NZ Adventure Activities That May Speak to Your Playful Side

Hiking in Tongariro National Park:

Explore the dramatic landscapes of Tongariro National Park, home to the iconic Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This challenging yet rewarding hike takes you through volcanic terrain, emerald lakes, and lush forests, making it a perfect adventure for those who seek thrill and natural beauty.

Kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park:

Paddle through crystal-clear waters along the golden beaches and hidden coves of Abel Tasman National Park. Kayaking here combines adventure with the serene beauty of nature, perfect for playful exploration.

Cycling the Otago Central Rail Trail:

This 150-kilometer trail follows an old railway line through Central Otago, offering a scenic and leisurely cycling experience. Enjoy the playful spirit of a bike ride through picturesque landscapes and charming rural towns.

Nature’s Playground: Explore the Great Outdoors 

Exploring Rotorua’s Geothermal Wonders:

Rotorua is a geothermal playground where you can witness bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and colorful hot springs. Visit Te Puia to see the famous Pohutu Geyser and enjoy interactive exhibits at the geothermal parks.

Cruising Milford Sound:

Experience the stunning beauty of Milford Sound with a scenic cruise. Surrounded by towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls, this natural wonder offers a serene and awe-inspiring setting for playful exploration.

Connect and Discover Through Cultural Immersion

Maori Cultural Experiences:

Engage with the rich Maori culture through traditional performances, arts, and crafts. Participate in a haka dance, learn to weave flax, or enjoy a hangi feast. These cultural activities offer a playful and meaningful way to connect with New Zealand’s indigenous heritage.

Wine Tasting in Marlborough:

Indulge in a playful yet sophisticated experience by exploring the renowned vineyards of Marlborough. Enjoy wine tastings and tours that allow you to savor world-class Sauvignon Blanc in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.

Adventures for All Ages

Wildlife Encounters at Zealandia:

Visit Zealandia, an urban eco-sanctuary in Wellington, to see some of New Zealand’s unique wildlife. This family-friendly adventure offers opportunities to spot native birds, reptiles, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

Glowworm Caves in Waitomo:

Discover the magical glowworm caves in Waitomo, where you can take a boat ride through the underground caverns illuminated by thousands of tiny glowworms. This enchanting experience is perfect for families looking to add a touch of wonder to their journey.

Customize: Tailor Your Adventure

We understand that play means different things to different people. That’s why we offer customized trips that allow you to choose activities that resonate with your personal sense of play. Here are some other  off-the-beaten-path, earth-friendly activities you might enjoy in New Zealand if you’re planning an adventure:

Eco-Friendly Whale Watching in Kaikoura:

Kaikoura is renowned for its marine life, and you can enjoy sustainable whale watching tours that respect the natural habitat of these magnificent creatures. Spot sperm whales, dolphins, and fur seals in their natural environment.

Stargazing in the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve:

Experience the wonder of the night sky in one of the world’s darkest places. The Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve offers unparalleled stargazing opportunities, perfect for a peaceful and awe-inspiring playtime under the stars.

Exploring the Forgotten World Highway:

Travel the Forgotten World Highway, a scenic and historic route through remote and untouched landscapes. This drive offers a playful sense of exploration, with stops at quirky towns, ancient forests, and hidden valleys.

Forest Bathing in the Redwoods of Rotorua:

Engage in the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, in the Redwoods of Rotorua. This mindful and immersive nature experience promotes relaxation and a deep connection with the natural world.

Plan a Playful Adventure in Wonderful New Zealand

New Zealand is a destination that truly embodies the spirit of play. With its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, it offers endless opportunities for adventure, exploration, and fun. At Journeys International, we are dedicated to creating experiences that rekindle the joy of play, making every journey enriching and unforgettable.

Get in touch with us with your vision for your next journey and share what kinds of fun activities make you feel alive! We’re standing by and can help you craft your next playful trip into breathtaking New Zealand.

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– Ralph Waldo Emerson

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the wonder and majesty of the mountain landscapes I often admired but took for granted. Despite my adventures in the airline industry, it wasn’t until I became a parent living along the scenic border between Oregon and Washington, that I came to fully appreciate these rocky giants. When I felt isolated as a brand new mom, quietly gazing out at the mountains as I soothed my son, it was the view of Mt. St. Helens from my bedroom window and a towering Mt. Hood on journeys from home that filled me with a sense of peace and groundedness amidst the chaos. Hiking with my bundle of joy in a carrier helped me reconnect with nature, myself, and the world around me as I navigated matrescence.

Despite countless journeys through and around mountain ranges, it is in this phase of my life that I now truly appreciate how each new experience continues to evoke a profound sense of awe and connection with the world, echoing the timeless allure of these natural wonders. I know that no matter where I end up adventuring, just about any mountainous destination will leave me awestruck, grateful, and with stories for years to come. Lately, I’ve been thinking about what draws us as humans to mountain landscapes around the world and diving into some of the breathtaking adventures we offer at Journeys for enthusiastic explorers like me.

What Draws Us to Mountain Destinations?

They Evoke Awe & Wonder

Mountains are symbols of existential quests, challenges to overcome, and places of profound peace and spiritual solace. Their presence is commanding, and their historical and cultural significance is rich. Mountains invoke awe, a powerful emotion that diminishes ego and enhances our connection to something larger than ourselves. Research suggests that regular exposure to awe-inspiring landscapes can boost life satisfaction and decrease stress – which has been my experience. This emotional response is often accompanied by increased feelings of generosity and a sense of being part of a greater whole.

Physical Challenges & Rewards

Mountaineering, trekking, and hiking are activities that demand mental agility and physical endurance. The challenges presented by mountainous terrains encourage a state of flow—where skills are used to their utmost in response to immediate challenges, leading to heightened states of consciousness and clarity. In a flow state, individuals experience a deep focus that temporarily diminishes awareness of other needs and the passage of time. People feel fully involved and lose their sense of self-consciousness, contributing to a state of peak performance and heightened satisfaction. Flow is a powerful state for enhancing performance, reducing anxiety, and improving emotional regulation. A mountain terrain is the perfect place to find flow, and even in those years when I had a baby on my chest, a good hike could get me into that flow state.

Mountains Host Essential Ecosystems

It’s no secret that mountain landscapes are critical for their biodiversity, climate regulation, and water resources, making them vital areas for ecological and geological study. The wildlife in mountain ecosystems is highly adapted to the terrain and conditions and can teach us a lot about our world, even if our animal encounters may be fleeting. For the plant-lover, sustainable foraging opportunities are often abundant and may boast several surprises and learning opportunities.

