Responsible Travel - InspirAsian travel blog
The hidden rivers of Asia
Guest author
Head off along Asia’s lesser-known rivers for unexpected delights, unspoilt scenery and unforgettable encounters. Switch off your phone, relax and let the river set the pace..
Practical ways to reduce plastic waste on your Asia holiday
Guest author
The impact of plastic waste is big news, and it's even harder to reduce your plastic footprint when you're travelling in Asia. Here's what we're doing - and what you can do - to help...
Supporting communities while you're on holiday in Asia
Guest author
'Travel done right' can really benefit the communities and habitats we visit. Our Destination Specialists suggest a few great places where you can give back to the communities that you visit...
The impact of tourism
Guest author
2017 is the UN's 'International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development'. It’s an awkward title, but it has spurred an important conversation; there’s a lot more to be done to protect the countries and habitats that we love. Selective Asia’s regular writer Suzie, who grew up in a tourist destination (albeit not one quite as exciting as Asia) explores what it means to be a ‘good tourist’.
World Elephant Day
Gemma
Elephant populations have plummeted by 62% in the last decade - at this rate of decline, they'll be on the verge of extinction in another 10 years. As part of World Elephant Day, some of Selective Asia's team share their experiences of responsible elephant conservation projects across South-East Asia.
When travel isn't possible. A harsh reality, and what can we do to help?
Nick
Our hope in sharing this article is to learn what you think about a value that's been core to Selective Asia since we began: our collective responsibility to protect the communities and habitats we travel to.
A view from afar: Honesty around sustainability
Nick Pulley
Celebrating Bhutan
Nick
Unique is a horribly overused word in travel commentary, and yet here we are - Bhutan is utterly unique. Not so much in its landscape (Nepal’s is comparable in many ways) nor its spirituality, as nations of many faiths can fairly lay claim to similar levels of commitment and belief. Its nuances, language, and cuisine are all ‘unique’, but there’s nothing unique about that. So what is it that makes it so special?
The future of tourism - what is the true cost of viable travel?
Nick
Now that the world is back in its tourism stride, countries are scrambling to try to balance the books and make travel more sustainable. Many governments are implementing or increasing visitor taxes to recuperate lost earnings and strengthen their resilience.
A view from afar: Making space for serendipity
Nick Pulley
Rail Journeys in Asia
Kate G
Why is train travel in Asia so enticing? Plane journeys are often quicker, and driving may offer more flexibility, but for us, how you get there is as important as where you’re going: with rail travel, the journey is the destination. Every rail journey in Asia tells a different story; from the station architecture to the routes, travelling by train tells you something intimate about how a country ticks.
Responsible Travel in the Maldives
Guest Author
Discover what responsible travel in the Maldives looks like on the ground, from community connections to hands-on conservation, with insight from Ruth, our partner in the archipelago…
In Detail: Nepal's Community Homestay Network
Nick Pulley
Selective Asia’s founder, Nick, goes into greater depth about the inspiring work of Nepal’s Community Homestay Network, and the important role it plays in levelling the country’s travel spend playing field.