5 Sustainable Travel Trends to Watch for in 2024

 As the world becomes increasingly conscious of environmental and social sustainability, the travel industry is undergoing a transformative shift. In 2024, we are witnessing a remarkable evolution in how individuals and families embark on their adventures. The focus has shifted towards creating experiences that are not only unforgettable but also kind to our planet and its inhabitants. Here are five sustainable travel trends that are setting the pace for a more responsible and enriching journey into the world.

1. Regenerative Travel: Beyond Sustainability

Regenerative travel takes the concept of sustainability a step further by focusing on leaving destinations better than we found them. This holistic approach is not just about reducing harm but actively contributing to the environment, local economies, and cultures. Travelers are seeking experiences that offer them a chance to participate in conservation projects, community-based tourism, and initiatives that restore ecosystems. From replanting native forests to supporting wildlife conservation efforts, the aim is to create a positive impact that endures long after the trip has ended.

2. Slow Travel: Embracing the Journey

Slow travel is gaining momentum as travelers look to form deeper connections with the places they visit. This trend encourages staying longer in one location, exploring it thoroughly, and engaging with local communities. By reducing the need for frequent flights and embracing local transportation methods, slow travel reduces carbon footprints and fosters a more immersive experience. It's about savoring each moment, whether it's a leisurely meal using local ingredients, a long walk through a historic district, or a meaningful conversation with a local artisan.

3. Eco-conscious Accommodations

The demand for eco-conscious accommodations is on the rise, with travelers prioritizing stays that align with their environmental values. Hotels and lodgings are responding by implementing green practices such as renewable energy sources, water conservation measures, and sustainable building materials. Many are also offering programs that allow guests to participate in local conservation efforts, adding an educational and impactful dimension to their stay.

4. Digital Detox and Nature Immersion

In a world where digital connectivity is ubiquitous, the allure of disconnecting and immersing oneself in nature is stronger than ever. Travelers are seeking destinations that offer a reprieve from the digital world, allowing them to reconnect with nature and, more importantly, with each other. This trend is about finding balance and rejuvenation through experiences like forest bathing, wilderness retreats, and off-grid living, all of which emphasize the restorative power of the natural world.

5. Responsible Adventure Tourism

Adventure tourism isn't just about the adrenaline rush anymore; it's evolving to include a sustainability angle. Travelers are looking for adventure operators who prioritize eco-friendly practices, whether it's in wildlife safaris, mountain treks, or underwater expeditions. The focus is on minimizing impact, supporting conservation efforts, and ensuring that local communities benefit from tourism activities.

Incorporating Sustainability into Your Travel Plans

Embracing these sustainable travel trends not only enriches your travel experience but also contributes to the well-being of our planet and its diverse cultures. Here are a few tips to integrate sustainability into your next adventure:

• Choose Eco-conscious Providers: Research and select travel operators, accommodations, and activities that are committed to sustainable practices.
• Travel Light and Thoughtfully: Reduce your carbon footprint by packing light, using eco-friendly products, and avoiding single-use plastics.
• Engage with Local Communities: Support local economies by purchasing local crafts, dining at local eateries, and choosing locally-owned accommodations.
• Embrace the Slow Travel Philosophy: Consider spending more time in fewer places to deepen your understanding and appreciation of the areas you visit.
• Leave No Trace: Be mindful of your impact on natural environments, adhere to conservation guidelines, and participate in local efforts to preserve the beauty and integrity of your destination.

Conclusion: The Path Forward

As we look towards 2024 and beyond, the trajectory of travel is clear: sustainability is no longer a niche preference but a fundamental aspect of how we explore the world. By embracing these trends, we not only ensure that our adventures are memorable and meaningful but also contribute to a legacy of responsible and conscious travel that will benefit generations to come.

Traveling sustainably in 2024 is about making choices that align with our deepest values of connection, family, and stewardship of the earth. It's a journey that invites us to explore, learn, and grow, not just as travelers, but as global citizens committed to making a positive impact.

Ready to book your sustainable travel adventure? Book a free discovery call with me today to share your travel dreams and start down the road to making them travel realities!

Letting Go Gracefully: How to Foster Independence in Your Teenager

Y'all know I think that all of life is an adventure, and some parts are a little more adventurous than others. For this post, let's chat about an adventure many of us are navigating – helping our teens grow into independent adults. It's a mix of pride, anxiety, and maybe a few gray hairs. But fear not! I'm here to share some insights on fostering independence in your teenager, while still keeping that precious connection strong.

