What's in this issue?
TRAVELER REPORTS
Travel News For Travel People
Brendan Sainsbury hopes to see Africa just as he pictured it - strange, alluring and undiscovered. Providing, of course, that he survives the bus ride. Read More
It took Tanalee Smith four years of living in Cairo to make it to a Moroccan hammam - but after she visits one, it's only two weeks before she goes back! Read More
Howard Furst recounts his first trip to Machu Picchu more than three decades ago, and the changes to the Peru since. Read More
Scared of Syria and the Middle East in general? Jeff Vize gives us the truth about Syria. Read More
Bert Brun heads to Costa Rica thinking that he may invest in a resort - however, after a rough ride, a new bus may be a better use of his funds. Read More
Go to all the new BootsnAll articles »
WHERE NEXT?
New frontiers for modern-day explorers and independent travel
Remember a few years ago when only a handful of backpackers had visited Vietnam? Remember in the early 1990s when the Czech Republic was still unexplored? What about when Turkey was still a hidden gem close to Europe but full of travel potential?
This new section, Where Next?, is dedicated to helping independent travelers find those new destinations around the world. Our aim is go a little bit farther, traveling no path, and help lead you to destinations that aren't in guidebooks or on a travel circuit.
First Stop: Pogradec, Albania
It's hard not to be led astray by Albania. Travelling here is like finding an unopened bottle of single malt in the back of the cupboard when you are looking for something else - it's an unalloyed joy; it's like waking up on Christmas morning and finding that not only has it snowed but the tree is loaded with unexpected presents and everyone is at peace. Its landscape is poetic; its people are sincere and polite.
Read more about Pogradec, Albania
Know a hidden destination that you would like to share with other independent travelers? Email court@BootsnAll.com and tell her a place you would like to nominate for our newsletter.
TRAVEL PEOPLE
Interviews with people on the cutting-edge of travel
Interview with Brian T. Mullis
President, Sustainable Travel International
President of Sustainable Travel International, Brian Mullis shares some tips with BootsnAll on responsible tourism. Sustainable Travel International is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting responsible tourism,supporting sustainable development and helping travelers and travel providers protect the environments and cultures they visit.
Brian shares some tips on on how responsible tourism is about getting more out of your travel experiences by giving back to the environment and the people you meet.
According to Sustainable Travel International, those interested in traveling responsibly should:
Research alternatives, learn about the places you intend to visit, and support tourism that is not harmful to the environment or well being of local people.
Eliminate barriers and make meaningful connections with local people. Walk or use public transport whenever feasible. Pack small gifts for new friends.
Be culturally sensitive. Respect the values, customs and beliefs of local people. Foster a greater understanding of their culture and their environmental issues.
Generate economic benefits. Buy locally produced goods, become a patron of locally owned businesses, and enhance the well being of host communities.
Be environmentally friendly. Conserve natural resources when traveling just as you do at home. Offset your carbon emissions from airline and land travel.
Make positive contributions to the conservation and preservation of natural and cultural heritage and to the maintenance of the world's biodiversity.
For more information on responsible travel, visit Sustainable Travel International.
BOOTSNALL TRAVELBLOGS
Endless amounts of travel news, thoughts, opinions from BootsnAll bloggers on the road
Check out some of our newest travel blogs!
Don't forget, if you're about to head off on an extended trip and you've just got to have one of your own, talk to us about getting your own Travel Blog. All you need to do is make sure you're a BootsnAll member and we'll take care of the rest.
Sign up for BootsnAll membership here »
Check out the BootsnAll TravelBlogs »
TRAVEL TALK
A travelers community for ranting and raving about world
Places Everyone Has To See Before They Die
Every traveler seems to know a hidden gem that is a must-see before you die. BootsnAll members rant on their favoritie pics - everything from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe to Dubrovnik in Croatia to Iguazu, Machu Picchu.
Superstitions around the World
Never stick chopsticks straight up into food in China. Never light a cigarette with a candle in Germany.
Never eat a watermelon and then drink milk in Paraguay. Some of these may be true, some may be a bunch of malarky, but these are just a few of the trillions of superstitions and taboos around the world. Check out this great read.
What Should Be in Your First Aid Kit
Independent Travelers have all kinds of advice for First Aid Kits. What do you think are important items? Anti-bacterial gel? Band-aids? Aspirin?
FEATURED TRIP - The Amazon
With the the biggest tropical rainforest in the world, the Amazon Basin is perhaps like no other place on earth - a modern day Jurassic Park. Home to some of the last rare species and plant life left in the world - the Amazon is where explorers, biologists, and capitalists come to discover and exploit her mysteries. BootsnAll World Adventures has a host of very affordable small group trips to the region. If you are interested in more information, just fill out our form, and our adventure specialist will get back in touch with you.
Information on trips to the Amazon
TICKET DEAL OF THE MONTH
Check this baby out! For only US$1499 you can hit Thailand, India, Europe and even a Hawaiian island. Not bad. Chicago - Honolulu - Bangkok - Delhi - London - Chicago
For more information, please visit our Deal of the Month
