I like making new traditions so when I first started travelling I came up with three things I always do to remember the places I've visited.
1) Save a Bill I always keep the lowest denomination paper currency. several years later I found a clear frame on both sides. I placed all the bills I had collected and hung it on my wall. If you visit my home you can take it off the wall and check out the backside of the bills too. 2) Discover New Music I love local music sung in the native tongue so when I hear a song I like, I ask someone nearby who's singing and purchase one of the muscians albums. I try to find contemporary music, classic, and traditional folk. When friends visit me, we'll talk about my travels, eat some traditional foods, and play some native music to set the mood. 3) Buy Art I'm not looking for anything fancy. In fact I typically prefer something you can find from local street artists. I've purchased small sculpures, ceramics, freshly created paintings, and even some wooden carvings. Whenever I look at a piece of art I've brought back home, it reminds me of where I was, the person who created it, and how I felt at the time. Consider adopting these three travel traditions or starting your own the next time you travel. It helps cement the experience within your memory and share it with others. ![]() At home, many of us have a routine for reducing our environmental impact; we use energy saving bulbs and water efficient faucets, compost, buy local organic foods and walk or bike instead of driving when we can. But traveling disrupts your routine and it may be difficult to figure out how to reduce your impact. The biggest part of your carbon footprint from traveling is probably your flight. You can offset the flight by purchasing carbon offset with your carrier or ask your travel advisor to direct you to their trusted source. When you are at your destination, consider taking public transportation. Renting a bike or walking is also a great way to enjoy the sites. Many destinations now offer eco-friendly lodging and if you are staying at a luxury hotel, check their corporate social responsibility (CSR) program. Do they minimize their impact on the environment and have a connection with the community they are in? There are many other simple ways to reduce your impact, including: packing light and using baggies that you can reuse again; bring a small water filter that hooks up to the sink in your hotel room instead of buying bottle water; support local organic restaurants and shops. |
AuthorSharing my travel experiences and insights Archives
January 2021
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