Historical Cultural Significance & Inspiration

Mountains hold sacred status in many cultures and can be steeped in rich folklore and mythology. For many indigenous communities, mountains are not just landforms but are living entities with spirits. They play central roles in narratives and ceremonies, serving as places of worship, sources of sustenance, and symbols of identity. The reverence for mountains can be seen in practices such as the Incan worship of Apus (mountain spirits) or the Japanese tradition of Yamabushi, who view mountains as places to seek spiritual solace. The stark beauty of mountains also inherently stimulates the aesthetic senses, inspiring artists, poets, and travelers alike.

The spark that started Journeys International was an adventure in the Himalayan mountain range in Nepal (read our story here), where Will & Joan Weber were first inspired to organize a small group trip led by a local Sherpa guide. From that one mountain adventure sprang 45+ years of building local relationships around the globe to facilitate connection & sustainable exploration.

Where to Go for “Peak” Adventure

Today, Journeys International reaches into the far corners of the globe, offering mountain adventures for a range of activity preferences and comfort levels. If you’re looking for an adventure that may get you out of your head, something to challenge and inspire you, one of our premier mountain destination itineraries might do the trick.

The Himalayas

The Himalayas stand as a symbol of awe and spiritual depth, stretching across five nations and home to the world’s highest peaks, including Mount Everest. This vast mountain range is not just a destination for trekkers and climbers; it’s a profound cultural heartland, rich with centuries-old monasteries and the mystic traditions of the Sherpa and other indigenous peoples. The Himalayas offer a journey through dramatic landscapes, from lush valleys and dense forests to the stark beauty of its towering, snow-capped peaks. Here, each step brings a new revelation, offering not only a physical challenge but also a profound personal transformation amidst some of the most spectacular vistas on earth.

Nepal & Bhutan: Gateways to the Himalayas

Nepal and Bhutan offer access to high altitudes and the high spirits of local cultures and communities along the Himalayan mountains. This is just a taste of a few of the trip itineraries Journeys offers to travelers:

• Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Lodge Trek (Nepal): These treks are cultural immersions as much as they are physical challenges, offering an intimate look at the Sherpa community and the diverse ecosystems of the region. Mount Everest, or Mount Chomolungma, is the world’s highest mountain above sea level (29,029 ft) and a bucket-list adventure for explorers of many backgrounds and abilities. The Annapurna Lodge Trek is a great way to explore the Himalayas if you’ve already explored Everest or prefer to explore at lower altitudes.
• Black Mountain Trek (Bhutan): This journey traverses ancient landscapes filled with sacred monasteries, pristine forests, and high-altitude lakes, offering a serene experience deeply rooted in Bhutanese spiritual traditions.
• Festivals of Happiness Rare Journey (Bhutan): Explore what happiness means in Bhutanese culture and how Bhutan’s Nine Pillars of Happiness are woven throughout their lives.

The Andes

The Andes stretch majestically through seven South American countries, with Peru and Ecuador at the heart of its cultural and natural heritage. In Peru, the ancient Inca Trail weaves through cloud forests and past stunning archaeological sites, culminating at the world-renowned ruins of Machu Picchu. This path is a journey back in time, where each stone and passageway tells the story of a bygone civilization. Ecuador offers its own Andean marvels, most notably the Avenue of the Volcanoes. Here, adventurers can traverse the landscapes dominated by towering peaks such as Cotopaxi and Chimborazo, each offering challenging climbs and breathtaking views. These volcanic giants stand sentinel over rich valleys and traditional Andean villages, where life pulses to the rhythm of indigenous cultures unchanged by time. South of these vibrant cultural epicenters, Patagonia’s wild, untamed landscapes provide a stark contrast with its wind-swept steppes, massive ice fields, and the iconic jagged peaks of Torres del Paine in Chile, which continue to attract hearty travelers from around the globe.

Chilean Patagonia, Peru and Ecuador: Gateways to the Andes

Journeys has several exceptional treks across the Andes, each infused with rich cultural history and awe-inspiring natural beauty. Explore the northern part of the Andes to appreciate famous wonders like Macchu Picchu. Or explore further south, where Patagonia offers a dramatic contrast with its remote, wind-swept landscapes.

• Mountain Lodge Trek to Machu Picchu (Inca Trail, Peru): This world-renowned trek takes you through the heart of the former Inca Empire, culminating at the spectacular ruins of Machu Picchu, nestled high in the Andes. Experience the ancient pathways where every step tells a story of the past, set against the breathtaking backdrop of rugged mountain scenery.
• Ecuador Highlands Explorer (Avenue of the Volcanoes, Ecuador): Explore the scenic avenue lined with some of the world’s highest volcanoes. This route offers more than just trekking—it’s an immersion into the vibrant cultures of the Andean highlands. Each volcano presents a unique challenge and a story, revealing the dynamic nature of this land.
• Patagonia Discovery Safari (Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia): Journey through southern Chile to the most scenic and exhilarating places in the Lake District and Torres del Paine National Park. Known for its iconic “W” trek, this park encompasses massive glaciers, bright blue icebergs, and dark granite peaks. It’s a place where the wild landscape alters your sense of scale and where every view is more arresting than the last.

These are just a sampling of some of the itineraries our team has put together for custom adventures.  There are many possibilities for any journey you have on your mind, so schedule a chat with an Adventure Specialist to plan anything from mountain trekking adventures to more low-key opportunities to appreciate these phenomenal destinations.

The Timeless Lure of Mountains

Mountains inspire a journey like no other—a journey into the self and beyond.  As someone who has experienced the intangible gifts these titans of nature have to offer in my own life, I have several spectacular mountain vistas on my travel bucket list, and I will forever encourage fellow travelers to consider new mountain adventures of their own. Journeys International is happy to help travelers delve deep into these monumental landscapes, equipped with expert guidance and supported by sustainable travel practices. Whether scaling the snowy expanses of the Himalayas or tracing the rugged paths of Patagonia, these mountain adventures promise to renew our awe and respect for the natural world with each step.

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Follow our suggestions one-by-one, or take what fits your needs and helps you most:

Exercise 1: Start With Your Dreams

Free write about dream destinations. Set a timer for five to ten minutes and write whatever comes into your head about where you see yourself in the world – maybe “Exploring the ancient temples of Angkor Wat” or “Gazing up at the Northern Lights in Iceland.” Write in a journal where you can save your output as your initial inspiration. Keep your pen moving until your timer goes off, and don’t worry about whether you have clear priorities. Just write what you see in your mind’s eye when you think about travel. If you’re having trouble imagining any travel at all, write about that stuckness until something comes to you. Or, try the exercises in Steps 2-4.

Exercise 2: Experience Mapping

Think about past travels to discern the specific elements you appreciate in a trip. Sit in a peaceful space with a journal and reminisce about the experiences that have made you feel most alive, whether meditating with monks in Laos, swimming under waterfalls in Costa Rica, or something else. For each place, write down the vivid details that made the experience phenomenal. Was it the rich cultural diversity? The natural beauty? The chance to try your own hand at an artistic technique? The deep learning? Something else? This introspection helps you identify patterns and preferences in your travel choices. Sometimes by revisiting our past we can better understand our direction for the future.

