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Sunny is a writer and sustainable travel specialist. She contributes to a variety of print and digital publications including National Geographic, The New York Times, BBC, The Washington Post, Glamour, Condé Nast Traveler, Harper’s Bazaar, Lonely Planet, and more. Check out a selection of her articles and essays about travel, culture, adventure, sustainability, spirituality, relationships, and health and wellness here.
To view articles and essays on specific topics, click desired topic below. Or check out Sunny’s book contributions here.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN HAWAII WITH KIDS
Travel + Leisure
The rich history and culture, varied terrain, majestic views, tropical weather, abundant wildlife, and flavorful cuisine make this Hawaii a paradise for all ages. And the myriad ways to entertain and engage keiki (children) means that a stay in Hawaii is heavenly for parents, too.
Here are the best family-friendly activities in Hawaii.
THIS NATIONAL PARK WAS ONCE A QUARANTINE ZONE
National Geographic
In Hawaii, a unique historical site sheds light on a story of prejudice, resilience—and aloha.
IT’S OKAY NOT TO BE PRODUCTIVE IN A PANDEMIC
The Washington Post
We’re being pummeled with productivity messaging in the midst of a pandemic. However you’re coping (aside from breaking laws and endangering people, obviously) is okay. Here’s what the experts have to say.
This story was recognized as one of The Washington Post’s Top 20 Wellness Stories of 2020
6 WAYS PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD SAY HELLO — WITHOUT TOUCHING
National Geographic
To prevent the spread of coronavirus, people around the world are trading their handshakes, hugs, and hongi (a traditional noses-pressed Maori greeting) for lower-risk gestures such as foot bumps and air high-fives. The current COVID-19 crisis is influencing ways people connect, but for some cultures, no-contact greetings already exist and are the result of deeply rooted traditions rather than pandemic protocol.
PANDEMIC HABITS: HOW TO HANG ON TO THE GOOD ONES AND GET RID OF THE BAD
The Washington Post
With the rollout of coronavirus vaccines picking up, there’s a lot of talk about resuming our pre-pandemic lives. But although many of us may welcome such a return, we also may have made changes over the past year — such as prioritizing our health, creating new family traditions and learning new skills — that we’d like to carry forward. Here is some advice from the experts to help you do that.
ICELAND AND OTHER DESTINATIONS ARE OPENING TO AMERICANS, BUT SHOULD YOU GO?
The Washington Post
For travel lovers weary of sheltering in place, the news that popular destinations such as Iceland and Greece and parts of the Caribbean will be reopening to international tourists is encouraging. But before you book any trips, you’ll have to examine the policies of each country carefully and answer some important questions.
THE WORLD’S MOST RESILIENT CORALS
BBC
As seas warm and acidify with climate change, corals worldwide are bleaching – but in the north of the Red Sea there is a ray, or rather reef, of hope.
WORRIED ABOUT VISITING THE MIDDLE EAST? THESE TRAVEL AND SAFETY EXPERTS HAVE TIPS
The Washington Post
The recent escalation in tensions between the United States and Iran has people questioning the wisdom of traveling not only to Iran and Iraq, but also to other countries in the Middle East and North Africa that could potentially be caught up in the unrest. If you’re a traveler wondering whether to cancel or carry on, here is some expert advice from security professionals, tour operators and frequent travelers about how to decide — and to prepare.
AVOID CROWDS AND TRY THESE HIDDEN GEMS
National Geographic
One of the easiest ways to help protect popular sites and alleviate the pressure of overtourism is to abandon the beaten path and opt for alternative destinations.
HOW TO VIEW A WILDFLOWER BLOOM WITHOUT DESTROYING IT
The Washington Post
So, what’s all the fuss about stepping on a few flowers anyway? Here is what the experts have to say.
View the print version HERE
9 UNEXPECTED ADVENTURES IN INDIA
CNN Travel
India is immense; not solely in size and spirit, but also in possibilities. If you're traveling here, a visit to the Taj Mahal is likely on the top of your list. But sometimes the best travel experiences are those that are lesser known and further afield. Here are nine unexpected adventures to take you off the typical tourist trail — after you've had a chance to marvel at the Taj Mahal, of course.
