partners
A convinced LOCAL tour operator
There are several ways to identify what I call niche tourisms and LOCAL is just perfect. Unfortunately many naïve tourists are still attracted by big groups and being passively transported to places. Price is certainly an issue and this kind of mass tourism can be perceived as affordable. However, what do they learn? Whom do […]
Go local in Oaxaca, Mexico, during the 2011 Responsible Tourism Fair
From January 30 to February 5, 2011, the Mexican city of Oaxaca will host an unconventional, unconference – the Responsible Tourism Fair. Now in its 11th year, it is a veritable model of the Local Travel Movement and Slow Travel. “Most importantly, the fair will also be a lot of fun,” said Ron Mader, founder […]
New tunnel in iceland – opportunity or threat?
We have big news for all those interested in travelling in Iceland. October 2nd 2010, a new tunnel opened in the north of Iceland, connecting the northmost village Siglufjörðurwith Ólafsfjörður. Now, what does it mean in practice for YOU, an explorer of Iceland, living up to the values of local travel? 1. On your way […]
Travel like a local in Europe with your iPhone
Spotted by Locals, a network of travel guides by handpicked locals in European cities, has just released iPhone applications for each of its 33 destinations. Check out for example the Amsterdam application in the Appstore. Find the apps in other cities by searching for “Spotted by Locals”.
The unknown Naoussa, Greece
If you search the net about Naousa or Naoussa, Greece, you will probably only find information about Naousa in Paros Island. There is, however, another Naoussa: a lovely little town in Imathia, Central Macedonia, the land of the ancient Macedonian Kings. Naoussa, just 90km of easy road from Thessaloniki, is a great place if you […]
Local food: a culinary world tour
When it comes to life’s simple pleasures, food definitely ranks near (if not at) the top of the list for most people. It’s probably fair to say that the way to a whole nation’s heart is through its stomach, so finding out what makes a country tick is often as simple as checking out what […]
Thinking globally makes local tourism a heartfelt choice
Sometimes it takes a global village to help the one just down the road. For Fundación En Vía of Oaxaca, Mexico, that means not only reaching out to touch the lives of a nearby community through microfinancing loans and free English classes, but sharing the experience with people from all over the world who would […]
Bringing local to a global audience in Darjeeling, India
I personally believe that there is a difference between a tourist and a traveler. On the one hand, a tourist visits a country, a monument and checks the box: India – check, UNESCO World Heritage Sites – check. On the other hand, a traveler seeks experiences. Yes there will always remain a bit of that […]
Thoughts about Local Travel in Colombia
As globalisation takes over in most industries – a phenomenon to which tourism is no stranger – it is fundamental to connect people to what is really important and unique about a place: Its culture, the idiosyncrasies of its people, the traditional food. One should even go further and show international travellers how local people […]
Going underground
Vicky Baker, freelance journalist and author of www.goinglocaltravel.com/ has written a nice article for Overseas magazine about Local Travel. A small extract: Making a stand against the prescribed, impersonal and well-trodden tour groups is part of a growing trend known as “local travel”. Although some travellers have been putting thes ideas into practice for years, […]