Embracing Their Journey - Understanding the Teenage Mindset

First off, understanding our teens is key. Remember your own teenage years? That desire to explore, make mistakes, and find your identity? That's where they are now. It's a time of big changes:

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  Brain Development: Their brains are still developing, especially the part responsible for decision-making and understanding consequences. This means that often they will act impetuously, making decisions that seem to make no sense at all! Drive for Autonomy: More than anything else in the world, our teens want to feel autonomous. This drive is such a powerful force that sometimes it overrides their "good" decisions, making them seem irrational and contrary. Ever ask your teen to do something that you know they don't mind doing, but they suddenly dig in their heels and refuse to do so? That's the drive for autonomy at work. Seeking Identity: Teens are figuring out who they are, and separating from their parents. This might mean leaving behind the hobbies that they once loved, or it might be colorful hair or piercings! Now is their time to explore and learn.

Remembering that often our teens are driven by nature during the stage, and may not even be aware of their actions, helps me stay in a space of empathy. (About 93% of the time.) I remind myself many times a day that the teen brain is a like a butterfly's pupa...full of goo that will one day reform as a beautiful butterfly!

Setting the Stage - Balancing Freedom and Boundaries

Now, how do we strike that perfect balance between giving them freedom and maintaining boundaries? It's like a dance, two steps forward, one step back.

• Open Communication: Keep those lines open. Encourage them to share their thoughts and listen without judgment. Teens do not like to be confronted! Try to side step into issues, or to get them primed with another activity, and work come conversation in. I love to slip in serious chats when my girls and I are doing a craft or playing a game.
• Negotiated Boundaries: Work together to set rules. It gives them a sense of control and responsibility. Allow for some give and take. I did not want my pre-teen to wear crop tops, but if she wears high wasted leggings, I don't mind as much, and that's where we found middle ground.
• Safe Spaces for Failure: Let them make mistakes in a safe environment. It's a powerful learning tool. I am a mistake hound, I sniff them out and point them out, and make lots and lots of suggestions for improvement. Don't be like me! Blame and shame will not help your teen learn a lesson, in fact, it will probably have the opposite effect. When they mess up, and they will, offer a safe space to land with healthy advice for making amends and moving forward.

Practical Steps - Building Independence Day by Day

Here are some practical steps to help them spread their wings:

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  Chores and Responsibilities: Assign tasks that match their age and skills. It's not just about helping out; it's about learning life skills. The greatest gifts that I have given my girls is not doing their laundry and asking them to help me cook. I've also written about how we use a family calendar, and they are responsible for their activities. Our teens need a place to practice skills they will need later. Financial Savvy: Teach them about budgeting, saving, and the value of money. Maybe start with a small allowance or a part-time job. When the girls started hanging out with their friends, we got serious about allowance. We buy the basics, and they buy the extras. Run out of money? Better figure out how to get some more!
• Decision-Making Opportunities: Let them make choices, whether it's about their weekend plans or their school subjects. Sometimes I see middle schoolers wearing clothes that their parents set out for them. Nurturing can go too far if it keeps our kids from learning how to make decisions. Sometimes they will choose wrong. See: "Safe Spaces for Failure."

Letting Go - The Art of Stepping Back

This might be the hardest part. Letting go is an act of trust.

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  Gradual Release: Start by loosening the reins in safe, controlled situations.
• Trust and Respect: Show them that you trust their judgment. It's a powerful motivator. My daughter asked me the other night about something that she needed to decide, but which I have a huge opinion on. I kept that to myself. I think we can sometimes be a little clairvoyant when it comes to our kids, but we can't save them from the future. And if we do keep them from making those mistakes, they will be weaker people for it. I don't want my girls to hurt, but I do want them to know how to face pain and overcome it.
• Your Role as a Guide: Shift from being a manager to a consultant. Be there for advice and support, but let them take the lead. Advice offered when it isn't asked for will backfire moms! Trust me! Wait for them to come to you, and when you build a safe space, they will come.

Celebrating Each Step

Fostering independence in our teenagers is a journey filled with ups and downs. It's about guiding them, supporting them, and then stepping back to watch them soar. Each small step towards independence is a milestone worth celebrating. It won't be easy all of the time, so give yourself grace and lots of love. Remember, you're not raising a teenager; you're raising a future adult. Independence is one of the greatest gifts you can give - to them, and to you also!

All of this parenting has probably got you too busy to plan adventures that appeal to you and your teen! Book a discovery call to find out more about the services I offer. Travel is always a fantastic way to connect, and also to foster independence in novel situations.

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Igniting Wonder with Atlas Obscura

In the realm of travel, there exists a sacred text, not so much a guidebook but a tome of inspiration – Atlas Obscura. This book, a compendium of the world's hidden wonders, serves as a beacon to those yearning for unique and lesser-known experiences. As a travel aficionado and advisor , I dove into this book, not knowing what I was getting into, emerging with a renewed sense of wonder and a deeper connection to the global community of explorers and creators.

