Air travel, which was rapidly on the rise prior to the pandemic, is notorious for its high carbon dioxide emissions. As a former airline pilot, I know it is not unusual to use up 200-400 kg of fuel in the few minutes that we taxi from the gate to the runway. How, then, can we believe that green airplanes will cease to be mere science fiction? Can...
It’s hard to believe that just a few short months ago, most of our conversations were about overtourism. Disgustingly crowded beaches. Depleting resources. Litter scattered everywhere. Exasperated locals. Today, those very beaches are empty and pristine and the air is definitely clearer. As people stay home, Mother Earth is repairing herself. At this point, it’s more...
Did you know that ordinary sunscreen, the kind we liberally apply without a second thought, is actually an enemy of the beautiful oceans we claim to love? I’m not exaggerating, hear me out! So here’s the issue: if you apply sunscreen (or a suntan lotion) that isn’t reef-safe and immediately jump into the water, certain chemicals are released that sink to...
In many ways, we remain herd animals to this day, especially when it comes to travel. We often journey to the same places. Take the same photos. Do the same activities. And then leave quickly. Why, though? With this kind of attitude, it’s pertinent to wonder about the repercussions of mass tourism — is it bound to make the world unlivable? This is a question...
Think about it. Did you eat in a McDonalds during your last trip? Or maybe had a coffee at a Starbucks? Well, I’m currently at a Starbucks in Sofia as I type this, but hear me out. Just to be clear, this is not a hate campaign against Starbucks or McDonalds specifically. In fact, you can substitute the brand name of any chain you want in their place. What this...
The question I get most frequently is: “How can you travel sustainably if you take the plane?” It’s a fair question but, like all things in life, the answer isn’t that straight-forward. You see, I believe that sustainable travel encompasses much more than just ecologically gentle travel. You can travel sustainably in all sorts of ways. Hopefully, this blog will shed...
We’ve all discovered lots of supposedly ‘secret’ places that we fell in love with because someone wrote about them on social media. I, for one, love to get off the beaten path and find relatively unknown spots far from the maddening crowds. Of course, it is tempting to share these spots so that others can enjoy them, too – but what if that means they are not secret...
Backpackers will advise that you avoid Bangkok like the plague. They will tell you that it stinks, that it’s too hot and that there are too many people. And while this is of course all true, it’s part of Bangkok’s unique charm and there is honestly so much that this city has to offer. Also, let me tell you that two nights down Khao San Road isn’t going to...
Travel Rebel’s practical tips on how to explore the world in a more mindful manner When it comes to sustainable tourism, most of us think we know the drill. We turn off the lights when we leave the room (at least I hope you do!), we try not to keep the tap leaking all night, and we don’t throw away our trash anywhere in plain sight. Well, I have some news: this is...