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Responsible Travel Guide to Nepal

The following Responsible Travel Guide to Kathmandu is a guest post from Bianca at The Altruistic Traveler. For more wonderful travel stories and responsible tourism tips be sure to check out her blog!

In Nepal they greet each other using the word Namaste, meaning an acknowledgment of the soul in one by the soul in another. Namaste represents the energy that you feel when you visit this part of the world. Nepal is a paradise. The atmosphere, the landscape, the people – all that encompasses this great land was, for me, magical.

I met many a traveller who resonated with me on the idea that Nepal was truly a magical place. Their experiences unforgettable. Stories of conquering mountains, connecting with locals and indulging in hearty Dal Bhat, the staple cuisine with its roots in the Nepalese countryside.

Although this magical place has experienced its fair share of hardship over the past few years, the resilience of the people and the land is inspiring. From earthquakes to floods, sanctions and drought, Nepal stands strong, full of hope, opportunity and the kindness ingrained in it’s people.

When we see hardship, like that which Nepal has gone through, we often wonder how we can help, how we can make a difference. Luckily, we can help by doing what we love most: travel! Sustainable tourism can play a large role in our aid to Nepal, and in this article I’ll offer some guidance on social enterprises and endeavors which you can use to plan your responsible travel in adventure, should you ever plan to journey to the land of the Himalayas.

Sustainable Tourism in Nepal

Choosing an experience where you know your money is being invested back into the local community can make a huge impact on the lives of others. Whether it’s community-based tourism or ecotourism, many companies offer far more ethical alternatives than others.

Welcome to my Yard – The Welcome To My Yard tour is a walking day-tour of Kathmandu, with profits going to support the work of the organization. The social enterprise provides community-based support, practical education, training and savings schemes for at-risk youth and families in the community. Take a half day or full day tour through the backstreets of Kathmandu, finding hidden locations and local tips and insights from a Kathmandu resident.

Seven Women – Seven Women is an organization empowering women through education, skills training and income generation. Participate in a cooking class and tour of the Seven Women headquarters, where you’ll learn traditional Nepali dishes and fund training for women in hospitality at the same time! The organization also offers craft lessons and language skills training, each supporting the project’s mission. If you’re interested in joining them you can book a tour via their website.

Social Tours – is an award-winning social enterprise at the forefront of responsible travel in Nepal. They help facilitate impactful travel experiences with a focus on community-based tourism and an aim to create career opportunities within the local community. From adventurous treks in the Himalayas to local culinary experiences learning to cook Nepali food, Social Tours can coordinate responsible travel in Nepal for you

I Like Local – An online platform where you can connect with local guides or meet locals for unique travel experiences and activities. The website acts as a free platform to help locals offer their experiences to tourists. You can find all sorts of rare experiences on here, including trekking with a local, staying on a tea farm or making your own Nepalese souvenir with a women’s fair trade organization.

Ethical Eateries

Nepal has a number of restaurants that operate as social enterprises, giving visitors the chance to support local community projects while they dine. Here are a few of the best sustainable travel restaurants in Kathmandu.

Sarangi – This vegan and vegetarian restaurant provides job opportunities to the Gandharba people, one of the lowest ranking castes of Nepal. The profits from the restaurant are invested back into community projects helping to empower the Gandharba and support sustainable development in their villages.

The Cafe With No Name – This cafe tucked quietly in a small laneway in central Thamel supports the NGO Our Sansar, working to alleviate poverty and empower communities. Their project in Nepal focuses particularly on relieving the plight of street children through educational and skills training programs.

The Village Cafe – Located in Lalitpur, this cafe supports women’s empowerment by providing training opportunities to marginalized women in the community. The ingredients of the cuisines are grown and prepared by the women home-based workers of the nearby villages.

ROKPA Bakery – The ROPKA Bakery is located nearby the famous Boudhanath Stupa and works as a social enterprise funding ROKPA’s community projects, including child welfare, poverty alleviation and women’s empowerment.

Sustainable Shopping in Nepal

There are many places throughout Nepal that sell products that are likely to be derived from some sort of unethical labour. Choosing to shop fair trade in Nepal means that you are contributing to a future of fair wages and human rights for all.

Local Women’s Handicrafts – A fair trade textile and handicraft collective in Kathmandu, focused on empowering and educating disadvantaged women using sustainable methods. The shop, located in Kathmandu, offers a variety of products from clothes to bags and jewelry, all produced by women here in Nepal with profits invested back into local women’s community projects.

Timro Concept Store – Think one-stop-shop for all your fair trade needs. As many local producers do not have the funds or resources to have a shop in town, the Timro Concept Store is giving these producers a place to shine. Located in Jhamsikhel, the store showcases over 30 fair trade producers, with products that range from handicrafts, to apparel, and food based goods.

Kolpa Store – An environmentally conscious social enterprise in Jhamsikhel that sells locally made everyday household and personal goods. The store promotes handmade products and the three R’s – reduce, reuse and recycle, with profits from the store supporting the empowerment of women and the differently abled.

