Morgan’s Rock, Nicaragua

Morgan’s Rock Hacienda and Ecolodge’s motto is “playing with time, working with nature”. Owners, Eric and Carolina Poncon, say playing with time invites you to shift into reverse and drive away from the modern day hassles of itineraries, meetings, cellular phones and agendas while resetting your biological clock to countless sunrises and sunsets. The ecolodge is a 15-bungalow hideaway on a mile-long picturesque sandy beach, frequented year-round by nesting sea turtles. The lodge’s backdrop is a vast 4,000-acre property, nearly half of which is a government-designated reserve. The rest is low-impact agricultural land (a farm called El Aguacate) and sustainable tropical forestland (owned and managed by Desarrollo Ecoforestal, S.A.).

The family’s next project is to open a second eco-lodge on a 5,000-acre coffee plantation surrounded by primary growth rainforest in the north of the country. Eric and Carolina envision their second upscale eco-lodge as yet another step in fulfilling their vision of putting their family lands to productive agriculture, forestry and tourism use – but only if it’s done sustainably.

Guests participating in farm activities. (Photo by Morgan’s Rock Hacienda & Ecolodge)

Instead of building mega resorts, which Eric says is not in the family’s DNA, their goal is to create self-sufficient, low-impact lodges that showcase each particular region through its land-based pursuits: agriculture, coffee and forestry. “If we wanted to have a more profitable, faster-return business we could have gone into real estate development. But that’s not in our collective vision,” says Eric.

Their concept surrounding the new lodge is to create meaningful community connections that positively impact guests, workers and their families, and local services and schools. The message is always about sustainability. This is being accomplished already at Morgan’s Rock.

The new lodge will have a significant-scale farm, which will generate sustainable hydro energy, produce certified coffee, and maintain Forest Stewardship Council-certified forests. There are schools on premise and 100 houses for workers. As with Morgan’s Rock, there will be some 15 stylishly appointed guest bungalows created by regional artisans from local materials. “We would love to showcase this region and share it with guests,” says Eric. Engaging guests in what sustainable farming is about and the implications of sustainable coffee are themes dear to his heart.

“Our DNA is planting trees, conservation, preserving the land for the kids,” underscores Eric, whose parents emigrated in 1973 from France to work on agricultural development projects. Today, he and his wife are engaged in coffee sales, marketing and distribution. Tree farming and furniture making also fall under the family’s aegis.

Curtis Le May must be forever spinning in his grave. He probably deserves to be. He was the US general under Presidents Kennedy and Johnson who threatened to bomb Vietnam back to the Stone Age. Nice guy. And he gave it a good try. Seven million tons of bombs were dropped on Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia – more than twice the amount of explosives dropped on Europe and Asia in the Second World War.

But amazingly, it didn’t work. Not only did the Vietnamese stubbornly fail to be destroyed, they won the war. How on earth could a relatively small, poor, underdeveloped country defy the might of the most powerful nation on earth and send them packing?

Ten minutes spent exploring the tunnels at Cu Chi about 40 miles from Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) reveals the answer. The Vietnamese started digging the tunnels in the 1940s and at their peak in the 60s, they covered hundreds of kilometres, at one point stretching from HCMC nearly to the Cambodia border.

In the Tunnels

Now, one section of the tunnels is a tourist attraction. You could dismiss it as turning the horror of war into little more than a theme park. And there is a cafe, a souvenir shop where you can buy Vietcong hats and scarves and figures fashioned out of bullets. You can even have a go at firing an AK47.

But it’s much more than that. You could see it as offering a unique insight into how one of the most bloody, devastating and ultimately pointless wars in human history was won and lost. And the tunnels also shine a light on the Vietnamese character.

They were carved out of the dense clay by men and women with the most primitive tools, little more than tin plates and scoops, in the most difficult and terrifying circumstances. You can only guess how tough and determined they must have been.

The tunnels didn’t just cover huge distances. They were on three levels and level three, metres deep into the earth, was where they took cover when the American B52s were dropping ton upon ton of explosive. It’s where they waited when the tanks rumbled through the undergrowth in a futile search for the enemy.

Down in the tunnels were communications rooms, field hospitals, kitchens, and workshops where they turned captured American weaponry and unexploded bombs into the most vicious and effective booby traps.

It all points up the absurdity of the Rambo-style image of the Vietcong as jabbering barbarians being mowed down by the dozen by an American warrior with a bad-ass bandana round his head.

