The Sustainable Traveller Magazine, December 2019

Issue 3 | December 2019 | the hub for sustainable travel, news and experiences

sustainable traveller

USD $5.50 50c donated to WIRES to help their efforts in supporting displaced and injured wildlife affected by the NSW fires

I N D R MADAGASCAR I W A A AUSTRALIA N D A ECUADOR

P N H A O C NSERVATION T U O R W G E EXPLORATION R L A K LOCAL P I IFE WILDL H N Y G SMALL GROUPS

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OUR PLEDGE. TO ALWAYS PROVIDE YOU, THE TRAVELLER, WITH THE MOST SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL OPTION HUMANELY POSSIBLE. TO ENSURE WE DO NOT 'GREENWASH' TRAVEL TOURS, HOTELS OR SUPPLIERS AND THAT DETAILS SHARED ARE AS TRANSPARENT AND FAIR AS POSSIBLE. LET'S STRIVE TO USE THE POWER OF TRAVEL FOR GOOD.

Dayana Brooke Founder of The Sustainable Travellerâ„¢

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T H E H U B F O R S U S T A I N A B L E T R A V E L N E W S A N D E X P E R I E N C E S

www.thesustainabletraveller.com

PHOTO BY RAQUEL GARCĂ?A ON UNSPLASH

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welcome It's almost the end of 2019 and a new decade is just around the corner. So first, let's rejoice in gratitude for our beautiful planet we call home.

2020 will bring space travel, more cruise liners on our waters, new hotels, new technology and also increasing global issues and instability, further climate crisis and a glaring spotlight on travel and its environmental impact degrading our planet.

So what do we do?

We start by collectively making a new decade resolution and a conscious effort to ensure our travels are a positive impact and less of the negative.

2020 will prove to be instrumental to the changing narrative of travel that is seeing a rise of conscious travelling, a want for sustainability, inclusivity and transparency.

So reading this magazine is a great step (better yet grab an annual subscription so you never miss an issue) and be sure to check out page 3 for tips to get you started on sustainable travel, learn more about one of our preferred eco partners featured on our brand profile page every month and also ideas on what to pack for your next trip away.

Delve into Part 1 of our destinations and experiences for 2020, where travel will empower you and create a ripple of kindness on humanity and support much needed conservation efforts.

Enjoy and share with us and others on social @thesustainabletraveller

Issue 03

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December 2019

contents 05. EDITOR'S LETTER How do we balance and intrusion on nature?

07. TIP FOR SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL Why you should never ride an elephant.

09. THE GREAT PAPER TRAIL! 5 ways to go paperless for your next trip and save the trees.

13. ECO HOTEL REVIEWS Bawah Reserve, Indonesia Bardessono Hotel & Spa, Napa Valley US Nanuku Auberge Resorts, Fiji

15. ECO TRAVEL OFFERS Explora Lodges, Chile Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, Thailand Six Senses Resort, Fiji

17. TAKE THE PLEDGE Make 2020 the year you make a travel pledge

19-27. DESTINATIONS AND EXPERIENCES FOR 2020 Australia Madagascar Rwanda Ecuador India

SUBSCRIBE Receive your monthly edition of The Sustainable Traveller direct to your inbox to be viewed on any mobile device. You will also receive exclusive offers just for our readers.

Each copy is $5.50 per month with 50c from each issue donated towards a charity or conservation linked to the Feature Story. Go to www.thesustainabletraveller.com Cover image by Paula May of Roy’s Peak New Zealand on Unsplash Follow www.paulamayphotography.com Copyright The Sustainable Traveller™ Eco Travel Company, 2019. All rights reserved. All content and images have been supplied and referenced to the company or photographer to the best of our ability. Our content can be shared but must be referenced back to The Sustainable Traveller™ or #thesustainabletraveller. All efforts have been made to ensure content is accurate, The Sustainable Traveller shall not have any liability for errors or omissions. Prices accurate at time of publishing. This is a monthly magazine and produced as a digital copy only to save on paper, trees, ink, distribution, logistics and minimise our impact on the environment. Mother Nature Thanks You.