Exercise 3: Value Alignment

Your travel should reflect what you hold dear. Match your travel style – be it leisurely or adventurous – with your values. Orient a piece of paper horizontally and divide it into three columns. In the first column, make a list of your core values, such as sustainability, cultural respect, or forward-thinking. If this is challenging, check out this list of values, and highlight all items that resonate for you. Then, see if you can narrow down your selections to a maximum of eight, and copy these onto your horizontal paper. In the second column, write words that describe your ideal travel style. For example, you might write active, train travel, boutique hotels, or try new things. Lastly, pick one item from each of the first two columns to inspire your entries for the third column. For example, if you value sustainability and your travel style is active, you might write “hiking in Costa Rica,” a destination known for its eco-friendly tourism practices. If you value forward-thinking and your travel style includes foodie experiences, your third column might include a chef’s table dinner at an art restaurant in Tokyo. (If you don’t know what to write in the third column, consult with the adventure specialists at Journeys to help you design a trip to match your values and travel style.)

Exercise 4: Goals & Steps

On first blush, this exercise may not seem directly related to planning travel. However, we believe that when you know your own life goals, travel can become instrumental in achieving them. Take some time with your journal or notepad to list the important goals in the key areas of your life: personal growth, family, relationships, work, self-care, and anything else important to you. Then review each goal, and ask two questions: (1) What is my next step in reaching this goal? (2) Is there a logical way in which travel could help me reach this goal? For example, your work goal to build a broader network may lead you to travel on a group trip, or your skill-building goal to become better at photography could lead you and your camera to a slow-paced trip among the scenic landscapes of New Zealand.

Exercise 5: Group Web

If you’re traveling with others, plan a session for everyone to get their interests, goals, hopes, and dreams on the table. Use a white board or large piece of butcher paper to create a concept map that clusters similar ideas together and visualizes connections. Use dot stickers or hash marks to note agreement with group members’ suggestions. Areas of commonality suggest great elements to include in your itinerary. If an idea only resonates with a single traveler, that might suggest having a day of the trip where the group divides for separate activities.

Exercise 6: (Digital) Vision Board

If you’re a visual person, a vision board can be a powerful tool. Use platforms like Pinterest, Canva, Trello, or even PowerPoint, to collect inspiration and create a board filled with images, quotes, and videos that inspire your travel dreams. Include pictures of destinations that attract you, like the serene landscapes of Bhutan or the vibrant markets of Morocco. This visual collage will serve as your daily inspiration and a guide in planning your journeys. You can also share your creations and collaborate with your travel companions. 

Finally: Consult with a Journeys International Adventure Specialist

With a clear idea of your travel goals in mind, reach out to a specialist at Journeys International. If you’re traveling with a group, designating a main point of contact can be helpful for streamlining travel consulting and planning. An Adventure Specialist can offer invaluable insights and help tailor your travel plans to fit your unique aspirations, turning your dreams into a reality.

Embark on this guided journey to define your travel goals for the year, ensuring they resonate with your personal growth, interests, and values. Once you have some ideas, don’t hesitate to contact Journeys International to start turning your dreams into reality.

Alternatively, if you’re the kind of person who would rather step back and let someone else do all the thinking and planning from start to finish, Journeys International can help you do that too by drawing upon our 45+ years of experience in itinerary building. Or perhaps you’d enjoy our mystery itinerary trips – like Surprising Journeys. Either way, we’d love to help you achieve your travel goals in the new year! Schedule a call or send us an email.

The post How to Chart Your Annual Travel Goals (And Make Them A Reality) appeared first on Journeys International.

Playful Cultural Immersion and Collaborative Group Travel on a Secret Itinerary

Are you ready to experience the world in a whole new and enjoyable way? Journeys International is bringing you Surprising Journeys, mystery trips where travelers know the starting and ending points but unlock the middle of the itinerary day-by-day by completing group challenges. These adventures blend the excitement of gamification, the suspense of mystery tours, and the spirit of overcoming challenges with the Journeys International values of curiosity, cultural connection, can-do spirit, and play. This unique approach to exploration engages your mind, body, and playful spirit in discovering the essence of the places you visit, ensuring that no participant can be a passive observer in the experience. As you work together with fellow travelers to complete locally rooted challenges, you will make new friends and delight at the insights you gain into your destinations.

How It Works: The Details of Surprising Journeys

• Destinations: The featured region for each Surprising Journey will be part of the trip headline, and its trip listing will include the starting and ending city (along with the trip dates).
• Mystery Itinerary: Beyond the starting and ending cities, the rest of the itinerary will be revealed day-by-day as you go. Finishing a challenge unlocks the next waypoint.
• Daily Challenges: Unique, culturally immersive challenges each day will challenge the group to work together.
• Exciting Rewards: Completing challenges without assistance earns bonus upgrades and access to hidden gems.
• Additional Experiences: On days when time remains beyond challenges and travel between locations, enjoy opportunities for guided exploration of surrounding cities and towns.
• Trip Leadership: Alongside destination guides who bring cultural knowledge and local access, your Adventure Ace will manage logistics and ensure challenges and group dynamics run smoothly.
• Accommodations and Meals: Comfortable, unique accommodations with daily breakfasts and selected meals included.
• Transportation: All transportation necessary for the itinerary is included in the trip, whether by public bus, private van, or group flight.
• Group Size:8-12 people per trip for set departures; smaller or larger groups are possible for private trips.
• Pre-Trip Preparation: Receive a tailored packing list and detailed pre-departure information and advice.
• Concluding the Journey: Finish your journey with new friendships and unforgettable experiences. Extend your adventures with additional travel, or depart for home.

More on the Adventure Ace: Steward of Unforgettable Experiences

Surprising Journeys are uniquely fantastic experiences due in part to their uniquely fantastic leadership. At the helm of every Surprising Journey stands an Adventure Ace – a mastermind of experiences who skillfully unveils daily challenges, weaves together trip elements, and guides you through each step of your expedition. As a partner to local guides, the Adventure Ace is the challenge calibrator, curiosity role model, traveler advocate, spirit captain, and chief problem solver. Whether navigating urban landscapes on creative scavenger hunts or foraging for fungi in unexplored caves, the Adventure Ace ensures that every challenge is a doorway to cultural discovery and personal growth (and that the trip is tons of fun in between).

Step Just Outside Your Comfort Zone 

Surprising Journeys invite you to travel in a new way, where you fully relinquish the planning to us. We know this is probably a little bit outside your comfort zone – and that’s part of the power of these trips. When you approach an experience in a new way, from a new vantage point, you have the opportunity to discover new perspectives and insights. You maximize the potential for wonder and discovery.