So what’s it like in the tunnels? Helpfully they’ve enlarged some of the entrances so western tourists can get some way down to get a glimpse of the overpoweringly claustrophobic blackness. Some of the entrances have been left as they were – less than a foot square and invisible when covered with a layer of dirt and leaves. The only way in is to slither down feet first, arms straight up. Your shoulders would get stuck otherwise.

Tunnel entrance alongside a foot for comparison

Entering the tunnel

In the tunnel it’s impossible to turn around. You have to crawl on hands and knees and even so, the space is only just big enough. Two feet in and the light from the entrance is a pinprick in the blackness. The small flashlight they lent me highlighted the shadows which, if anything, made it seem even more terrifying.

Someone had come down behind me. “What can you see?” She had no torch. The dim beam of light picked out a bat dangling from the roof of the tunnel, stirring, no more than two feet from my face. There was another, also stirring. “Er…rabies?” said my companion, impressively calmly.

But I wanted out, and it’s only when you suddenly want to escape that you realise how oppressive the constricted space really is. The half-panicked scramble back to daylight leaves you with a deep sense of respect for the people that dug and lived in these tunnels.

Topside the shooting range and gift shop gives it a touristy, theme park feel. But down in the tunnels you realise you have come face to face with something serious and important. A visit to Cu Chi is a valuable insight into the insanity that took place here just 50 years ago, and the tenacity of the people who weathered the storm.

Back in Ho Chi Minh City it was hard to relate modern Vietnamese life with the terror and hardship that the people had endured so recently.

That evening we sat on the street, munching barbequed meat while the traffic raced by. Our server, bemused by our presence at his humble stall, was eager to figure out where we were from and what on earth we were doing here. “England! America!” he beamed as we told him our respective nationalities, humbling us yet again with a profound sense of respect for the people that could withstand and then bounce back from such a traumatic experience.

Visiting Cu Chi

You can easily visit Cu Chi on a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City. Tours can be booked anywhere in Pham Ngu Lao, the main backpacker area. Sinh Tourist is a reliable operator. You can also arrange for a private car to drive you directly, expect to pay around 150,000 Vietnam Dong (USD$7) per passenger. Entrance at the Cu Chi complex costs 90,000 VND, once you get inside there are English-speaking guides to show you around (free, but tips are appreciated). Many tours to Vietnam include Cu Chi in their itinerary; check with a tour operator such as Tucan Travel, who organise group adventure tours to Vietnam.

The David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage near Nairobi, Kenya, caters to all ages of elephants. This little fella was just three weeks old! Photo courtesy of Samuel Hopkins

By Samuel Hopkins

Nairobi, Kenya is one of region’s biggest draws, catering to all types of interests. To help you make the most of your time there, below is a list of six unforgettable and essential, but slightly off-the-beaten-track Nairobi experiences.

1. David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage

Often, when people think of Africa, they’re reminded of its impressive wildlife. So what better way to start off a trip to the continent than meeting some of its most famous inhabitants up close and personal? Located about 45 minutes by public transport (25 minutes by taxi) outside of Nairobi’s centre lies a fantastic haven for orphaned elephant and rhino calves. Sure, it may be a bit touristy (it’s a staple of the ‘tourist’ tour of Nairobi), but as an animal interaction programme, it’s pretty much perfect. You’re guaranteed a personal encounter, as elephant calves of all sizes wrestle amongst themselves for attention and photo opportunities! To get close to an elephant, the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is the place for you. The rhinos aren’t involved in this display, so make sure you check them out separately before you leave!

Elephant playtime at the David Sheldrick Animal Orphanage on the outskirts of Nairobi National Park, Kenya. Photo courtesy of Samuel Hopkins

2. ‘Carnivore’

Ubiquitous in nearly every African capital city, Carnivore is Nairobi’s must-see restaurant, an exotic meat boma (that’s barbecue to you and me), serving everything from ostrich steak to buffalo testicles (really). Whilst some of what’s on the menu may sound disgusting, it isn’t: take my word for it. When the food is washed down with a signature Tusker beer, you wouldn’t want to be eating anything else! After all, when in Africa… After your meal, have a few drinks at the adjacent Simba Saloon, a popular nightspot, particularly on weekends. Carnivore is located between the city and the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, a 40-minute taxi ride from downtown.

3. Nairobi National Park

Home to the aforementioned Sheldrick Orphanage, this park is unique to Nairobi. Where else in the world can you capture a lion and a skyscraper in the same picture frame? Home to the Big Five, Nairobi National Park offers the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are daily safari drives and, whilst this is no Masai Mara, you stand every chance of seeing a wide variety of wildlife. Lower your expectations a bit, though, and you’ll be more than impressed, especially if you’re not lucky enough to see a leopard or a cheetah; however this pretty much applies to every national park in the country! To get to the park, catch a matatu, bus, or taxi here from pretty much anywhere in the city.