Where in the world?

Answer on the last page

Photo by Gerson Repreza on Unsplash

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editor's letter

How do we balance our need and want to travel, with the impact it has on nature, animals, people, planet and resources?

I believe this will become the most debated question of our new decade and the biggest conundrum of our time.

Because to understand why some of us travel and others don't, will question our human behaviour, social hierarchy, civilisation, politics, corporations and globalisation.

Where you can ensure your trip will genuinely support local economic development, wildlife conservation, challenge your mindset and status quo and encourage you to see the world in a different light to ultimately tread lightly on our fragile planet.

These destinations are relatively close for many of you, but also places that encourage travellers With traveller numbers expected to rise from 1.3 to and nature to immerse.

1.8 billon by 2030 contributing up to 10% of global greenhouse gases and trillions of dollars to our It's up to each of us who travels to start making global economy, now more than ever we need to small changes now. address our travel patterns and environmental footprint to make it sustainable.

This is our opportunity to change the narrative of travel to sustainability. More positive impact on Which is why I believe 2020 and the new decade the planet and less negative. will prove to be instrumental to the changing narrative of travel, to one that is more sustainable, Mother Nature Thanks You localised and conscious.

And I hope you will find this issue helpful for some destinations and sustainable travel experiences to consider for 2020 - Part 1

Dayana Brooke EDITOR AND CREATOR OF SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL EXPERIENCES

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Get started on your sustainable travel journey Here's why you should never ride or be entertained by a tamed elephant Wildlife interactions and experiences are high on the list for many travelers, who wish to get as close to them as possible. But wildlife generally do not interact with humans unless they have been trained and tamed of their natural instincts. Often with very inhumane, abusive and barbaric practices.

For years, elephants in Asia have been exploited by the tourism industry to offer what seemed to be fun and enjoyable rides, swimming and trekking experiences.

Elephants are sentient beings with strong connections and bonds with their mother and herd.

In order to tame their natural instincts and 'break their spirit', baby elephants are taken from their mother and endure weeks of cruel and inhumane torture with ropes, chains and bull hooks.

Share this story on facebook to raise awarness of saying no to elephant rides

The process is called crushing and is the only method in which elephants eventually succumb to the demands of their mahout. After which they are never able to return to the wild.

Ethical tour operators have long removed elephants rides, trekking and swimming from their excursions.

However it still exists in parts of India, Asia and some circus venues around the world.

If you wish to support the conservation efforts for rehabilitation of elephants, we suggest a visit to an ethical sanctuary or safari in their natural habit.

WE SUPPORT

P H U K E T

E L E P H A N T

S A N C T U A R Y

This amazing ethical sanctuary is home for rescued elephants where they can now live free from harm, abuse and tourist rides. Located in Phuket, Thailand www.phuketelephantsanctuary.org

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HOW TO GO

PAPERLESS

when travelling.

• USE YOUR SMARTPHONE

We all one in our pockets when we travel, and these handy devices can store all your travel documents, apps for languages and city guides and camera for taking photos and videos.

To save on phone battery, switch to airplane mode to minimise battery life

• TAKE A PICTURE

Photograph or screenshot any travel docs and keep them stored on your phone for easy access (without wifi) in a travel folder. Not recommended for credit cards or passports.

• TRAVEL APPS

Use a travel app such as TripIt, TripCase and AXUS to store itinerary details and documents such as E Tickets, confirmations, insurance etc.

Airline apps are great for checkin, seating, schdules etc.

Lounge Buddy is good for accessing airport lounges during long transits and Google Translate is great for foreign languages.

• STORE ON ICLOUD

The iCloud and DropBox are wondrous at storing (and sharing) large documents, images and video content.