What isn’t required is any particular skill set. All that will be required to participate are a creative and resourceful mindset and a willingness to collaborate. The journey, led by local guides and an Adventure Ace, will gently encourage you to find your own best means of contribution to the group. Some challenges may ask the group to be its best, while others emphasize a spirit of learning and growth. Along the way, you might discover hidden talents within yourself.

Who Should Join Surprising Journeys?

Surprising Journeys pose an invitation to travelers who enjoy thrilling new experiences, want to connect with fellow adventurers, bring openness and curiosity about new cultures, and enjoy the unknown. If you enjoy gathering with others for scavenger hunts, escape rooms, game nights, and novel experiences in general, you’re likely to enjoy Surprising Journeys.

Intensive physical fitness is not required. Activities may require the ability to do things similar to (but not specifically including, and not limited to) walking on uneven surfaces, climbing 2-3 flights of stairs, riding an e-bike over gentle terrain, paddling a kayak 100 meters, or reading a map. If trip designers know about limitations in advance, accommodations are usually available.

Surprising Journeys are appropriate for ages 16 and up. Family-specific departures may be designed for travelers as young as 5.

Surprising Journeys are available on set dates to join as an individual or couple. They are also available on your custom dates for your private group. Perfect for families, friends, corporate teams, or solo travelers, these journeys foster a spirit of community and cooperation, making them ideal for anyone seeking a fun yet meaningful travel experience.

Unlimited Opportunities for Culturally Immersive Challenges

The most common question about Surprising Journeys is what to expect from the challenges. Although you won’t know exactly what to expect on your own trip, here are just a few examples:

• Completing an urban artwork scavenger hunt by e-bike
• Baking a dessert spread after tutelage from a classically trained pastry chef
• Conducting each stage of coffee preparation, from farm to table
• Perfecting a group folk dance to perform in traditional dress
• Creating puppets and performing a show in a local theater
• Designing a litter reduction campaign for a rural village
• Building a house for a family alongside residents of the community
• Preparing a cocktail tasting with foraged ingredients
• Creating a signature batik motif for the group

History of Surprising Journeys at Journeys

Last year we piloted a trip concept that was similar to Surprising Journeys in a lot of ways. These trips, called Competitours, are also mystery trips where travelers know the starting point and ending point, and unlock the itinerary challenge-by-challenge. The difference was that Competitours involved separate teams of two travelers each competing against each other to earn points through challenges, and the team with the most points at the end of the trip won a prize at the end. Our good friend Ari Charlestein still runs these trips, and he decided to run Competitours as its own company. Journeys travelers with particularly competitive spirits can still sign up for Competitours.

Meanwhile, we at Journeys decided that our orientation toward deep connection made us want to adjust the model in favor of group challenges. Compared to the original Competitours model, Surprising Journeys challenges are slightly less physically demanding, the destinations will be somewhat more far-ranging, challenges are tailored for group collaboration, and the itineraries will be more in-depth.

Join Us on a Surprising Journey

Are you ready to explore the world in a way that’s unexpected, immersive, and enriching? Join a Surprising Journey, where every moment is a step towards discoveries, friendships, and unforgettable memories. Connect, play, and explore with Surprising Journeys – where every step is an adventure waiting to unfold.

The inaugural Surprising Journey by Journeys International is a 10-night trip that will take place in Spring 2025 in the Balkan region of Southern Europe. It will begin in Tirana, Albania, and end in Split, Croatia. To learn more visit our trip page for this adventure, contact Lené Jefferson at lene@journeysinternational.com, or schedule a call.

The post All About Surprising Journeys appeared first on Journeys International.

Southeast Asia has captured the imagination of travelers for many decades. It still continues to be a favorite region for exploration and for finding transformative experiences. The region has a deep cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and rich traditions that captivate visitors. In 2008, I had the privilege of exploring this enchanting region, traveling through Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand for three months. My trip included incredible experiences with local people, and I was impressed by the positive impacts of tourism on the communities that I visited.

Reflecting on my Travels Years Later

Now, as I look back on those adventures, it strikes me that my wonderful memories are also interspersed with the recollection of experiences that wouldn’t pass muster according to the responsible tourism standards that have emerged in the region today. It is gratifying to observe the positive changes that have taken place in various aspects of tourism in Southeast Asia since that trip in 2008. These changes are a testament to the power of awareness and the growing commitment to ethical considerations by travelers and local communities. Here are some examples.

Elephant Activities: Exploitation to Sanctuary

One of the most significant transformations I’ve witnessed is in the treatment of elephants. In the past, riding elephants was a popular tourist activity. Elephant parks would also forcibly train elephants to paint pictures and perform tricks using painful and harmful techniques that hurt these magnificent creatures. Thankfully, increasing awareness of the physical and psychological harm of these tourist activities on elephants has led to the rise of elephant sanctuaries. These sanctuaries offer homes to elephants that used to work with tourists under painful conditions, and they prioritize the well-being of elephants. Here, the elephants live in more natural and humane conditions while visitors can still observe and interact gently and responsibly with the animals.

Tailors in Hoi An: Nighttime Rush to Daytime Excellence

Hoi An, Vietnam, is home to a vibrant custom, tailormade clothing industry. It was once famous for offering overnight custom tailoring services. This often led to particularly exhausted garment workers and questionable labor conditions. Shopowners have now collectively shifted the expectations of travelers so that most clothing is produced in about two days, allowing for daytime instead of overnight work.

However, it is worth noting that the custom tailoring industry in Hoi An has also grown increasingly competitive in recent years, with approximately ten times more tailors in town now than when I first visited. This competitive marketplace puts pricing pressure on producers and motivates some business owners to offer “express service.” The rise of Internet order-taking has complicated the industry, too. Many visitors seek the lowest price among several shops, turning fair pay into the newest ethical consideration in Hoi An. From my perspective, I suggest that as long as travelers feel like they are getting a reasonable deal, they skip the hardnosed haggling.

Water Bottles: Single Use to Sustainable Alternatives

The abundance of single-use plastic water bottles in Southeast Asia used to be a common sight. The region was notorious among travel destinations for having a particular glut of plastic trash. However, I’ve been thrilled to see how many more environmentally conscious alternatives have emerged. Many eco-lodges now provide on-site water purification and bottling in reusable containers. An increasing number of tour operators and activity providers provide refill stations throughout the day, making it easy for travelers to carry their own reusable bottles. This move toward sustainability reduces plastic waste, promotes responsible tourism, and educates tourism workers about the importance of reducing their own plastic waste at home.

Traveler Interest: Overtourism to Sustainable Solutions

Communities in Southeast Asia have long sought to benefit from the interest of tourists. Yet, like many tourism hot spots around the world, too much interest in some really special places has caused environmental and social problems with overtourism.

