Reflections of a Curious and Mindful Traveler

Approximate Read Time: 4 1/2 minutes  This conversation * fascinates*  me.  How do you define the term 'traveler'?  How do you define the term 'tourist'?  Are they different?  If so, what makes them different?  Do you see these as positive, negative, or neutral terms?  Why does this conversation matter? Catavina Boulder Field, Baja California, Mexico. July 2017 When I was studying abroad in Baja California, Mexico the first discussion we had as a group was about 'tourists versus travelers'. Even though I am an avid traveler, this was not a question I had ever thought to ponder. However, when asked, I had very definite opinions.  I wanted to be seen as a 'traveler', because I felt that 'tourist' had a negative connotation to it. I do not know where I got this impression from, but it was firmly in my mind. However, here I was, a day and a half into my first study abroad experience, and I very much felt like...

Approximate Read Time: 4 minutes "To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted." ~Bill Bryson Joshua Tree National Park. October 2018   Hello! Welcome to my little corner of the world. It is cozy here, but also full of adventure! You've found the inaugural post of this blog. Let's look at some essentials.....  So, who am I? My friends call me Kel. I work a desk job by day, am a tango dancer and rock climber by choice, a lover of travel, and a student always. Currently,  I am in a graduate program studying conservation biology. My focus is Ecotourism, empowering mindful travelers, and encouraging global citizenship. Wait…. what does that mean? Ecotourism, as defined by The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), is “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the envir...