4. Shopping

In a city where nearly every market stall sells the same touristy arts and crafts at competing prices, the Masai Market, held every Tuesday in central Nairobi, offers an excellent selection of uncommon keepsakes and souvenirs. If you’re prepared to bargain hard, a wide range of goods can be yours for a pittance, a major savings over what you would pay back home. Hand-crafted animal sculptures, necklaces, bracelets, plates, mugs – you name it, it’s here. You can even buy Masai warrior spears! Take it from me: you’ll end up coming away with far more than you ever thought you would! Nairobi also has an array of shopping malls dotted throughout the city’s suburbs. Here, you can find all the trappings of Westernisation (cafes, restaurants and cinemas), but with a distinctly African edge. They’re a perfect place to linger if you’ve spent a long time backpacking on the dusty African road.

5. Nightlife

Most African capital cities have excellent nightlife, and Nairobi is no different. Kenyans seem to love a party! Start the night by having a Tusker beer in one of the local watering holes where people are friendly, talkative and laid back. Head onward to any of the bars and clubs in the suburb of Westlands, a hot spot when it comes to nightlife. Every night here is different, but you are sure to find something to your taste. Locals tend to club hop, so you probably won’t wind up where you started anyway! Be sure to take a taxi to and from here at night.

6. Lake Naivasha

Lake Naivasha isn’t technically in Nairobi, but it’s close enough. Accessed via matatu or minibus (an hour and 15 minutes on a good day), this area is truly stunning, offering the perfect escape for an easy day trip. Technically there isn’t really much to do, but that’s kind of the point. One particular highlight is camping by the hippo-infested lake, safely behind an electric fence at the Fisherman’s Camp, half an hour outside of Naivasha town. Going to sleep to the sounds of grunting hippos is strangely peaceful, but beware of the monkeys; they WILL steal any clothes you leave out! If it’s animals that interest you, take a half-day cycle to and through Hell’s Gate National Park. Located in the heart of the magnificent Rift Valley, this area is busy with wildlife (including buffalo, giraffe, zebra and supposedly hyena). It can be quite a thrill hurtling past them on two wheels and with nothing but air between you!

The stunning scenery of Hell’s Gate National Park in Kenya’s section of the Great Rift Valley, about an hour’s drive from Nairobi. Photo courtesy of Samuel Hopkins

In conclusion, Nairobi isn’t a “bad guy,” as the city is often portrayed, but is instead one of East Africa’s most exciting hubs. Be sure to spend at least a day or two here. Forget the rumours and give this city a chance! You won’t regret it.

About the Author: Samuel Hopkins

Samuel Hopkins is about to finish studying geography at Newcastle University with a hope to move into the field of travel journalism. He loves to travel, and in his 22 years has managed to visit all continents bar Antarctica. He is currently planning a trip to the Philippines and Indonesia early in 2014 to train as a scuba instructor.

By Melissa Williams

I once told a friend that my goal in life was to never work a “nine to five.” I live that quote everyday, working till midnight at times and taking weeks away from my office in tropical settings to work remotely across multiple time zones. I look at my laptop clock and it’s 6:30 pm in my home city of Houston, Texas. But in my present moment of reality, it’s 8:30 am the next day as I sit at a little coffee shop staring across the street at the Whitsunday Islands of New South Whales, Australia.

A month ago I didn’t know there were eight states and territories on the continent of Australia. Today I know how to use the entire transit system to travel across the Down Under. Yes, the Australian transit system is as superb as you’ve heard. From Air trams, to rivercats, trains and friendly bus drivers, the dreaded part of most out-of-country experiences was quite brilliant in Oz Land.

Going Local

As the writer of a series about a surfing box shell turtle who travels across the world to catch the perfect wave, I too must travel the world. That’s why I spend weeks upon weeks in places like the Gold Coast, Hawaii and Southern California. It’s all for the turtle. I grasp the culture and become an anthropologist half the year – one major perk of being a writer … it’s in fact important to become your characters and see the world through their eyes, especially when writing hundreds of pages of realistic fiction for eight to twelve year old readers. Am I on holiday, as it is called in Oz Land? When you tour the Great Ocean Road and see sights like the breathtaking Twelve Apostles rock formation sitting in the middle of breaking waves, I’ll admit, it feels like a vacation.

