public transport. More often than not, a host will be located in a residential neighborhood. Unless you have your own mode of transportation, it might be difficult for you to get around. After you have initial contact with someone about their couch’s availability, find out exactly where they live and then search Google maps for the location to determine if it’s convenient for your needs.

While it’s great to think that you can save a bundle of money by not paying for a hotel room or hostel bed, if your host has the time and interest, get to know them. It’s a great opportunity to learn about the local culture and area.

Travel Well,

Beth

Join other Wanderlusters and stay updated on travel-related items by subscribing via email or RSS feed.

Ethical Travel – Have You Sinned?

Beth Whitman - Wanderluster — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 11:55:07 +0000

I’m not a perfect traveler.

As a vegetarian, I’ve turned down chicken after the poor bird was ceremoniously killed in a remote Vietnamese village on my (and my traveling companion’s) behalf. I’ve hugged a male Indian friend and only realized afterward how incredibly uncomfortable he was with my display of (very innocent) affection. And I’ve been nicely asked to change from my capris into long pants before entering a temple in Bangkok.

Hindsight is, of course, 20/20, and I certainly won’t embarrass myself in any of the above situations again.

Rather than giving money or candy, why not share a Kodak moment with the kids?

Travel is a constant learning experience and one can expect to make mistakes at some point. However, keeping a few things in mind may just help you save face as well as be a good ambassador for your country. The environment aside, here are a few tips to keep you on track for being a culturally sensitive Wanderluster.

1. Travel “close to the ground” as they say. Stay in accommodations that are owned by the locals and are not affiliated with a large chain. Purchase food from street vendors and don’t be tempted by the Golden Arches. Spending money with the locals will give you the chance to interact with them and help you to understand the region where you’re traveling.

2. Bargain, but not too hard. The act of bargaining, in many cultures, is a social activity. It gives both the seller and buyer an opportunity to learn a little bit about each other, if even in a very subtle way. Don’t be in such a rush! Take the time to find out about the item you’re purchasing: its significance for the culture; who made it; and where it’s from. Strike a good deal, but remember that how much you pay for that item may help feed a family that night.

3. Know the culture. Research your destination well in advance so you know what to expect. Read books from Culture Shock! Morocco: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette (Culture Shock! Guides)Culture Shock! or India - Culture Smart!: a quick guide to customs and etiquetteCulture Smart! to learn why people do what they do. This will help lessen your culture shock (and your need to retreat to your hotel room).

4. Hire a guide! Having a local person escort you around town has several benefits. A knowledgeable one will be able to provide far more depth about your destination than you can learn from a guidebook. You’re sure to receive inside tips on the most popular restaurant for locals and recent information on what areas of town to avoid or those that are up and coming trendy spots. You’re also sure to learn about the culture. Take advantage of the opportunity to get to know your guide. But, perhaps most importantly, you’ll be adding a few bucks into the local economy.

5. Don’t give to street beggars. While you may be so moved by the people of a poor area, when possible, give to an already established program so you can ensure that your money is being distributed in the most effective way. Giving even small amounts of change to street children in India, for example, only furthers the problem as these kids are often forced into begging by their families or the local mafia (true!).

6. Volunteer or join a community based tour. Consider volunteering through an established company or join a tour that helps support the region. Crooked Trails is a great example of sustainable travel in action. This non-profit tour company supports indigenous cultures by creating cultural exchanges. Their programs allow you to stay with local families and they hire only local guides who live in the communities. Their mission is to have the lowest impact on the environment and culture as possible.

None of us are perfect but perhaps we can learn from each other. Time to fess up! What have you done and later said, “D’oh, that probably wasn’t the best thing to do in….”

Travel Well,

Beth

Read my travel blog on at the Seattle Post Intelligencer.

Join other Wanderlusters and help make this the most popular women’s travel blog by subscribing via email or RSS feed.