Dhukuti – A store located in Lalitpur, which sells hand crafted products from all over Nepal. The products are produced by the Association for Craft Producers under certified fair trade standards. The shop is perfect for finding gifts to bring home as they stock a range of products including cotton textiles, copper, carpentry, ceramics and more.

For more information on being a sustainable shopper, check out our Ethical Gift Guide! Full of amazing companies that help give back!

Eco-friendly Accommodation in Nepal

The environmental impact of the hospitality and hotel industry is quite astounding, so choosing a hotel or guesthouse that are eco-conscious can help reduce the impact you are making. Alternatively, choosing accommodation that has a social impact can also help to make your travels more responsible.

ROKPA Guesthouse – The ROKPA Guest House is located just a few minutes from the Bodhanath Stupa and is a hotel with a social impact arm. The profits from your stay at ROKPA will help to contribute to some of it’s major projects in Kathmandu, including health and education programs. The hotel trains and employs marginalized youth in the community, providing job opportunities in the area of hospitality.

CommunityHomestay.com – Community Homestay runs homestay programs all over Nepal as a way to generate income for marginalized families in remote communities. The social enterprise trains families in the area of hospitality, many of them run entirely by women. The homestays help to provide sustainable development, both economically and socially, to these communities with the aim to expand into more areas of Nepal.

Annapurna Eco Village – A family run mountain resort providing a traditional Nepali cultural experience with the comfort of modern day western style amenities. The Eco Village is working hard to reduce waste and provide alternative waste management systems in a region that is lacking in these types of resources. Read more about their environmental initiatives here.

Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge – An award winning lodge, renowned for their responsible tourism efforts that include sourcing local, organic food, supporting community groups and conservation efforts, and reducing their environmental impact. The lodge is also a member of Pack for a Purpose, a platform that promotes the concept of travel philanthropy.

How to Find a Volunteer Organization in Nepal

When traveling to Nepal you will generally meet two types of travelers, those who are trekking and those who are volunteering.

There is estimated to be upwards of 15,000* NGOs operating in Nepal alone, hence the number of volunteers entering the country to support development endeavors. While some volunteer opportunities are warranted there is much to learn about volunteering in Nepal before you decide to embark on a mission to “change the world”.

In recent years the concept of voluntourism has received a lot of negative connotation, especially in the area of orphanage tourism. According to Next Generation Nepal, an NGO working to prevent child trafficking, there are over 16,000 children living in “orphanages” in Nepal, yet at least two thirds of these children are not orphans. Traffickers are exploiting marginalized families in order to feed what has now, for some, become a lucrative business.

As a volunteer it is important to research before you consider volunteering in Nepal, and determine whether your time will in fact, be worth more than your money. Perhaps investing into local community projects, community-based tourism or supporting a reputable charity will make more of a positive impact than volunteering with vulnerable children.

Below are some resources to help you make your volunteer experience an ethical one :

Next Generation Nepal

Child Safe Movement

GivingWay Ethical Volunteering

If you have any more advice on responsible travel or volunteering in Nepal please drop us a comment in the section below.

5 Ways To Make an Impact As A Volunteer

This post is in collaboration with Lonely Planet and Go Abroad, who are giving away a $2,500 scholarship to volunteer abroad. Click here to enter.

Here at Don’t Forget To Move we usually don’t dive deep into my or Jules’ personal stories. We like to bring you all the info you need so YOU can go out there and travel for yourself! But every once in a while we like to pull back the curtain and tell you a bit about our personal history with travel.

When people we meet ask where our love of travel came from, I can point to a few specific influences in my life. First off, my parents, who instilled a sense of adventure and an ability to roll with the punches (ie. not plan anything, ever!) from a young age through spontaneous road trips and eventually international travel. Second, my semester studying Spanish in Spain (with a minor in drinking sangria and taking siestas). And third, my experience volunteering abroad, which I can say without a doubt, that it changed my life.

After years of volunteering at home, I knew I was ready to take the leap and give back to the world. My first experience volunteering abroad was in Guatemala. I was only a couple weeks into my first solo backpacking trip, and although I was having a fantastic time, I needed to plan something to anchor myself. As anyone who’s been backpacking can attest, it’s easy to get caught up in the party culture of hostels and backpacker bars. I wanted to give my trip a little more meaning and help in some minuscule way to improve the abject poverty it felt like I was seeing at every turn.

But you know what? I was kind of a crappy volunteer. I left my volunteer position early to get my Scuba certificate in Honduras. And most importantly I was focused on what I would get out of the experience. I thought about how the experience would affect me, help me ‘find myself’ and make my trip once-in-a-lifetime.

Sheesh… I was self-involved! The good news is, that after countless more experiences volunteering abroad, I’ve learned so much about how to make a deep impact as a volunteer. From seven months in Peru working on disaster relief, to seven months working with small community groups in Tacloban, Philippines after super typhoon Yolanda.

Read on to find out my 5 best tips on how you can make an impact as a volunteer… PLUS, we’ll explain how you can enter to win $2,500 towards your next volunteering experience thanks to GoAbroad and Lonely Planet!