For example, the stunning beach and lagoon at Maya Bay on Thailand’s Koh Phi Phi was featured in Leonardo DiCaprio’s movie “The Beach” in the year 2000 and became a must-visit spot for people seeking the perfect photo of paradise. Over the next fifteen years or so, the thousands of daily visitors and their boats inflicted so much damage to the beach and reef of Maya Bay that park rangers and conservationists worried that the local populations of coral and reef sharks would die out. This story has an encouraging ending, though, because rangers decided to close Maya Bay for about four years to restore the habitat. Now that it has reopened, boats have to dock on the back side of the island, visitors can only wade up to knee-deep, and beach stays are limited to sixty minutes. All visitors are charged a conservation fee. Through proactive intervention, the beautiful beach and its sensitive ecosystem have gotten a chance to recover.

The city of Siem Reap, home to the temple ruins of Angkor Wat, also has well-known overtourism challenges. Although about two million people visit Angkor Wat every year, a fraction of those people will explore the country’s other incredible sights. Meanwhile, the volume of tourists has led to a water shortage in Siem Reap, and the bas relief carvings on the temples are degrading from tourists’ touch. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of tourists overloaded the town’s waste management infrastructure, and the Siem Reap River was filled with trash. These overtourism woes spurred government improvement efforts. Upgrading roads, installing more bike paths, and expanding sewage systems have not only made the city more visitor-friendly but also reduced visitors’ environmental impact. Officials are also working hard to promote longer visits to encourage a deeper connection with the local culture and contribute to a more sustainable economy.

Progress, but Challenges Remain

While we’ve seen significant progress in many areas, there is still work to do to ensure ethical and sustainable tourism continues to expand in Southeast Asia. Here are a few particular areas that I would like to see change through traveler and tour operator choices and advocacy:

Karen Long Neck Tribes: Despite increased awareness about cultural sensitivity and human rights, the Karen Long Neck Tribes in northern Thailand still face restrictions on their movement and autonomy. Advocacy for their rights and livelihoods remains essential.

Questionable Tiger Petting Operations: While some tiger petting operations have closed, there are still reports of unethical practices in Thailand. Travelers should exercise caution and support initiatives that prioritize the welfare of all animals.

Sustainable Transportation: The region needs to continue investing in sustainable transportation options to reduce the environmental impact of tourism. Encouraging the use of bicycles, electric vehicles, and efficient public transport can help mitigate congestion and pollution.

Supporting Local Communities: Travelers can play a vital role in promoting positive change by supporting local businesses and communities. Initiatives that empower local artisans, promote fair trade, and invest in community-based tourism can have a lasting positive impact.

Environmental Conservation: Conservation efforts should remain a top priority. Protecting delicate ecosystems, reducing plastic waste, and promoting responsible wildlife encounters should be central to any tourism strategy.

Having a Positive Impact Moving Forward

Reflecting on my journeys in Southeast Asia, I am heartened by the positive changes that have taken place, thanks to increased awareness and ethical considerations among travelers, tour operators, and local communities. The shift from exploitative practices to more

However, the journey towards ethical and sustainable tourism is ongoing. It requires the continued dedication of travelers, trip planners, operators like Journeys International, local governments, and communities. By supporting responsible travel, advocating for cultural preservation, and respecting the environment, we can ensure that Southeast Asia remains a beautiful and welcoming destination for generations to come.

As travelers, let’s not only enjoy the beauty of Southeast Asia but also strive to leave a positive impact on the places we visit. Together, we can be stewards of change, preserving the wonders of this region while promoting the well-being of its people and wildlife.

About Journeys International

Journeys is an eco-friendly and culturally immersive outbound adventure tour operator and travel consulting company with 45+ years of travel industry experience and a growing network of trusted local tour guides around the world. We specialize in authentic, immersive, and experiential travel and learning for single travelers, couples, families, and small groups. Travelers know Journeys for its commitment to core values, respect for natural spaces, and the ability to facilitate worldwide trips that nurture human and cross-cultural connections. Let our expert Adventure Specialists book you on one of our scheduled Rare Journeys or arrange custom travel plans for you to #adventuredeeper into the world! Explore www.journeysinternational.com or call 800-255-8735 for more information.

The post Positive Change in Southeast Asia Travel: Reflecting on Ethical Tourism appeared first on Journeys International.

Those intrepid travelers that push themselves beyond their comfort zone may find themselves rewarded with fond memories of untouched natural beauty, robust cultural experiences, deep human connection, and personal transformation. A trip to “the land of the people” is a chance to capture a mental snapshot of a rapidly changing landscape at a particular moment in time.

Greenland Might be the Adventure for You

Greenland is known vaguely by many but deeply explored by few. If you’ve got a trailblazing, adventurous spirit, we’ve got five reasons why Greenland might be a wonderful trip for you:

1. Profound Natural Beauty: Greenland boasts breathtaking natural scenery. Explore vast glaciers, monumental icebergs, towering mountains, and picturesque fjords as you traverse the island and the surrounding ocean. Immerse yourself in awe-inspiring experiences like viewing the Kangia Glacier from Ilulissat (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) or taking a flightseeing tour over the Isua Glacier (the glacier responsible for producing the iceberg that sank the Titanic). If you visit in September, you may have the chance to view jaw-dropping natural phenomena like the Northern Lights (Aurora borealis) from one of the best places in the world to view them.
2. Opportunities for Deep Reflection in a Remote Place: Greenland is truly off-the-beaten-path, the type of expansive, wild place that must be experienced in person to fully grasp its vastness. Only about 56,000 people call the world’s largest island “home” and are scattered throughout small communities over the 836,330 sq. miles of Arctic tundra. They are connected to each other only by boat, helicopter, or airplane. Nearly half of Greenland is a protected National Park, and the island is surrounded by sea ice as far as the eye can see. 
3. Cultural Richness: Greenlandic culture is deeply rooted in indigenous Inuit traditions (specifically, of the Kalaallit people) and has been influenced by Scandinavian traditions. Immerse yourself in unique local customs, history, and way of living. If you’re open to it, you may gain a profound understanding of a culture that emphasizes communalism, respect for nature, and close partnership with the land and sea. 
4. Wildlife Viewing: Experience the unique ecological wonders that are the Arctic tundra, oceans scattered with icebergs, and the flora and fauna that characterize this biome. Greenland’s natural environment is home to reindeer (caribou), polar bears, musk oxen, arctic foxes, and several seabird species. If you’re lucky, you could spot Humpback whales, Beluga whales, seals, or other sea creatures in the substantial marine ecosystem that envelopes the island.
5. Adventurous Outdoor Pursuits: Greenland is a paradise for adventure-seekers. Challenge yourself physically and mentally via Arctic endeavors across land, air, or sea. There are endless opportunities for hiking, trekking, mountaineering, kayaking, and boating for a reward of unforgettable views that may imprint upon your memory for life. Or navigate a Zodiac through the Southern Greenland fjords, known as “Arctic Patagonia” because of the vistas of icy blue waters set against a breathtaking backdrop of dramatic peaks, winding coastline, and lush, verdant valleys and pastures bursting with blooms.