The Twelve Apostles, Victoria, Australia

I will say that I’m the only person befriending the tour guide and carrying around a tiny notebook as I learn about the thousand-year-old Mountain Ash Trees of the Otway Rainforest and gaze up at the sleeping koalas in the Eucalyptus near the Kennett River. I had no idea that those cute little things slept twenty hours a day, an effect from eating eucalyptus. As I drive through the rolling countryside of Victoria’s dairy farms to the city of Melbourne, I notice patches of cows and sheep to my left and wallabies to my right. The creatures of Australia are absolutely delightful. I spend an entire day holding koalas at a sanctuary and discover that a wombat is not a bat, but rather looks like an overgrown hamster and then sit in the grass with a troop of grey kangaroos eating out of my hand while others bounce around with their joeys in their pouches. My head floods with potential character development ideas.

The animals are only the beginning of my creative inspiration. The real jewels of priceless knowledge and spirit come from chats with locals and surrounding myself with the culture. So many hosts have opened their homes and hearts to me during my years of research. I find that staying with locals is the best way to embrace the heart of a setting. There is so much to learn sitting on a patio drinking what they drink and eating what they eat.

Finding ‘Me’ Time

As much as I enjoy spending time with the locals, I must also seek out my own quiet, reflection time. Some of my favorite “me time” experiences have been early in the morning, when the world is quiet. There is something special about a sunrise at Sunrise Beach and watching the surfers surf the morning glass. A sense of calm so deep, you almost feel as if you are a part of the ocean. These are the moments I draw from when sitting in front of a computer, reaching deep into the mind and feelings of a character … a character who’s entire inner passion thrives on Mother Ocean’s mood. I’ve gotten to see the surf in some of the most well renowned beach communities on the Gold Coast: From the high-rise strip of Surfer’s Paradise, to the hippie town of Byron Bay and home to the Quick Silver Pro surf competition at Snapper’s Rock in Coolangatta. However, it’s not until I reached Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach that I started to feel the surf spirit explode. And it’s no wonder … Bondi Beach is where the heart of surfing started for Australia. In 1915, the great Duke of Hawaii came over and locals begged him to show them the sport of surfing. Not having a board with him, he carved and shaped one up and hit the swells. Since then, surfing has become legendary at Bondi, and on most days you’ll see patches of surfies sitting on their boards in the ocean waiting on the perfect wave.

Famous Bondi Beach, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

As my days of research came to an end, I saved the best for last … a trip out to the Great Barrier Reef. Upon a liveaboard boat, I embarked on yet another adventure from a different point in the Pacific with a delightful group of people from all over the world.

That night under a clear black sky of glowing stars, I looked up at the Southern Cross constellation and reflected that we all might share the same sky, but our travels will always provide a different view of perception.

All photos courtesy Melissa Williams

About the Author

Melissa Williams is the author of the Iggy the Iguana chapter book series, the Turtle Town chapter book series and the Little Miss Molly picture book for kids, the owner of LongTale Publishing and founder of the Literacy Non-Profit Foundation–READ3Zero.

By Anna Beech

You’re exhausted, you’ve been standing up for days, crushed into a tiny space, disoriented, hit repeatedly, stabbed in your side, ears and legs with a nail spike, sleep-deprived, with no water or food to nourish your pained and exhausted body… Hell? No. This is called “crushing“. This happens to elephants you see carrying tourists, appearing in live circus acts, pulling logs up impossibly steep hills or begging on the streets of pulsating, polluted cities.

This, unfortunately, is the reality for too many elephants in Thailand, Burma and Cambodia.

The Elephant Nature Park

However, there is a small sanctuary for such creatures to escape to,
as long as they’re lucky enough to be found and the money is available to buy them from their owners. An amazing woman called Lek
established the Elephant Nature Park (ENP) over 10 years ago with Adam Flinn. Despite extreme financial difficulties, she succeeded in founding ENP which rescues abused elephants and rehabilitates
them on its 50-hectare plot in Northern Thailand, near the city of
Chiang Mai.

Sangduen Chailert (Lek) was born into a remote mountain community in Northern Thailand in the 1960′s. Her maternal grandfather was a tribal man of the forest and Lek’s jungle forays with him led to an early and organic understanding of the wonders of nature. Against the backdrop of poverty she obtained a university education – a commendable accomplishment for anyone, but particularly notable considering her circumstances.

Lek gives her elephants a life – a peaceful end to a tortuous existence. Amazingly, many of the elephants are willing to be touched by visitors to the Sanctuary, who are welcomed every day to learn more about the residents. A weekly group of volunteers come to the Sanctuary to help feed, clean and wash the elephants. Staying for seven days, the volunteers get to see exactly what goes into running a Sanctuary for 37 elephants, ranging from 1-80 years old.