THE WORLD NEEDS TREES MORE THAN EVER. HERE’S HOW TO PLANT SOME ON YOUR TRAVELS
The Washington Post
In addition to offsetting travel emissions, there are some tree-specific ways travelers can help — by participating in or supporting projects that suck carbon from the skies. Consider these options before you plan your next trip.
HOTELS CREATE BUZZ ABOUT AT-RISK POLLINATORS
The Washington Post
If you spot a pair of beekeepers in the elevator of the Radisson Blu Mall of America hotel, don’t be alarmed. There’s no infestation; it’s just business as usual for this Bloomington hotel and a growing number of properties around the globe.
The New York Times
My stepfather’s voice came loud and clear over the whir of the wood splitter he was working 50 feet away.
“What in the hell is all that wailing?”
Only a moment before...
10 COLD WEATHER HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS TO HEAT THINGS UP
Fodor’s Travel
Don’t let your honeymoon be a basic beach; here are some chilly experiences to inspire a hot honeymoon.
JORDAN FOR TWO: ROMANTIC THINGS TO DO WITH THE ONE YOU LOVE
Lonely Planet
Jordan might not immediately strike travellers as a hotspot for a romantic getaway, but it should. The warm hospitality, exquisite sunsets, endless outdoor adventures and otherworldly landscapes create a magical setting for making memories with your other half.
IT TOOK A 400-MILE TREK FOR ME TO STOP RESENTING MY BODY
Glamour
My rare neuro condition and years of criticism convinced me I was weak. Here’s how a hike across Jordan proved me wrong.
6 UNEXPECTED THINGS TO DO IN JORDAN
National Geographic
If you’re planning a trip to Jordan, it’s likely that a visit to the archaeological wonder and UNESCO World Heritage site of Petra is already on your itinerary. After crossing that must-see off your list, check out some of the many lesser known activities worth experiencing in this Middle Eastern country.
10 PLACES WHERE YOU CAN TRY EQUINE THERAPY
Fodor's
What do you get when you cross life-coaching with a large, intuitive animal? Equine therapy—a horse-guided, personal growth experience.
RAINBOW STREET: A STROLL ALONG AMMAN’S FAMOUS ROAD
Lonely Planet
Rainbow Street invites visitors and locals to do something that’s not always easy or possible in Jordan’s crowded capital: walk! As a city built on hills, plagued by traffic and dotted with sporadic sidewalks that are often obstructed by planted trees or parked cars, Amman is not terribly pedestrian-friendly. But Rainbow Street is lined with a huge number of places to dine, drink, shop and people-watch.
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU VISIT JORDAN
Lonely Planet
From afar, Jordan is often unfairly lumped in with regional conflict and, as such, overlooked by timid travellers. But in reality, it’s a welcoming and peaceful destination not to be missed. Don’t hesitate to book your trip, pack your bags and check out these 10 things to know before you journey to Jordan.
10 REASONS TO VISIT SH*THOLE COUNTRIES
Out of Office by Mic
While U.S. senators continue to debate whether President Donald Trump said “sh*thole” or “sh*thouse" when discussing protections for immigrants from Haiti, El Salvador and African countries, we’re busy building our travel bucket list.
LIVE BOLD, LIVE NOW: TRUE GRIT
Health Central
Determination to live a life of adventure proves stronger than migraine
THE 5 BEST WAYS TO GIVE BACK TO A COMMUNITY WHILE TRAVELING
Random Acts of Kindness
Our travel destinations give us many gifts—from the unforgettable memories we make to the lessons we learn, the photos we take and the friendships we form. It’s impossible to fully repay the communities that give us so much. But we can certainly try. Here are five ways to give back to a community while traveling…READ MORE
CAN INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE MOVE THE FASHION INDUSTRY FORWARD?
Harper’s Bazaar
To innovate, we often look ahead. But sometimes, the best way forward is found in traditional knowledge. Here, we ask fashion, textile, and apparel industry professionals around the world how their cultural heritage and Indigenous knowledge shape their work—and how it might help move the fashion industry in a more sustainable direction.