The Essence of Atlas Obscura

At its core, Atlas Obscura is an ode to the extraordinary. It's a celebration of the obscure, the unusual, and the downright bizarre. From the mystical tree tunnels of Northern Ireland to the haunting beauty of abandoned Soviet monuments, each entry in this book is a testament to human curiosity and creativity. It's about the eccentricities that make our world beautifully complex.

A Community of Curious Souls

Reading Atlas Obscura is like joining a secret club of curious souls. Each page connects us to someone, somewhere who saw the world differently. They might have built a castle out of coral or dedicated their life to creating a garden of Eden (or a garden of death!) in the most unlikely place. These creators, often driven by a mission incomprehensible to many, have left behind legacies that beckon the like-minded. They remind us that exploring is not just about seeing new places, but about connecting with new perspectives.

The Mission of Discovery

What strikes me most about Atlas Obscura is the sense of mission that radiates from its pages. Each creator, each caretaker of these wonders, had a vision. It might be grandiose or humble, but each was fueled by a desire to connect with something – often something larger than themselves. This aligns beautifully with my ikigai at Adventuring with Krystal – empowering families to deepen their connections through travel. These creators were not just building structures or collecting artifacts; they were building bridges to connect with others across time and space.

Travel Beyond the Conventional

Travel, in its most traditional sense, often treads the well-worn path of famous landmarks and popular destinations. While there’s comfort in the familiar, Atlas Obscura encourages a different approach – one that values the road less traveled. A client said to me recently that he didn't want to come home from a vacation and tell his friends no when they asked if he had seen some famous monument. I appreciate this thinking, and I also want to gently discourage it. I personally don't want to see the Mona Lisa just because everyone else has. I might rather spend that time at a local cafe, connecting to people who have something interesting to teach me. This book is a reminder that there's much to be gained from straying off the beaten path. It’s about finding joy in the unexpected and learning to see the world through a lens of playful curiosity.

Balancing the Known and Unknown

In my own travels, and in the adventures I plan for my clients, I strive for a balance. Yes, there's wonder in the iconic sights of the world – the Eiffel Tower at sunset, the majestic Grand Canyon, or the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu. But there's also magic in the hidden corners – a small, family-run puppet museum in Sicily, a secret garden in the heart of Tokyo, or an underground art scene in Buenos Aires. These experiences, often overlooked, offer a unique flavor of discovery and connection. My favorite night in Athens was spent wandering around the city with my daughter, enjoying the sense of connection of being "lost" together and exploring nooks and cranies that we would never have seen otherwise.

Encouraging Exploration Beyond Boundaries

As a travel agent, my goal is to ignite this sense of wonder in my clients. I encourage them to embrace both the iconic and the obscure. It's about crafting travel experiences that are not just vacations, but journeys of discovery. This approach aligns perfectly with the spirit of Atlas Obscura – an invitation to explore the world in all its multifaceted glory. The best way to discover is to leave plenty of room in your itinerary to roam without purpose, being present to the sense of wonder that you feel in your gut before you think it in your mind.

Connecting Through Shared Wonder

The true beauty of Atlas Obscura lies in its ability to connect us. Through its pages, we share in
the wonder of creators and explorers from all corners of the globe. This sense of community is central to travel. It's not just about the places we see, but the stories we hear, the people we meet, and the memories we create together. It’s about connecting with family, with strangers-turned-friends, and with ourselves. Atlas Obscura is more than just a book; it's a gateway to a world brimming with hidden wonders. It encourages us to look beyond the obvious, to embrace the unknown, and to connect deeply with the world around us. For travelers like myself and the families I work with, it's a reminder that our planet is a tapestry of incredible places, each with its own story waiting to be discovered. In the spirit of wonder, let’s set out to explore – not just to see what everyone else has seen, but to uncover the hidden gems that make our world truly extraordinary.

Are you ready to follow your sense of wonder into an amazing adventure? Book a discovery call with me and together we can bring your adventure to live.

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Deepening Your Life: Why 'On Being' with Krista Tippett is a Must-Listen

In a world where speed and moving forward are the norm, finding a source of meaningful and reflective content can be difficult. This is where 'On Being' with Krista Tippett comes into play, a podcast that serves as a beacon for those seeking depth, understanding, and a connection to the larger aspects of the human condition. As someone passionate about enriching lives through adventurous and authentic travel experiences, I find the conversations on 'On Being' deeply resonant, especially when it comes to exploring different perspectives on life, creativity, and technology, all important subjects to an entreprenuer, mom, and connecter. Let's dive into why this podcast is a must-listen, especially if you're someone who values depth and authenticity in your life's adventure.

