Choosing where to travel is the first big decision we make when planning a trip, and selecting a destination that prioritizes sustainable tourism is a great way to do your part as a responsible traveler. By supporting destinations that prioritize environmental protection, economic justice, and respect for local communities, you can help maximize the positive impacts of tourism while enjoying meaningful, sustainable experiences. Of course, no destination is 100-percent sustain

With more than 400 wineries, 18 unique American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), and nearly 60,000 acres of vineyards within its borders, Sonoma County, CA, knows wine. Dozens of grape varietals are grown within the region, meaning there is something for everyone, whether you’re searching for a bold Cabernet or a refreshing Viognier. In recent years, there has been a push to ensure the long-term sustainability of Sonoma viticulture. Environmental changes driven by climate change, l

Carlsbad Caverns National Park, located just outside Carlsbad, New Mexico, just might be one of the most other-worldly places on this planet. It is a mind-boggling, fantastical product of millions of years of geologic forces, climatic change, and water working together to sculpt the landscape. Today, visitors can experience the spectacle of the caverns by journeying deep underground. Read on for a complete guide to visiting Carlsbad Caverns National Park as well as recommenda

Look at a map and you’ll see Stocking Island tracing a thin line off the eastern coast of Great Exuma. Despite being located just a short water taxi ride from George Town, the largest town on Great Exuma, Stocking Island is a wild, eco-adventurer’s playground. Powder white sand beaches, towering seaside cliffs, coral gardens, blue holes, and lush hiking trails await those in search of an eco-adventure. The island even boasts its own national park, Moriah Harbour Cay National

Tourism (n). A big, messy, all-encompassing web of complex economic, social, political, and cultural elements that includes everything from cruises to homestays to bike tours and countless experiences in between. As travelers, we tend to step in and out of the world of tourism, entering when we embark on vacation and exiting when we return home. Yet, for millions of people and dozens of countries around the world, tourism is everpresent. In 2019, it was estimated that the tra

Coral reefs ring the islands, old wrecks play host to schools of brightly colored fish, and shy sea turtles poke their heads above the surface as you sail by. Dry Tortugas National Park is a remarkable place. Located about 70 miles west of Key West, a cluster of islands sits isolated from the development and crowds of its eastern cousins. Called the “Dry Tortugas” for their abundance of sea turtles and lack of fresh water, the islands were first added to marine charts when th

Whether you’re looking for a quick healthy lunch, a post-hike beer, or an unforgettable fine-dining experience, these eateries do not disappoint. Mammoth Lakes, CA, is truly an outdoor adventurer’s paradise. Mountains, lakes, and rivers abound, providing endless opportunities for hiking, fishing, boating, mountain biking, trail running, skiing, and more. You can easily spend hours exploring and not even scratch the surface of what the region has to offer. Of course, there is

If you’re looking forward to exploring Sonoma, CA, by bike, springtime is the perfect time for a visit. When to Visit: Sonoma, CA is blessed with good weather year-round. If you’re looking forward to exploring Sonoma, CA, by bike, springtime is the perfect time for a visit. The mornings and evenings are cool and daytime temperatures typically stay in the 70s and 80s. If you time your visit right, you’ll enjoy fields full of vibrant yellow mustard flowers and spring blooms aro

Whether you’re normally a meat-eater or a devout vegan, the restaurants on this list are so good it’s unreal. Portland, OR, knows how to eat. The city is a legitimate smorgasbord of culinary options. From the colorful bakeries of the Alberta Arts District to the glittering wine bars of downtown, there is something for every type of diner. Given the city’s bent towards a progressive, environmentally-minded culture, it’s no surprise that Portland delivers plant-based options in

For a relaxed road trip with unbeatable scenery, follow Highway 1 south through Big Sur from Monterey to San Luis Obispo, CA. Highway 1 is known to be one of the most scenic roads in the world, especially the stretch of narrow highway that meanders along the cliffs through Big Sur. Big Sur is beyond picturesque. The Santa Lucia Mountains run down to meet the Pacific Ocean where dark, rugged rocks jut up from milky, turquoise water. It's a wild and remote slice of space on an

Tucked in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountains, Santa Fe offers a charming blend of urban cool and outdoor adventure. The city, New Mexico's capital, was officially founded as a Spanish colony in 1610 and the central plaza, winding streets, and adobe buildings harken back to a different era. Now, there are too many art galleries and boutiques to count, meaning one could easily while away a week popping in and out of storefronts. For those less interested in art, pu

Sandwiched by the Rio Grande and towering peaks, Taos serves up a bounty of art, solitude, and hot springs. Taos, New Mexico, may be small but it manages to attract the attention of travelers of all types. The raw beauty of the New Mexican high desert, from the towering Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the gaping gorges of the Rio Grande, captivates and entices a diverse array of visitors, from artists and skiers to mountain bikers and art collectors. While there are endless opp

A sweet little town with loads of coastal charm, a healthy dash of history, and endless outdoor activities. Visitors come from near and far to soak up the sights, sounds, and coastal charm of Monterey, CA. Situated on the edge of the expansive Monterey Bay, Monterey is truly a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts and nature-lovers. You can spend your day sailing, fishing, surfing at Asilomar, scuba diving in the kelp forests, biking or jogging along the Coastal Trail, bird-watching,

Tucked in the shadow of New York City, northern New Jersey is often overlooked by visitors who flock to the city that never sleeps. Add to that the stereotype that New Jersey is home to nothing more than aggressive drivers, strip malls, and urban sprawl, and it's easy to understand why New Jersey doesn't make it on to many peoples' bucket lists. Yet, skipping over northern New Jersey in favor of more well-known destinations would be a mistake. Northern New Jersey is a pleasan

New Orleans, LA, is infamous for many things: Mardi Gras, the Sazerac, blues, beignets, and jazz. It is a city rich in history, art, music, food, and a diversity of cultures. It is also a city that is defined by its unique natural environment. The city rests at the mouth of the vast Mississippi-Missouri River system, making it one of the country's most important port cities. And while its placement was economically and politically strategic, the city has has both contributed

Let's talk about the 'travel self.' What's a 'travel self,' you ask? You know, it's that version of yourself that comes alive as soon as you hear the word "vacation." It's that version of yourself that can feel so elusive in your normal, everyday life. Maybe your 'travel self' is a little more carefree, a little more open-minded, a little more observant. Maybe you'd describe your 'travel self' as a little more lazy or indulgent (ain't no shame in that!). Your 'travel self' pr

I grew up in Santa Cruz, California - the land of chilled out surfer bros, mountain hippies, political protests, environmentalism, and jaw-dropping, gorgeous nature. The Santa Cruz of today is a little swankier, a little more polished, and a lot more crowded but still offers a stunning array of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to ride through the redwoods on a mountain bike or cruise through the kelp forests in a kayak, Santa Cruz has something for every outdoor ent

Many of us retreat to the trail when we need a little bit of peace and quiet. These days, however, trails can sometimes feel like a highway at rush-hour and quiet can be hard to come by. Uncontrolled crowds can also cause serious damage to the wild places we love to visit, so consider stepping off the beaten track for your next adventure. Taking the trail less traveled is not only good for you but also for the places you visit. 1. Look beyond National Parks. If you're looking