Greenland is the kind of once-in-a-lifetime travel destination that can spark soul-shaking awe and restoration in the hearty outdoor enthusiast. For travelers looking for new perspectives, wonder, and tranquility amongst a backdrop of a challenging but pristine Arctic environment, Greenland just might be the next destination awaiting your exploration.

Booking a Visit to Greenland

If Greenland sounds enticing, Journeys International has recently added new group trips to our tour offerings. Check out these Arctic adventures:

Greenland Explorer

• A 10-day expedition with hiking, boating, kayaking, and flightseeing across Ilulissat, Disko Island, and Western Greenland
• Enjoy the Ilimanaq Lodge Experience and dinner at a Michelin Restaurant, Koks
• The trip includes a brief stop in Copenhagen to visit a new sustainable, energy-conscious community in Denmark

Greenland Adventure

• Explore Southeast Greenland’s fjords aboard a luxury polar ship, the Ultramarine, over a nine-day itinerary
• Discover Greenland by helicopter, Zodiac, kayak, and foot with endless adventure options
• Experience the majestic landscape of the world’s second-largest ice mass, the Greenland ice sheet

We hope you’ll join us in Greenland for a scheduled expedition. If you don’t see a trip that is quite the right fit for your needs, please inquire about a custom tour. Our adventure specialists are enthusiastic about travel planning and would gladly consult with you further on your next trip.

About Journeys International

Journeys is an eco-friendly and culturally-immersive adventure tour operator and travel consultant with 40+ years of industry experience and a growing network of trusted local tour guides. We specialize in authentic, immersive, and experiential travel and learning for solo travelers, couples, families, and small groups. Journeys prides itself on its commitment to its core values, respect for natural spaces, and ability to facilitate worldwide trips that nurture human and cross-cultural connections. Let our experts book you on one of our scheduled journeys or arrange other custom travel plans to “Adventure Deeper” into the world! Explore the rest of our website for more info.

The post 5 Reasons You Should Consider Greenland for Your Next Trip appeared first on Journeys International.

Competitours is our newest tour offering and has the purpose of facilitating joy, collaboration, growth, and wonder. 

Why We Offer Competitours

By building trips with an element of secrecy, surprise, and friendly competition that push travelers just the right amount past their comfort levels, the Competitours product aligns with Journeys and what adventure means to us, “an experience that takes you someplace beyond your comfort zone — and therefore maximizes the potential for wonder, discovery, and possibly transformation.” Competitours is a natural fit for our ideas about what adventure should look like and our core values:

• Connection: Collaboration in problem-solving is a necessary part of every Competitours adventure, strengthening relationships with teammates while also presenting opportunities to build bridges with local hosts.
• Curiosity: There’s nothing like a “secret tour” with no supplied itinerary to keep you on the edge of your seat. No two tours are the same, so every mystery itinerary is crafted to spark curiosity about the places you might visit and experiences you might encounter. 
• Play: The “gamification” of adventure travel adds another dimension to travel, adding layers of fun and suspense that lead to the pleasure of those magic aha! moments during your travels. Lean into your creativity and the thrill of a suspenseful game structured with your favorite elements of travel in mind, like cuisine, arts, mountains, etc.
• Forward-Thinking: This trailblazing tour concept mixes travel, cultural immersion, teamwork, gameplay, and critical thinking in a cohesive way that is creative and authentic.
• Honoring Earth: Like all Journeys International adventures, Competitours is conducted with eco-friendly practices and sustainability in mind, and carbon offsetting is included.
• Can-Do Spirit: Competitours is an invitation to roll up your sleeves and jump into a nontraditional way to explore a destination and culture through daily challenges.
• Ascribing Positive Intentions: Putting trust in your teammate, and especially in the local hosts who will teach you how to approach each challenge, will encourage you to see the world through others’ eyes and build empathy for the mindset that others bring to what they do.

Competitors is a new kind of travel that can take Journeys travelers even deeper into destinations around the world. However, you’ll have to take that leap of faith out of your comfort zone to reap the rewards of this new kind of immersive travel. So put it on your list, and let’s go!

Wait, what are Competitours?

Competitours is not your average guided trip. These adventures take the traditional travel experience and inject it with an extra dose of excitement, creativity, and light-hearted competition. Imagine a cross between a global scavenger hunt, challenge-based reality show, and cultural immersion program, all rolled into one extraordinary travel adventure. Competitours has been called  “The Amazing Race for Regular People.”

The planning and itinerary for a Competitours adventure are a little different from your typical trip. You will only receive the arrival city, departure city, and packing list prior to departure. The rest of the destinations, accommodations, and daily activities (a.k.a challenges) remain a secret until approximately 24 hours before each daily adventure. Daily challenge and itinerary briefings during your trip add to the suspense, authenticity, and thrill that are key features of Competitours. You will have to let go and let the winds of adventure take you through a region as mystery details become available to you little by little.

Our goal is to facilitate a playful and exhilarating journey that gives travelers a new perspective on the world and themselves through the unusual juxtaposition of experiences. 

Competitours Group Trip Highlights

• Dynamic destinations and unique challenges: Competitours offers a thrilling journey through diverse destinations, blending mental puzzles, physical activities, and cultural interactions. Teams tackle daily challenges that test problem-solving skills, resourcefulness, and teamwork. Each day comes with a new set of challenges that will guide and shape your travel, and each evening you will return to your hotel for a good night’s rest.
• Friendly competition and cultural immersion: Competitours focuses on the joy of the journey, fostering a collaborative atmosphere. While points are awarded based on performance, the emphasis is on embracing the experience. Participants engage with local cultures, sampling authentic cuisine, and immersing themselves in traditions and customs in the same spirit of fostering connection that flavors the typical Journeys adventure.
• Expert guidance and seamless experience: Competitours provides experienced travel professionals who offer valuable insights, fascinating stories, and practical tips. They ensure a seamless adventure, guiding participants through each destination and challenge. As part of your tour package, you get the same excellent travel booking and management experience from Journeys specialists with a company that’s been arranging experiential travel expeditions for over 40+ years.
• Forge lifelong friendships: Competitours creates an environment where lifelong friendships are formed. Working with fellow participants and sharing memorable experiences strengthens bonds that extend beyond the tour itself.

No two Competitours trips are exactly the same – each is crafted to be entirely unique.

This creative concept will leave you hooked from the moment you embark on your journey. For more details and particulars, check out our blog post of FAQs.