How You Can Help

Crushing is an unnecessary practice. Lek has shown, with young elephants she’s raised herself at the Sanctuary, who had been rescued after their mothers died, that crushing is not necessary in order to ride an elephant, a hook is not needed when controlling an elephant, and to crush an elephant for 4-5 days at a time to break its spirit is just torture, not a requirement in order to train them. Like with horses, we are not arguing that elephants should not be used for domestic service. What we are asking, at the very least, is for elephants to be respected. Stabbing, beating, starving and crushing is not respect. It is torture, and it must stop.

Not only that, in order to put an end to elephant abuse, everyone who reads this article can do at least three things:

1. Sign ENP’s petition to put an end to crushing in Thailand

2. Like ENP on Facebook, and learn about the opportunities to volunteer at ENP, or go and visit the Sanctuary for a day, it’s a tranquil and peaceful place.

3. Donate to ENP – Every little bit helps!

4. Write directly to the Thai Government to ask them to develop policy which will STOP crushing once and for all. Only a change of policy will achieve this.

The incredible biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands is a draw for nature enthusiasts of all ages. If you are looking for a family-friendly vacation to the Galapagos that adheres to your green ideals, check out Ecoventura, a cruise company that operates out of Ecuador and who offers itineraries, in a child-friendly environment, that will appeal to the child in all of us.

Throughout the year Ecoventura sprinkles departures exclusively for families into its schedule. This means that ages 7 to 17 and also college age 18-21 traveling with their parents and siblings can enjoy being with their peers on the cruise.

“Our family departures are exclusively for families, the majority traveling with children age 12-21. This means that adult passengers sans children will never be assigned to a family departure cruise, thus precluding the often incompatible mix of families and adult couples often found on larger vessels or with companies that operate just one ship,” explained Doris Welsh, spokesperson.

Family trips are faster paced with snorkeling, kayaking and evening activities. A 2013 activity enhancement includes an al fresco lunch while anchored in a calm bay so that guests can remain in their bathing suits and snorkel or kayak from the yacht after lunch. One evening includes Zodiac transportation for passengers who would like to visit the island town of Puerto Ayora to stroll around town at leisure, shop and absorb local culture.

“We assign guides best suited and popular with teens and their families to our family-designated trips,” she added, noting that the growing demand for family-only departures accounts for one-third of the company’s overall business. On school holidays, at least one yacht (and most often two) is designated for families. Her team looks at the break-down of ages and assigns the identical 20-passenger yachts accordingly. Each yacht has 10 twin or double cabins, of which two have an extra upper berth accommodating triples. These sell out first on family departures.

Ecoventura is also about responsible tourism, protecting the natural environment while also giving back to the local community. Recent company projects have focused on providing scholarships and career development for local high school students though the non-profit Ecology Project International (EPI).

Ecoventura believes that education of local teenagers is the key to preserving the Galapagos for future generations. Working through EPI, Ecoventura helps sponsor the cost of 12 scholarships for one course/module for local students age 16-17 from the islands of Isabela, San Cristobal and Santa Cruz to study conservation and ecology-related issues. Students spend 50 hours in the field directly involved in conservation actions concerning invasive species and the health and release of turtles into the wild. Guests are encouraged to contribute. A $400 donation makes the course possible for one student.

About Ecoventura

Ecoventura is a family-owned company based in Guayaquil, Ecuador, with sales offices in Quito and Miami. In operation since 1990, the cruise company transports 4,000+ passengers annually aboard its fleet of three identical, 20-passenger first-class motor yachts, Eric, Flamingo and Letty, and the 16-passenger luxury dive live-aboard the MV Galapagos Sky.

By Ronit Epstein

The sprawling Amazon rainforest is alive with sights, sounds and movement that cannot be seen anywhere else on our beautiful planet. Bolivian Amazon covers 59.6 million hectares, and more than 11 percent of Bolivia is officially protected. Anyone visiting this beautiful region will experience some of the world’s most stunning, strange and wonderful wildlife, leaving memories that are difficult to beat. It is precisely this reason, that Bolivia has become a leading ecotourism destination, offering many great accommodation packages and guided tours that provide travelers with luxury, without destroying the environment.