Ideal for storing personal details such as passport, cards, contact numbers and any emergeceny contact deatils.

CASHLESS

Gone are the days of travelers cheques and carrying wads of money. A good tip is to carry small notes for tips, taxis etc but try storing cash on good rate cashless card.

TRAVEL FOR THE SOUL

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T H E H U B F O R S U S T A I N A B L E T R A V E L N E W S A N D E X P E R I E N C E S

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The Ultimate List of Eco Hotels from around the world BAWAH RESERVE, INDONESIA Only 3 hours from Singapore, Bawah Reserve is an ideal stopover destination for a truely nature enriched stay for couples, honeymooners, families, groups of friends, adventure and island retreat. The eco design and built villas are a creative balance between environmentally friendly and luxury. The island makes its own compost, filtered water and many vegetables served fresh daily.

Book 5 nights or more with complimentary return transport from Singapore, saving $700 USD per person*

BARDESSONO HOTEL & SPA NAPA VALLEY, UNITED STATES A unique hotel and spa in the Napa County of California, with high environmental standards as LEED Platinum certified, 'green' luxury amenities, dining and hospitality. Complimentary bikes for guests, certified organic faming, culinary garden, personalised spa treatments are just some of the experiences to make your stay memorable.

Rates include complimentary room upgrade on arrival if available, full daily breakfast, USD100 food and drinks credit, wifi and early arrival/late checkout if available

NANUKU AUBERGE RESORT, FIJI Located on the main island and around 3 hours from Nadi (by car, private air available) and close to Pacific Harbour, this sustainably awarded resort is beachfront, boutique and ideal for a private stay. All meals and most excursions included, kids club, nanny service, weekly Fijian dances and Kava ceremony you can be a part of. A wonderful cultural experience for everyone.

Stay pay rates are available with half and full board meal options. *Terms and Conditions You can book these and many other offers with us. Generally not combinable with any other deals or specials and subject to availability. All bookings are subject to a booking fee from $150 per twin share or more for complicated multi country destinations. This covers time spent putting together your personalised unique travel itinerary. CONTACT US hello@thesustainabletraveller.com

f o r e w o p e t c th e n n o c o t l e v a r s t r e h t o h t i w

Photo by Tyler Nix on Unsplash

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three of the best offers for a sustainable trip away Join our facebook page for regular updates @thesustainabletraveller

Sustainable Travel Offers from around the world

EXPLORA LODGES, CHILE Explora lodges are located in remote parts of Chile you will want to explore. Set in areas of ultimate in wilderness and exploration. Located in Patagonia, Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and Atacama, each lodge offers you a quiet stay, tailor made itinerary and experiences in nature which is ideal for exploration. They are also offering a photography led tour of Patagonia and Easter Island for those keen to develop their skills further (Apr 29-May 09 2020).

Get up to 2 free nights when you stay for 5 nights for bookings until March 31, 2020*

ANATARA CHIANG MAI RESORT, THAILAND Retreat to this British colonial inspired Anantara resort, located riverside and within minutes to the vibrant city of Chiang Mai. Rooms are modern in design and features, fine dining served in the 100 year old heritage house and 84 room styles ideal for couples looking for a romantic escape or family seeking adventure and quality time.

Stay 3 to 5 nights and save up to 20% off and includes daily breakfast for two adults, 50 minute massage, complimentary room upgrade, wifi and early checkin/late checkout if available. Valid until 31 Dec 2020*

"Ensure your tourism dollars stays in the local area you are visiting" SIX SENSES RESORT, FIJI The earth friendly Six Senses, newest resort on Malolo island, Fiji. With villas and luxury residences for all travellers from couples, retreats, families and special occasions. Daily activities include spa, yoga, surf academy, kids club, tennis court.