The spirit of competition in this context is friendly, and each challenge delivers points according to different, unique criteria. There will be prizes for top teams at the end of the trip. 

How to Start Planning a Competitours Trip

Join Competitours in Europe, Central America, or the United States. Prices include overnight accommodations, a group leader, local activity hosts, daily breakfast, some additional meals, at least one challenge activity per day, travel between locations (teams travel together), and travel between accommodations/challenges.

To start planning a Competitours adventure, first browse our available Competitours trips:

• Competitours Europe Family Adventure 

• Competitours Europe Adventure (Standard)

• Competitours Central America Adventure

• Competitours USA Escapade

Then, if you are interested in an option above and are ready to take the first step to chat with an adventure specialist, please call Journeys International at 800-255-8735 or send us an email.

Or, consider requesting your own private and customized Competitours program. Journeys arranges Competitours trips for family reunions, friend groups, educational groups, corporate team-building events, or any goal that fits your vision. Visit our Customized Tours page to get started or give us a quick call to learn more.

Lastly, be sure to let us know when you consult one of our adventure specialists if you will need any particular accommodations due to your individual needs, so we can be sure your desired trip can be tailored appropriately.

About Journeys International

Journeys is an eco-friendly and culturally-immersive adventure tour operator and travel consultant with 40+ years of industry experience and a growing network of trusted local tour guides. We specialize in authentic, immersive, and experiential travel and learning for single travelers, couples, families, and small groups. Journeys prides itself on its commitment to its core values, respect for natural spaces, and ability to facilitate worldwide trips that nurture human and cross-cultural connections. Let our experts plan your Competitours journey or other custom travel plans to “Adventure Deeper” into the world! Explore our website for more info.

The post Competitours: Are You Up for a Mystery Challenge? appeared first on Journeys International.

The trip ran once a year from 2009-2019 under the guidance of founder (and OG Evil Genius) Steve Belkin. Steve has passed the torch to his protege, Ari Charlestein, who brought the idea to Journeys to expand.  It’s a perfect fit, because these adventures are all about stepping out of your comfort zone and into the zone of discovery. It’s about curiosity, openness, and sight-DOING instead of sight-seeing.

You probably have some questions about this intriguing style of travel that’s a little bit different from other Journeys adventures. This post will try to tell you everything you want to know (except of course where you’ll go and what you’ll do on the trip – the whole idea is to keep that a surprise!).

So how exactly does this work?

Teams of two show up at the stated starting point, and we promise you will finish at the stated finish point on the end date of the trip. The itinerary in between is a mystery that will be unveiled challenge by challenge. The teams will all stay in the same accommodations every night, and travel together from location to location. It’s not really a race, but we say it’s like “The Amazing Race” because teams compete in a series of (lighthearted and whimsical) challenges along the way. Over the course of the trip, through some pretty fantastic and unexpected activities in categories like Arts, Cuisine, Mountains, Technical Skills, and more, participants will get to know the cultures and environments of the regions they encounter in their path.

Who is Competitours for?

Competitours is for anyone, and their teammate. Because the challenges are designed for the fun of the group and the exposure to local experiences – rather than the cut-throat hustle of a competitive race – neither age nor strength will put you at any sort of (dis)advantage. For our standard (non-family) Competitours trips, we recommend participants be 15 and up, while our family trips are appropriate for anyone with kids ages 4 and up. We generally advise that if you are able to walk an hour without getting too tired, and if you enjoy pushing your creativity to the limits, this is a perfect trip for you.

What if I don’t have a teammate to join me?

Unfortunately, we can’t accommodate teams of one on this trip. If you don’t have any friends as awesome as you are who want to do this with you, you’re welcome to identify yourself to us just in case we hear from someone else who also wants to find a match.

What is included in the price (and what’s not)?

Competitours trips include accommodations for each night of the trip, breakfast each day, and at least one challenge activity each day. Transportation is also included to get you from the starting point to the ending point, and to all of the challenges and accommodations in between. Competitours often include one or two additional lunches or dinners, but these are part of the mystery and you should be prepared to pay separately for lunches and dinners. What is not included is your transportation from your home airport to the starting point airport, and home from the finish line airport. You are also responsible for a majority of your own meals, and any other personal spending you may want to do of the course of the trip.

What’s on the packing list?

For each trip, participants will receive a packing list about one month prior to departure. We call the trip leaders Evil Geniuses, so don’t be surprised if we tell you to pack some things you won’t need, but it’s all part of the fun of the mystery! We won’t make you waste too much space with unnecessary items – we promise. We strongly recommend bringing everything listed so you don’t get caught without a lure for the flyfishing challenge… for example. Wink, wink.

Can you tell me where the trip is going to help me decide whether to sign up?

Nope. Nice try. We give you the starting and ending points. If you want to know more, choose another trip.

What if I don’t want to – or can’t – participate in a specific challenge?

As long as you disclose your limitations in advance of the trip, the Evil Genius will prepare modifications that make every challenge accessible for every participant. Competitours are not about strength and agility but rather creativity and enthusiasm. We work hard to ensure that every challenge is possible for every participant, but we will also ask you to go beyond your comfort zone. That’s where you’ll find the real adventure and discovery. If you encounter a challenge that’s just too far beyond your comfort zone for you to willingly participate, you always have the personal agency to sit it out. Your team may face a small points penalty if you abstain completely from an event for reasons within your control.

Is this actually a competition? Are there points? Are there prizes?

Yes! The Evil Genius and the on-site staff will serve as a panel to judge each challenge. Points can be earned (and lost!) before the trip, during challenges, and even during down time, so you should always stay on your toes! Teams with the top three point totals at the end of the trip will win one of the following: 15% off any future Journeys trip, $250 cash, or a jam-packed swag bag.

This sounds perfect for me. When can I go?

Check out the Competitours page, which lists all dates currently scheduled. We can also schedule private and customized Competitours trips for families, groups of friends, companies, professional associations, and anyone else who wants it.

Did you say you can do custom Competitours?

Yes! Competitours are perfect for all of the following occasions:

• Family reunions with a unique format that create powerful memories and deep bonds
• Corporate team building that team members actually enjoy
• Professional skill-building workshops that reveal participants’ true natures
• Trips for groups of friends that want to make the very most of their limited time together

We design your Competitour with your groups’ goals, ages, interests, and constraints i

More questions? Ready to sign up?

Email Ari Charlestein, the Evil Genius in residence.

The post FAQ: Everything you want to know about Competitours appeared first on Journeys International.

I arrived at the beautiful Sa Sa Lao guesthouse where I had agreed to work during my time in Luang Prabang. The guesthouse is a part of a bigger business that also offers a 2-hour sunset river cruise every evening along the Mekong River. In exchange for four hours of work per day, I received a place to sleep and $10 USD worth of food, which was more than enough. My job consisted of both flyering/advertising for the river cruise and working as a waitress aboard. I enjoyed the job and loved watching the sunset on the river every night, but I knew early on that two weeks would be too much.