Indigenous Communities Protect Bolivia’s Natural Landscapes

One of the most popular parks Bolivia has to offer is the Madidi National park and Natural Integrated Management Area – with some of the most beautiful mountains and all the splendour that the Amazon basin has to offer. It wasn’t so long ago that this amazing beauty was threatened by illegal logging and plans for a hydraulic dam and other intrusions into the area. The plans have changed thank to the foresight by the government and indigenous people of the area. The future now looks set to be in environmentally conscious tourism.

One of the most fruitful ventures created to protect this landscape has been the Majapo Indigenous Community Ecotourism Company, who have all the tools to protect the landscape and show the world that tourism doesn’t have to be damaging to the local environment. The main founding for this company, was a community voice that wanted to create jobs and have a way of providing for their children’s future. The community got together, taking it in turns to cook, drive, sew and build luxurious lodges on their land where tourists can stay and spend a holiday within the community. You will find the lodges to be as comfortable as any other form of accommodation, but you cannot beat the hospitality of the Tsimane Mosetene people, they will provide you with food they grow in the gardens, amazing stories about the local fauna and flora and above all else, they will show you why their land is so special.

Nature, Ecotourism and Luxury in the Rainforest

There is so much that the rainforest offers to its guests that it is easy to understand why it is being protected so well by the people that live here. Many of the locals are trained guides and will take you through the jungles, to experience some of the wonders with your own eyes; drinking water from the trees, swinging on some of the biggest vines you will see and even getting up close to a tarantula or two – the possibilities are seemingly endless. This can all be enjoyed all the while staying in lodges with comfortable rooms, and all the services you needto make your stay enjoyable and comfortable. It’s a unique combination of ecotourism and natural luxury that is bringing a wide variety of eco-friendly tourism to the region.

There are also many tour companies vying for people to guide through the landscape, many that are highlighted for their backing for the protection of the environment, there are many itineraries for week long jungle hikes that can be found on the Madidi website.

All photos courtesy of Ronit Epstein

By Rahul Sharma

The northern part of India is blessed with the beautiful ranges of the mighty Himalayas. Crowned with snow-dressed mountains, sheer valleys and mesmerizing green meadows, the Indian Himalayas preserve a plethora of natural beauty. Along with picture perfect sights, Himalayan ranges offer one of the finest treks for adventure tours. Read on to learn more about the thrills wrapped in the arms of these grand mountains.

Trekking in Garhwal

Located at Uttarakhand, Garhwal Himalaya ranges let you wander amidst the most splendid view of nature. The following are the must-visit treks of Garhwal:

Nanda Devi Trek: This 11-day trekking tour will lead you through various majestic mountain ranges in the Nanda Devi (a top tourist destination): Kamet, Kauri Pass, Changabang and Dunagiri. If you love wildlife, you can’t miss the chance to visit the well-maintained wildlife sanctuary in Nanda Devi. In addition, the trek takes you through different villages, offering tourists a chance to see the colorful culture that exists here. The best time for visiting the Nanda Devi trek is from May to mid October.

Valley of Flowers: Trekking to the valley of flowers takes nine days. As the name infers, this tour will treat your eyes to the most exotic blossoms of Himalayas: orchids, daisies, poppies and various other sweet floral species bud in the valley. You may also witness some rare fauna, as the brown bear, musk deer and Bharal also make this valley their home. The ideal season for exploring the valley of flowers is from July to September.

Trekking in Sikkim

The most impressive secrets of the Himalayas are unleashed in Sikkim. Trekking at Sikkim is nothing less than a visit to paradise.

Photo credit: Marcus Jones

Singalila Trek: The ten-day trek to Singalila revolves around the famous five summits and majestic monasteries. You will also enjoy the soothing sight of green woods and dazzling rivers as the Singalila trek is meant to showcase the exquisiteness of nature. There are two seasons for Singalila trekking, from March to May and October to November.

Kanchenjunga Base Camp: This 11-day trekking tour will have you walking on the Kanchenjunga range, the world’s third highest mountain at 8,586 meters. The trek is also surrounded by the beauty of four subsidiary mountains. Be aware though that the Kanchenjunga trek of Sikkim is known for its difficulty so make sure to get expert assistance for this expedition. The best time to visit Kanchenjunga Base Camp is October to March.

Trekking in Ladakh

Ladakh is known as the land of high passes. With a unique landscape, challenging rivers, and vivid culture, the Ladakh adventure tours are a must for every adventurist and are one of the most adored trekking destinations around the world.

Markha Valley Trek: The serene journey to the Markha Valley Trek will take around 11 days. This trek will take you through the famous monasteries, including the Hemis Monastery. On this circuit you will be covering two passes, the beautiful town of Leh, the dazzling Indus River and some fascinating wildlife. The best time to explore the vividness of Markha Valley is from June to October.