Stay 5 nights and only pay for 4, or Stay 7 and only pay for 5, from January 08 to April 03 2020, includes half board for full paying guests* *Terms and Conditions

You can book these and many other offers with us. Generally not combinable with any other deals or specials and subject to availability. All bookings are subject to a booking fee from $150 per twin share or more for complicated multi country destinations. This covers time spent putting together your personalised unique travel itinerary. CONTACT US hello@thesustainabletraveller.com

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WORDS BY EDITOR, DAYANA BROOKE

TAKE THE PLEDGE

TO BE A BETTER TRAVELLER IN 2020 Let's make this New Year, New Decade, a New Resolution to take the Pledge to be a better, mindful, conscious and sustainable traveler starting in 2020.

The array of travel tours you can take to make that happen, is exciting!

So for 2020 and the years ahead, when you choose where to travel, which tour to book, ensure that each trip away is a chance to make a change, practice new habits you can bring home and use every day.

Just imagine the impact 1.3 billion travellers can create every year which collectively will make a difference.

More tours, hotels, travel operators are actively implementing (or have already) some amazing environmental initiatives from waste management, water filtration systems, removal of single use plastic items, local community support, fair work conditions, home grown veggies, solar panels, Tesla battery cells, wildlife conservation, social enterprises, and so much more!

We've chosen destinations that may be local or close by, where you can travel, be in nature and know your presence will have a positive impact.

And we are kept up to date with the best sustainable travel options in the industry.

The future of sustainable travel lies in creating an equilibrium and respect amongst travellers, industry, locals and nature.

It's time we see the planet as home, rather than simply a place to live.

Are you ready to take a travel pledge for your next trip away?

You can sign up to our monthly newsletter

www.thesustainabletraveller.com/takethetravelpledge for more details.

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I N D R MADAGASCAR I W A AUSTRALIA N D A ECUADOR

Australia is a continent of 34,000 kms of coastline, sandy beaches, surfers paradise, bush tracks and walking, hiking and mountain biking, biking, wineries, cosmopolitan city living, unique and endemic wildlife and inherent Aboriginal culture and traditions.

Anywhere you visit, you are bound to create incredible travel experiences.

For a sustainable travel experience, our pick of unique destinations to explore are the lslands of Australia.

Lord Howe Island Norfolk Island Rottnest Island Lizard Island Kangaroo Island Christmas Island Lady Elliot Island Bedarra Island Fraser Island

As we go to digital print, sadly Australia is experiencing an outbreak of mass fires along the east coast, destroying 200 million hectares of vegetation, homes and countless wildlife killed, injured or displaced.

It is devastation unfolding before our eyes.

We dedicate this issue to WIRES Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service and will donate 50c from each edition purchased to their efforts in supporting displaced and injured wildlife affected by the fires. Our thoughts go out to those affected.

PHOTO BY ENRICO CARCASCI ON UNSPLASH

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I N D R MADAGASCAR I W A A AUSTRALIA N D A ECUADOR

Madagascar is an island off the south east coast of Africa and home to 80% endemic flora and fauna, which has evolved in insolation over millions of years. It an ideal travel experience for photography, nature, wildlife, conservation and small groups exploration.

For a sustainable travel experience, our pick is a responsible small group tour Lemurs & Tribes hosted by Crooked Compass* This 11 day group tour will take you into the heart of the country, with unique cultural festivities such as Famadihana known as 'turning of the bones', Ranomafana National Park home to lemurs, flora and fauna, private conservation reserves and encounter with the Mikea tribe known as 'people of the forest'.

Madagascar is a developing country and some roads and infrastructure are basic with many people living in poverty. To enjoy the best of your experience, it's best suited for well traveled people, with a moderate level of fitness. *6 to 16th of August 2020, 11 Days from AU$9,335 per person twinshare , private departures also available

PHOTO BY ROMAN LASCHOV ON UNSPLASH

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I N D R MADAGASCAR I W A A AUSTRALIA N D A ECUADOR

Rwanda is proving that eco tourism is a powerful tool that can help drive economic growth but also conservation of its national parks and protecting one of the world's most endangered animals, the mountain gorilla.