Fortunately, I really enjoyed meeting and getting to know the Lao crew members working full-time for the boat and guesthouse. In Laos, the minimum working age is 14. When I was 14, I worried about school, friends, hockey practice, finding a ride home, and other “normal” worries or anxieties of a young teen living comfortably in Ann Arbor, MI. I worked a very part-time job at my synagogue and babysat, but spent the majority of my time in school and with friends. That isn’t the case for most Lao children. By age 14, many work 12+ hours per day, 6+ days per week. But not once did I see the kids I worked with without a smile on their faces.

It’s easy for me to see kids working this hard and claim it’s wrong or unjust. It’s so different from the kind of childhood my parents gave me that I find myself judging their situation without even asking them how it feels from the inside. Of course, due to the ever-present language barrier I was never able to ask Nid, Sy or Lei (a few of the crew members with whom I grew close) these questions. But I was able to catch myself. I found myself jumping to conclusions about the quality of these people’s lives based solely on my perspective and my experience growing up in the United States. What I did learn from these kids, without a doubt, is the power of a positive attitude. Working 12+ hour days and finishing the night with a smile on your face, sitting with your coworkers/friends (almost family) and enjoying a meal together, making the most of the situation and each moment… from what I can tell, these kids are doing it right. They are in a situation where they need to make money to support their families, and they do it with grace. It was an honor and a pleasure to work with them. And to try their yummy foods!

I had intended to stay in Luang Prabang and work at Sa Sa for 16 days, but after 10 I decided to see another part of the country. My employers were very understanding, and I bought a ticket for a minivan ride to Vang Vieng, a two just 70km south of Luang Prabang.

I arrived in Vang Vieng after a very sweaty and bumpy minivan ride through the mountains feeling a bit carsick. Reminding myself that it would pass, I started walking towards the less-party-centric hostels (Vang Vieng is known as a bit of a party town and I wasn’t looking to party for 5 days straight). A few people sitting on the porch of a hostel were speaking Hebrew, so I approached them and, in Hebrew, asked if the hostel was a good place to stay. They said yes and 10 minutes later my tightly-packed backpack was open, belongings splayed everywhere, and I was in my new temporary home.

I became friends with some of the people in the hostel and spent the next few days enjoying Vang Vieng’s blue lagoons and Nam Song River. One day, three friends and I decided to rent a four-wheeler/buggy and drive to Blue Lagoons 3 and 5. The drive was slow but stunning. Even when lazy cows blocked our way, I couldn’t help but smile as I looked at the magnificent earth surrounding me.

We spent the morning and a good chunk of the afternoon at Lagoon number 3. I swung from the zipline, walked along the balance beam, and floated in the inner tubes available. As the day continued, more people joined us. My friend Ori pulled out his acoustic guitar and we all sang together. My cheeks are still sore from all of the smiles.

By 3:15pm, my friends and I realized we still hadn’t reached the final lagoon and decided to get going. We got a little bit lost on the way, giving us more time to listen to music and enjoy the scenery. We finally arrived at the 5th lagoon and enjoyed the quiet and the calm of the now-empty attraction. It was starting to cool down at that point so I wasn’t in the water for long. We played some music, did a little bit of yoga, and suddenly realized how hungry we’d become since eating at 10am. At 5:30pm we headed back to town.

My friend, Shenav, drove us back along the bumpy, rocky road. Music was playing, the sun was starting to set, and all of a sudden we heard a BOOM! We looked behind us to find the back right wheel rolling toward our now-three-wheeler… uh oh.

This is when I relearned how powerful a positive attitude can be. It was one of those things that could have ruined our day. We could have been angry or upset or whiny. Instead, we laughed. I called the rental company and the man working apologized profusely. He ensured us that he would come as soon as possible to pick us up. Then, we made the most of the situation. We laid out our sarongs, played music from the Bluetooth speaker in the buggy, and laughed while we played cards. Stranded between two villages in Vang Vieng, with tummies rumbling and no food in sight, we smiled and laughed. We laughed at our situation, we laughed at old stories, we laughed with one another, and we just kept laughing. Soon after, the man from the rental company came to fix our buggy. We boarded the accompanying Tuk Tuk and returned to town, where we enjoyed a delicious dinner and more of each others’ company.

My time in Laos has taught me a vital lesson: a good attitude makes for a great day. When things are uncomfortable or unpleasant, the way I choose to react can and will very much determine the outcome. When things don’t go as planned, my ability to roll with the punches or, as my dad would say, accept, embrace, and flow with the situation will determine the outcome. I am learning more and more about myself each day, and as I write this I feel empowered. I know that I have the ability to make the most out of my situation. Whether on Workaway in a quiet town or stuck with a broken buggy in the middle of the road, I can find a way to smile. And once I do that, I might remember it as one of the best days of my trip. I definitely think the Day We Lost Our Wheel is high on that list.

The post Lessons from Laos appeared first on Journeys International.

Now that I’ve learned to drive it, I am exploring with more freedom than ever before! If you truly want to feel free and independent in Southeast Asia, you might consider renting one. The fuel and bike are cheap. The thrill of setting my own course is priceless.

My first long ride, friend Naomi at my side, was to Hin Lat Waterfall, about 40 minutes away. We left our mopeds at the entrance and started a 30-minute hike through the forest. Even with the abundant tree cover, we got warm and sticky. A clear opening with fresh water cascading over big boulders was a welcome sight.

We set up our base then leaped in, jumping from rocks, climbing higher up the falls, and finally relaxing under the sun to enjoy a picnic.

After a few hours, we headed home via a street market. Koh Samui, like most of Thailand, is filled with such places to buy fresh vegetables, meats, prepared food, and more. Our dinner was fried chicken, and I kid you not, it was better than any fried chicken I’d ever tasted, and that includes in Nashville. We licked our fingers and reflected on an awesome day.

What I’ve learned this week: it’s possible to make travel work for anyone. There are gorgeous hotels and resorts for people looking for a comfortable stay. There are restaurants and bars with seemingly unlimited options. There are shops where travelers can fill any material need. There are local people eager to share, hidden natural wonders, to explore, hostels to stretch a budget, street food to test your gut, and people from all over the world to meet.  The most important thing is to ask yourself what it is that you want to experience.

For me, I want to try new things and step outside of my comfort zone. I want to cultivate my independence and appreciate the beauty of this natural planet. If that sounds like something you’d enjoy, I recommend the numerous waterfalls on Koh Samui, and perhaps even navigating there independently!

I will spend the next few days exploring more of Koh Samui on Ms. Moped, and then I am off to Cambodia!

The post Finding Freedom in Southeast Asia appeared first on Journeys International.