HOW TO SUPPORT SURVIVORS DURING SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH AND BEYOND
The Lily (published by The Washington Post)
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month: an event intended to create space for survivors’ voices, shed light on the insidious nature of sexual violence and amplify calls to action. But this month-long focus on sexual assault can be painful for survivors. Here’s how you can help.
HOW TRAVEL PROS ARE REPURPOSING TRAVEL GEAR DURING PANDEMIC
The Washington Post
Travel gear is useful by design. But many of us have been reaching for something more when we grab our gear. For some, travel is not simply a hobby; it’s a vocation. These pieces of practicality provide a connection to our pre-pandemic lives and identity. Here are a few of the ways travel pros have been using their gear to make lockdown life a little more manageable.
6 WAYS TRAVEL HAS BECOME MORE ACCESSIBLE DURING THE PANDEMIC
Condé Nast Traveler
While there are a number of pandemic protocols, such as face masks, that have created additional obstacles for those with disabilities, there are also a few new habits that, if made permanent, could make for a much more inclusive travel industry.
YOUR GUIDE TO MAKING BIG DECISIONS RIGHT NOW
The Lily (published by The Washington Post)
Advice to help you navigate major choices during on ongoing crisis
I DON’T NEED A SELF-ISOLATION PROJECT. I NEED TIME TO GRIEVE.
Huffington Post
I don’t need a Pinterest project or any other fill-my-time, fix-my-life thing people are peddling.
HOW TO FIND YOUR FLOW WORKING FROM HOME
The Washington Post
For the millions of people expected to work from home at this time, finding flow — the optimal state of consciousness in which we feel and perform our best — can seem impossible. So we asked some specialists for advice.
HOW TO VISIT HAWAII WITHOUT TOTALLY DESTROYING IT
Lonely Planet
The very elements that attract travelers to Hawaii – namely, the natural beauty and the local people and culture – are at risk of suffering under the weight of 10 million visitors. So if you’re headed to Hawaii, here's how to show the islands some aloha.
THE SECRET TO MINDFUL TRAVEL? A WALK IN THE WOODS
National Geographic
Visit these five destinations to practice the Japanese art of forest bathing.
7 STUNNING NATURAL WONDERS IN THE MIDDLE EAST
National Geographic
While this region certainly has incredible sandscapes worth wandering, it’s also home to a hypersaline lake, Technicolor valleys, and geological formations so fantastical you might feel you’ve arrived in a fairy-tale land or left Earth entirely.
TOURISM COULD MAKE OR BREAK THIS BIODIVERSE HAVEN
National Geographic
The Osa Peninsula boasts 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity on just three millionths of the Earth’s surface. Will its beauty be its greatest asset or cause its ultimate demise?
GIFTS FOR THE ECO-MINDED TRAVELER
National Geographic
Discover bags, bottles, and beautiful presents that put the planet first.
A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO VISITING JORDAN DURING RAMADAN
Lonely Planet
Visiting Jordan during the month of Ramadan is an extraordinary opportunity to experience local life and culture, and it’s unlike any other time of the year. The holy month is known as a period of spiritual discipline for Muslims, but it’s also incredibly festive with family gatherings, decorative lights, late-night eats and entertainment. Here’s what travellers can expect to encounter in Jordan during Ramadan.
12 ESSENTIALS TO BRING IN ORDER TO SURVIVE A LONG DISTANCE HIKE
Fodor’s
What do you pack when you’ve got to carry it all on your back?
SUCH GREAT HEIGHTS: WHERE TO FIND THE BEST VIEWS IN AMMAN
Lonely Planet
Amman’s abundance of open-air terraces and rooftop restaurants offer ample opportunities to rise above the rush of the city streets. Here are six of the best spots to kick back and enjoy Amman’s iconic skyline – day or night.
The Telegraph
If you like your beach holiday with a splash of adventure and Middle Eastern culture, head to Aqaba — Jordan’s sunkissed city on the Red Sea with easy access to the lunar-like landscapes of Wadi Rum and the ancient architectural wonders of Petra.
Unity Magazine
Some say Jordan’s ancient city of Petra is a spiritual gateway. Here’s what happened when I unknowingly stumbled into it.
YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE CRAZY RICH TO VISIT THESE SINGAPORE SITES
Huffington Post Canada
You saw the movie, now see the sites.
The Independent
In recent years, Ljubljana has transformed itself from a congested, fume-filled city to a vibrant, cyclist-friendly oasis, teeming with cultural activities, culinary delights, and architectural sights to discover.
WHAT IT'S LIKE TO LIVE AND TRAVEL WITH AN INVISIBLE DISABILITY
Out of Office by Mic
“Are you OK?” Craig asked, taking his eyes off the road just long enough to see me sitting motionless and silent next to him. When I didn’t respond, his smile faded and his forehead crumpled. “Say something.”
Lonely Planet
Discover the world’s most energising, inspiring and relaxing wellbeing retreats. From yoga, t’ai chi and meditation to mindfulness, spa treatments and creative writing, we present our favourite retreats and spas around the world to help replenish the mind, body and soul.
(Sunny is one of the writers for this guidebook. It’s available in print and digital on Kindle.)
5 THINGS I'VE LEARNED FROM LIVING WITH A RARE NEUROLOGICAL CONDITION
Health Central
These are some of the lifestyle changes you need to make when you have sporadic hemiplegic migraines.
Trail Runner Magazine
Karst stones, olive groves and the glittering Adriatic Sea as the backdrop, Croatia makes it easy to find epic and inspiring trails to run. The challenge is choosing one.
TRAVEL GUIDE: KICKING BACK IN THE ADIRONDACKS
Ruby Magazine
As our lives blast by at an ever-increasing clip in this age of “instant,” the Adirondack Mountains in Upstate New York invite us to slow down.
THE INTERNET WANTS TO KEEP YOU ‘DOOM-SCROLLING.’ HERE’S HOW TO BREAK FREE
The Washington Post
It’s not a penchant for pain or a deficit of self-discipline that causes people to repeatedly tumble down the rabbit hole; it’s the tangled relationship of human survival instincts and technological design amplified by the pandemic. And we can get a handle on it if we understand how it works.
Hilton Club Traveler Magazine
Go above and below the water for an immersive — and uniquely Hawaiian — experience.
NOT READY TO BE VEGAN? HERE ARE 5 TWEAKS TO MAKE YOUR DIET MORE EARTH-FRIENDLY
TED Ideas
It’s clear that reducing our meat consumption is good for Earth’s carbon budget and for our health — but choosing planet-friendly meals shouldn’t feel like a punishment. Here are five simple ways to make your diet more climate-friendly.
HOW TO SEE THE ENDANGERED HEART OF BANGKOK
National Geographic
If you want to experience the heart of this city, you’ll need to wander from into the alleyways of historic communities—before it's too late.
NO, YOU SHOULDN’T HIDE GOOD NEWS DURING A PANDEMIC. HERE’S HOW TO SHARE IT GRACEFULLY.
The Washington Post
If you’ve been hesitant to share positive developments over the past year, it’s understandable and compassionate, but experts caution that it’s not healthy to do so long term. Here are their tips on how to express good news gracefully, and what to do if you need to share tough news as well.
OUT HIKING? HERE’S WHY YOU SHOULD LEAVE THOSE STONES UNSTACKED AND THOSE STACKS UNTOUCHED
The Washington Post
Official rock piles, or cairns, on trails are there for a reason; altering them or adding new ones can be harmful in many ways.
BEYOND ANGKOR WAT: 5 WAYS TO ENJOY SIEM REAP
National Geographic
Angkor Wat attracts nearly 2.5 million foreign visitors annually. Yet the province remains one of the poorest in the country. Travelers can do their part to spread the tourism wealth by staying a few extra days to explore beyond Angkor Wat and contribute to the local economy, conservation projects, and social enterprises that are paving the way toward a brighter future for locals and creating meaningful experiences for visitors.
25 PLACES COMMITTED TO ZERO WASTE
National Geographic
We are trashing the planet. According to a 2018 World Bank brief, cities around the globe generated over two billion tons of solid waste in 2016 alone. Rapid population growth will continue to increase this statistic, creating serious environmental and health consequences, unless we take action. Here are 25 communities currently working toward zero-waste.
