News & Dispatches

Greetings from The Philippines

Following the devastating typhoon in the Philippines in November, ET staff member, Gregg Butensky, initiated a fundraising effort to bring assistance to the people of Aklan on the island of Panay. Gregg has strong connections in Aklan having established a public lending library there over 15 years ago. Earlier this month Gregg travelled to the […]

Madiba Effect Draws Travelers to South Africa to Walk in Mandela’s Footsteps

One of the most universally recognizable leaders of our time, former South African President Nelson Mandela has continued to make headlines over a month after his passing. The anti-apartheid activist who became one of the world’s most respected politicians also continues to draw tourists to locations associated with his life. Mourners and political leaders from […]

Planet, People, Peace: International Sustainable Tourism Leaders Gather in Costa Rica

Costa Rica—for many of us, just the name brings forth mental images of green rainforests, cloud-shrouded volcanos and, of course, beaches. Costa Rica has successfully branded itself as a sustainable tourism destination for many years, so its wildlife preserves and other natural resources are top-of-mind for many travelers. This fame makes Costa Rica a good […]

The Plight of the Polar Bear

Two-thirds of the world’s polar bears could be gone by 2050, with the remaining third extinct by the end of the century, if current trends continue. The International Forum of the Conservation of Polar Bears is meeting in Moscow this month to discuss the impact of climate change on polar bear populations and how to […]

Do Backpackers Leave More Than Footprints?

Many backpackers are well intentioned when setting out for beckoning distant lands that perhaps they’ve only read about in guidebooks or heard about from friends who’ve made the journey themselves. As these travelers arrive on foreign soil, they boost the local economy by staying at local hotels, guesthouses or hostels and eating at local establishments. […]

Cry of the Koala: Australia’s Beloved Icon Under Threat

One of Australia’s iconic creatures, the koala is beloved around the world, yet if current trends continue, a day may come when this cuddly marsupial may be no more than a memory. The koala is facing extreme threat from habitat destruction, attacks by domestic and feral dogs, road accidents, climate change, and other factors. According […]

Evaluating Responsible Tour Companies

Editor’s note: This article was originally published by our friends at Sustainable Travel International in the Travel Green section of their Responsible Travel Report. It is reproduced here with permission. A good way to evaluate a tour company’s commitment to sustainable travel is to review its sustainability policy (which includes its social, economic, and environmental […]

History Bulldozed for Progress

Just days after a 1,200 year royal tomb was unearthed in Peru, a nearby pyramid that stood for thousands of years was torn down by property developers. It is one of just many historical monuments that have been irreparably destroyed over the past few months. A Mayan pyramid was flattened in Belize in May for […]