Trans Zanskar Trek: This 18-day trekking expedition is one of the famous Ladakh adventure tour activities. If you want to experience local culture, various villages located at the cliff are the perfect place to explore the traditional background of Ladakh. The greenery of the place and old, majestic monasteries stand as major tourist attractions. The best season for this trek is from July to October.

Photo credit: sibbim

Trekking in Himachal

With snow-capped mountains and stunning valleys, Himachal is known for its breathtaking beauty. A trekking expedition to Himachal simply means getting closer to the splendid aspects of Mother Nature.

Trekking in Jammu & Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir are regarded as the heaven on earth. The picturesque splendor of the peaks and valleys of this place will leave you mesmerized. There are various treks in Jammu and Kashmir that will make your expedition memorable.

Photo credit: maggy and will

Gulmarg Trek
This is an eight-day trekking expedition amidst the exciting beauty of Gulmarg, which basically means ‘meadow of flowers’. It serves as an ideal base for various short treks. The main attractions here are the valley of Khilanmarg, Alpather Lake, and a Muslim tomb- shrine. April to June and September to October are regarded as the ideal time for trekking in Gulmarg.

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek: The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is a moderate trekking expedition of seven days. This trek will take you through various mountains, dazzling lakes and flowery meadows. Within a week you will be capturing paramount scenic beauty in your eyes and heart. The ideal season for trekking is from July to September.

About Rahul Sharma

Rahul Sharma is a popular blogger and professional writer. Passionate for tourism, he has traveled and explored all of India and written many informative blog posts about adventure trekking there.

Have you ever asked yourself how you can use travel to “pay it forward”? As a responsible traveler, you’ve probably thought about how you can make a difference for the beautiful natural places you visit, and for the people who live in these destinations. Luckily, there are organizations out there that specialize in making sure our trips, the money or supplies we donate, are practical and meaningful to the people we intend them for.

Diane Valenti, owner and founder of Llama Expeditions, says their trips “are a chance for culturally curious travelers to make a meaningful connection with the people and the land of Peru”. Llama Expeditions tours offer full cultural immersion giving guests the opportunity to see how Peruvians live – to talk with them about their dreams and accomplishments, and to learn about the challenges they face. Interactions with nonprofit and grassroots organizations are also woven into the itinerary when possible, giving participants the chance to experience the difference gifts of healthy food, school supplies, clothing, or sunglasses can make in the lives of some of the world’s poorest people.

So next time you are traveling, remember these tips from Diane Valenti to ensure your trip is meaningful:

1) Ask. Don’t assume that you know what people need or want. I heard a story when I was hiking with llamas in the Lares Valley. About a month before, a trekker had given his fleece jacket to one of the local kids. He thought the kid, dressed in his traditional clothing, looked cold. The community was offended and incensed. They saw the gift as a slight, as if the trekker was implying that their traditional clothing wasn’t good enough.

2) Patronize businesses that help. For example, we make it a habit to patronize Heart’s Cafe in Ollantaytambo. Living Heart is a non-profit organization that provides services to impoverished people living in the Andes. They have projects focused on helping with nutrition, education, health and sustainable agriculture. The profits from the Cafe go to helping fund the projects.

3) Support local businesses. This could mean choosing locally owned hotels over international chains and eating in locally owned restaurants. This helps improve the standard of living for the local people as your money stays within the community, doing good for the community. Even better, participate in community tourism by doing a home stay. This benefits local communities directly and it makes for an unforgettable vacation experience as you fully immerse yourself in a different culture.

4) Buy handicrafts instead of handing out money. This cultivates a culture of entrepreneurship instead of a culture of begging. Sometimes buying handicrafts from children can be touchy. In some countries, if you buy handicrafts from children, you are encouraging their parents to keep them out of school. In other countries, school is not an option. So, buying handicrafts from children can help put food on the family table. If you are not sure, ask a local.

5) Do your research. Make sure that the non-profit you want to support is in the business of empowering the communities with which they work instead of doing it for them. We work with the Center of Traditional Textiles of Cusco. They help communities in the Andes maintain and pass on their weaving traditions. The Center helps these communities to form cooperatives. They teach them about marketing and finance so in the end the community has a viable weaving business.