JORDAN'S ANCIENT TOWN 'WITHOUT A SOUL'
BBC Travel
“Here is my house,” Ahmad Alomari announced. Preoccupied with navigating the rubble underfoot, I almost missed his declaration entirely. I glanced up at the roofless black basalt and white limestone structure in front of us...
6 PLASTIC-FREE WAYS TO TRAVEL WITH SAFE DRINKING WATER
National Geographic
Staying hydrated when you travel can be a challenge, particularly in places where tap water is unsafe or unavailable. Rather than reaching for a single-use plastic bottle and contributing to the world’s plastic problem, learn some new strategies for safe water consumption wherever you roam.
TWO DAYS IN AMMAN: THE BEST OF JORDAN'S CAPITAL IN 48 HOURS
Lonely Planet
Although many travellers to Jordan have their sights set on the architectural marvels of Petra and the magical martian landscapes of Wadi Rum, the capital of Amman is worth at least 48 hours of your time.
CORAL REEFS IN THE RED SEA MAY SAVE REEFS AROUND THE WORLD. HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP
Lonely Planet
Reefs in the Gulf of Aqaba are proving resilient in the face of climate change and may be propagated to save reefs around the world. Here are some tips for protect these Red Sea reefs.
MY BODY EXPERIMENT: EQUINE THERAPY
Furthermore by Equinox
How a travel journalist found natural anxiety relief in the deserts of Jordan.
ROAD TAKEN: FORGET THE RIGHT WAY
Middlebury Magazine
I was an oddity. But odd isn’t against the rules.
TOUR OPERATORS OFFER ALTERNATIVES TO ELIMINATE SINGLE-USE PLASTIC
AdventureTravelNews
Every minute, 1 million plastic bottles are purchased around the world. And less than 10 percent of those are recycled, leaving the majority to litter the earth. Providing guests with drinking water is of paramount importance to ensuring a safe and memorable adventure, but our global dependence on single-use plastic bottles has come at a high cost.. The adventure travel industry is perfectly positioned to lead the way and inspire others to break the plastic bottle habit. Here are some battle-tested tips from fellow adventure companies for eliminating single-use plastic bottles from your tours and business operations.
AN ISRAELI INITIATIVE OFFERING CONCRETE SOLUTIONS TO BATTERED COASTLINES
The Switchers
Nearly two-thirds of the global population lives in coastal zones. The development of these regions is inevitable, and often destructive to the natural ecosystems. But ECOncrete, with a suite of innovative, science-based solutions, is proving that development and sustainability don’t have to be at odds.
NUCLEAR MISSILE TEXT AFTERMATH
Out of Office by Mic
What would you do if you were told a missile was headed for you and you might only have 15 minutes to live? A missile threat text earlier this month may have been a mistake, but for those 38 minutes before it was retracted, the threat was real for many people.
5 REASONS NOT TO TOUGH IT OUT WITH MIGRAINE
Health Central
Why self-care is critical to managing migraine
FORGET THE PINEAPPLE PIZZA; WE'LL HAVE THE PA`I `AI
Cultural Survival Quarterly
Dishes described as “Hawaiian” can be spotted on menus around the world. From Georgia to Japan, restaurants offer “Hawaiian” burgers, barbeque, pizza, and even pasta. Although these dishes may have pineapples aplenty, authenticity is often absent. Contrary to the culturally ignorant trend, putting pineapples on a plate does not magically make it more Hawaiian. Putting pa’i ‘ai on a plate might. But for the past couple of years, serving pa'i 'ai in a restaurant was actually illegal...
HOW AN AGRO-ECOLOGICAL APPROACH IS HELPING TO SAVE A LEBANESE FAMILY FARM
The Switchers
When the war in neighboring Syria caused the closure of Lebanon’s export routes and cut off access to international markets, an apple crisis ensued. Many farms folded, but Marie Nahas and her family refused to give up. While searching for a strategy to save their orchard, they discovered a collaborative, eco-friendly approach that married traditional knowledge with modern research.