The Intelligence of Plants: An Episode with Robin Wall Kimmerer

The episode with Robin Wall Kimmerer is a fascinating exploration of the intelligence of plants. Kimmerer, a renowned scientist and author, weaves a narrative that marries science with art, challenging our traditional perceptions of intelligence. Her personal story about growing up with the forest as a stand in for her native people brought to mind my childhood days of wandering through the little woods at my grandparent's, immersed in nature and my imagination. Her insights are not just scientific revelations but also poetic reflections on our relationship with nature. Their conversation was poetry in motion, beautiful to listen to and learn from! This episode resonates deeply with those who love to travel and explore the natural world. It reminds us that every journey, whether it's hiking in the mountains or strolling through a lush garden, is an opportunity to connect with the profound intelligence of nature that surrounds us.

Creativity Unleashed: Rick Rubin's Perspective

Rick Rubin, known for his creative genius in the music industry, brings a unique perspective on creativity to 'On Being.' His conversation with Krista Tippett is a deep dive into the nature of creativity and how we can foster it in our lives. My first introduction to Rubin was through The Avett Brothers, a band that I adore, and as I watched Rubin interact with them, I could see how profoundly he connected with and understood the artists because of how he listens. Rubin's approach to creativity is not just about producing art but about living creatively. He moves through life with intention, and that powers his creativity. This mindset aligns perfectly with the adventurous spirit of travel. As travelers, we have the opportunity to create new experiences, memories, and understandings of the world if we travel with intention and awareness. Rubin's insights inspire us to approach our travels and our lives with a creative lens, seeking out the unique and the unexplored.

Technology and Humanity: Insights from Latanya Sweeney

Latanya Sweeney's episode is a thoughtful examination of technology and its impact on our lives. As one who has made a career of helping other understand the power of technology, a career that deeply informed my current business, I gravitate toward discussion of technology, especially artificial intelligence. Sweeney, a technologist, argues that we can remove the inherent negatives associated with technology by slowing down and reassessing our intentions. This viewpoint is crucial in today's fast-paced world, where technology often dictates the rhythm of our lives. AI doesn't have to be something that is viewed with fear, but if a critical mass of humans do not pause to take stock of the uses and abuses of AI, and other technologies, we would be right to fear it. As travelers and individuals seeking deeper connections, this conversation encourages us to use technology mindfully – as a tool to enhance, not detract from, our real-world experiences and human connections. I was asked recently if I thought that ChatGPT would replace travel advisors. I gave an emphatic "No!" Connection and understanding the personal journey of my clients is my why, and AI cannot recreate that.

Krista Tippett's Mastery in Bringing Conversations Back to the Human Condition

One of the most compelling aspects of 'On Being' is Krista Tippett's ability to steer conversations back to the human condition. Her skill in drawing out the deeper meanings and implications of her guests' insights is unparalleled. I cannot believe that I have only recently discovered her, many of you reading may be shaking your head at how long it has taken me! Tippett's focus on the human condition is a reminder of the core values that drive us as individuals – connection, family, and the pursuit of meaning. This focus is particularly relevant for travelers who seek to understand different cultures, peoples, and places. Travel, much like Tippett's conversations, is a way to experience and appreciate the diverse manifestations of the human condition. The caveat is that you have to slow down and reflect, otherwise travel can actually cut us off from the connection that we seek.

Integrating Travel into the Conversation

Travel, at its core, is a pursuit deeply intertwined with the themes explored in 'On Being.' Each journey is an opportunity to encounter different forms of intelligence, creativity, and perspectives on life. Travel challenges us to step out of our comfort zones and engage with the world in a way that is both authentic and transformative. By listening to 'On Being,' we equip ourselves with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world, which in turn enriches our travel experiences. Krista gives us the language and understanding to dive deeper into why we travel and what we can learn when we get there.

A Journey of Depth and Understanding

'On Being' with Krista Tippett is more than just a podcast; it's a journey into the depths of the human spirit. The conversations with guests like Robin Wall Kimmerer, Rick Rubin, and Latanya Sweeney provide valuable insights that resonate with anyone interested in a deeper understanding of the world. For travelers, these conversations are a source of inspiration, encouraging us to approach our journeys with curiosity, creativity, and a deep respect for the diverse expressions of life we encounter. In a world where superficiality often reigns, 'On Being' stands out as a beacon of depth, understanding, and genuine connection – values that are essential for anyone seeking to enrich their lives and deepen their connections with the world around them.

Are you ready to deeper your connection to the world through travel? Book a discovery call with me to share your ideas and get started planning your next adventure.

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