With tourism numbers climbing to over a million per year, Rwanda successfully charges higher prices as a standard, to limit the number of travellers wanting gorilla trekking permits.

A strategy that has helped tourism increase steadily rather than excessively, and new lodges and resorts being developed in line with the country's conservation efforts.

For a sustainable travel experience, our pick is a tailor made tour with andBeyond* which includes a city tour of Kigali, Gorilla tracking through the rainforests of Volcanoes National Parks and optional stays at Singita Lodges. *5 Days, 4 Nights Gorilla tracking safari in Rwanda from USD$4,588 per person twin share, with private guide, all meals and accommodation (not including Singita) Available as private departures and group travel.

PHOTO BY PORCO ROSSO ON UNSPLASH

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I N D R MADAGASCAR I W A A AUSTRALIA N D A ECUADOR

Ecuador is located on the north west coast of South America, and has one of the world's most incredibly rich biodiversity eco systems in the world, including the relatively untouched eco paradise of the Galapagos Islands.

Tourism numbers, activities and cruises are strictly monitored with tight rules in place to always protect and not disturb the flora and fauna.

A visit to the island shows you just how incredible nature is if left untouched and allowed to coexist with minimal human interference or natural predators.

For a sustainable travel experience, our pick would be a curated experience with stays at Masphi Lodge, a Galapagos expedition and stay at Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel* *We have partnered with Metropolitan Touring, with over 60 years experience, to curate your own unique experience of Ecuador, with all travel 100% carbon neutral.

A 10 day land and sea itinerary is approximately USD$6,277 per person

PHOTO BY SIMON MATZINGER ON UNSPLASH

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I N D R MADAGASCAR I W A A AUSTRALIA N D A ECUADOR

India is the second largest population in the world, one of the oldest civilisation and home to 10% of the world's biodiversity.

Including the bengal tiger, sloth bear, snow leopard, red panda, asiatic lion, over 1300 species of birds and over 25% forested land mass, with 104 National Parks and 50 Tiger Reserves .

Incredibly, India efficiently manages to retain heritage, culture, wildlife and human existence and makes an ideal destination all year round.

For a sustainable travel experience, our pick would be a small group tour with Wildlife Safari Experience*.

Experiences include Home Grown, Tigers and Red Panda, Snow Leopard Expedition or Pandas and Sloth bear. *We have partnered with JungleSutra of Creative Travel, with over 50 years experience and supporting eco tourism and conservation. All travel is curated for singles, couples, families and groups. Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers and photographers

PHOTO BY SAM POWER ON UNSPLASH

TRAVEL MAKES YOU REALISE HOW SMALL YOU ARE IN NATURE BUT HOW BIG YOUR POSITIVE IMAPCT CAN BE.

coming in next month's edition

WELLNESS RETREATS, YOGA, HEALTH AND CRUISES how taking time for you does wonders for your mind, body and soul

DON'T MISS OUT! ORDER YOUR COPY ONLINE TODAY, GO TO

WWW.THESUSTAINABLETRAVELLER.COM Annual subscriptions for 12 editions now available for USD$49.50 Saving $16.50

CONTACT US For Travel : travel@thesustainabletraveller.com General enquiries : hello@thesustainabletraveller.com If you wish to be featured or contribute : dayana@thesustainabletraveller.com

THE SUSTAINABLE TRAVELLER

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Thank You

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We hope you enjoyed our second edition on all things Sustainable Travel and Eco Tourism.

(and share the love with friends)

We welcome your feedback, so please reach out and let us know what you would like to read about.

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The Sustainable Traveller™ Eco Travel Company, magazine and licensed agency (independant affiliate of Savenio, member of Virtuoso). We are dedicated to 100% sustainable travel and eco tourism experiences. We are members of 1% For The Planet and plant a tree with every made with GreenFleet Australia. We stand for the planet, people, nature and animals.