Sustainability + Responsible Travel
A selection of Sunny’s articles on sustainability and responsible travel. Published in National Geographic, BBC Travel, CNN Travel, The Washington Post, Lonely Planet, and elsewhere.
To view articles and essays on other topics, click desired topic below
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.
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.
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.
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
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 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.
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.
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, Minn., hotel and a growing number of properties around the globe.
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
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.
HOW TO BE A RESPONSIBLE TRAVELER IN HAWAII
Travel + Leisure
Hawaii's tourist numbers are soaring — here are expert tips on how to be a responsible traveler if you're planning a visit.
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 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.
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.
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.
IS THERE HOPE FOR TRAVEL’S FUTURE? HERE’S WHAT RESIDENTS OF OVER-TOURISTED DESTINATIONS HAVE TO SAY
Sierra Magazine
With travel on hold during the pandemic, we have an opportunity to reroute on a more sustainable path—if we listen to the people who know our favorite places best: the locals.
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 important Red Sea reefs.
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.
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?
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.
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.)
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.