>> Read more on Diane’s tips on Llama Expeditions blog “10 Tips for Philanthropic Giving During Your Peru Vacation”

About Diane Valenti and Llama Expeditions

Entrepreneur and outdoorswoman, Diane Valenti hatched the idea for her company, Llama Expeditions, in 2008 over a home-cooked chicken dinner at close to 14,000 feet in the Peruvian Andes. She has been able to apply her over 20 years of experience as a business consultant to her enterprise that goes beyond just ordinary tourism

By Phyllis Kaplan

Laos was once called the “the land of a million elephants,” currently there are less than 900 alive: 450 domestic and 400 wild. There are 2 births for every 10 deaths. Crunch the numbers. If this is not addressed, Laotian Asian elephants will be eradicated very soon.

Elephants have historically been used as “work animals” particularly in Asia’s logging industry, worked to death hoisting logs. In this industry, one elephant’s work can feed many families. In fact, they are worked so hard they do not have the energy to mate, nor does the mahout want the females pregnant, as this disallows the elephant to work. It can also cost the mahout a $500 fee for the male to impregnate her, too costly in a place where the average yearly salary is $1200. With a 23 month gestation period and then an additional 2 years to wean her calf, it is also too time-consuming for mahouts and their families. A calf is born without an immune system therefore the need for colostrum is imperative. There is also the unlawful practice of poaching the wild animals for their tusks as well as kidnapping for international zoos.

The Elephant Conservation Center

ElefantAsia has partnered with Elephant Conservation Center in Sayaboury, Laos to address this sad issue. However, going to the ECC is anything but sad. For me it was transformative to be with these animals. Their personalities, intelligence, playfulness and extreme gentleness was always apparent. These elephants are treated well. I was elated to be in their presence as well as in the secluded beauty of the ECC in Sayboury.

The two young girls, Mae Boun Nam and Mae Kham Ohn, are in love with one another! They cavort endlessly and refuse to come out of the water

The Elephant Conservation Center (ECC) is a French NGO, where as a tourist you have several options to visit, learn and volunteer. The learning part is essential. The center has been for open just 2 years and houses a hospital with a veterinarian, nursery and hundreds of acres of jungle (an elephant eats 80% of the time therefore foraging in the jungle is what they require for sustenance). All medical care for all elephants is free, but the vets must often travel far to examine, diagnose and treat; requiring special permission from the government. The Center is also attempting to build an operating room, but the cost is nearly US$30,000.

There are 4 domesticated elephants that live at the ECC permanently, retired from the exploitative logging industry. The additional 4 elephants are two sets of mothers and their calves. The retirees are owned by the center, the mothers and calves are owned by their mahouts and will probably return to logging after the nursing period.

They love to bathe, this is the male Phu Thongkoon

Tourism, Another Option for Mahouts and their Elephants

The majesty of riding an elephant, feeling their gait, their slow and evenness, truly is a wonderful experience. The way in which they kneel to allow you to climb on them was something to behold. Precise and deliberate, they gently get their girth down and then up with so much grace.

But, even without riding them, just being near them is an amazing experience. Feeding them, walking with them in the forest, touching them, observing them, getting to know their individual personalities and intelligence and of course Listening to the panoply of extraordinary sounds. Elephant language is loud, fascinating and diverse. For me it felt very natural to be among them, observing their behavior. And they love the water. Their antics during their twice daily bathing ritual was filled with play and amusement.

The Center hopes that the male Phu Thongkoon will impregnate one of the younger two females; but he has not been interested. The other elephant is 60 year old Grandmere, Mae Dock, who at this point is too old to procreate. She was used in the logging industry and now is enjoying her retirement at the ECC. Mae Dok is a very tall, gentle giant who never gave birth.

This work is so important. During our stay (3 days, 2 nights – the center was completely reserved therefore we could not do the 6 days we originally had hoped for), we learned about the rhythm of their days, how to command them (in Lao) and most of all how to appreciate them. One may also sign on as a volunteer in any capacity you may be able to share; including office work. There is a weekly fee to volunteer but this includes your accommodations and meals. Long term volunteer opportunities are available as well. At present there are 25 full time staff, most of them Laotian. Please peruse the ECC’s website for details about the important work volunteers can do and more details about the organization and what you can do to help Laotian elephants.

All Photos Courtesy of Phyllis Kaplan

About the Author

Phyllis Kaplan writes a blog, TravelinWoman, having rebirthed her life as her daughter went off to college: traveling and volunteering around the world. Ubud, Bali is now her second home along with Sandgate, Vermont. She would also like to return next year to Sayaboury and commit to helping create organic gardens to feed the staff and volunteers. She thinks she can create a great compost pile from the abundance of seaweed/leaves, grasses, food scraps and elephant poop which she will use to build up the dusty dry soil.