1. Give as Much Time as You Can

One of the best ways you can be as helpful as possible to an organization is to commit to staying for as long as you can. The more time you can spend volunteering, the longer you’ll have to connect to the community, build important relationships, establish trust with local people and find your role within the organization. The longer you can stay, the more likely you are to be able to see projects through to completion or help get programs off the ground.

It can be tempting to try to squeeze in a one or two week volunteer experience during your backpacking trip. But if you really only have a short time, consider if it’s worth it for the organization to take the time and resources to train you for such a short time. It may make more sense to raise money for the organization instead and just visit for the day to see where your money has helped.

This tip is especially important if you want to volunteer with kids. With so many short term volunteers coming to help out at schools and day cares, it can be traumatic for children to develop relationships and then have their new friends constantly leaving them. Committing to volunteer for months at a time, or even a year, ensures you can develop meaningful relationships with children and avoid doing emotional harm.

2. See Where You Can be Most Impactful

These days it seems like there’s an endless option of volunteer opportunities, especially those that are paired with mini-vacations. You can do any type of program you want. Want to teach children how to make popsicle stick picture frames? What about teaching single moms how to hacky sack? Just because you are super passionate about something and want to share it with the world, doesn’t mean it’s a good fit for volunteering.

You really want to find a position that fits your skillset, as well as the needs of the organization. Even simple skills like editing English translations, helping with finances or cooking for large groups can be helpful! Pro tip: contact organizations directly to see what they need help with most. Some middle-man volunteer placement companies can be so thirsty for your money that they’ll place you in any position, even if it’s not very impactful.

3. Be Flexible

Volunteering overseas can be a wild rollercoaster of an experience. Besides the normal bout of homesickness, volunteering in developing countries means you may be dealing with culture shock, limited resources, and possibly a poorly managed organization. Stay calm.

As someone who has worked in the international non-profit world for the past 5 years, I can tell you that things are not going to be perfect. Projects may get delayed, you may run out of funding and volunteers might not show up when you most need them. Help out as much as you can if sh*t hits the fan, even if that means taking over someone else’s role or putting in extra hours.

4. Raise Funds

As rewarding as it is to physically be present at an organization, spending time on the ground, sometimes the greatest help you can be is by fundraising. If you’re from the Global North, (a “developed” country such as the US, Australia, the UK, etc.), chances are the dollar from your home country will go a lot further in the country you’re volunteering in.

As helpful as we are as volunteers, sometimes an organization just needs some seed money to really get off the ground. I’m not saying don’t volunteer. If you’re heart is calling you to a country to help out in person, GO! It can be life-changing for you and the people you help. But don’t stop there. One of the most impactful ways you can continue helping an organization is by fundraising when you get back home.

On a related note, don’t be afraid of organizations that ask for payment to volunteer. Being a volunteer is a drain on resources (food, housing, training, etc.). Paying volunteer dues is just another way you can support an organization! Do your due diligence that make sure the organization is transparent about where these funds go. Don’t have the cash to volunteer? Enter to win a $2500 scholarship to volunteer abroad! Details at the end of this article.

5. Be Humble

One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned after years of volunteering is to just be humble. As a university educated person, it was easy to get to an organization and think I knew all the answers. I studied Global Studies for goodness sakes, my whole major was dedicated to figuring out how to help the world!

But as it turns out, my college educated butt couldn’t compare to the knowledge and wisdom of the people who live life in that country every single day. They know what needs to be changed and the obstacles that are in the way to changing them. They know about the local economy, weather patterns and political corruption. The best thing I could do when I got to a new organization was to listen and make suggestions where I could. And I’ve learned more in my years of volunteering than I ever could in a classroom.

Now that you’re equipped with the tips and advice to be an impactful volunteer, its time for you to go out and do it yourself!

GoAbroad has joined forces with Lonely Planet to help make your dream of volunteering abroad come true! Enter to win $2,500 for your volunteer experience + a chance at weekly giveaways!

Contest open to legal residents of the US (all 50 states). Giveaway ends Nov 14th!

Central Oregon Road Trip Itinerary

Ever since we bought our van, Jules and I have been daydreaming about taking a road trip up the Pacific Northwest. From all our research this magical region seemed like the perfect destination to expand our adventure and sustainable travels in the United States! Of course Oregon was on our radar, with its scenic landscapes, fun cities and thriving beer scene. But as the pieces of our road trip began to fall into place, it seemed that our dream of cruising up Highway 1 would have to be put on the hold until another time. Thankfully something possibly even more exciting was in our future: Central Oregon!

Central Oregon may not sound as sexy as hitting the coast, but this route has plenty to see and do. With its gorgeous natural surroundings, Central Oregon is an outdoor lover’s dream. There’s really no ‘typical day’ for a traveler in this region; you could find yourself hiking scenic trails, rafting down rapids or belaying down a cliff face. At night, you’ll most likely fill up on a delicious meal made from local ingredients and polish it off with a beer brewed just down the street.

What made our road trip even more exciting was partnering with one of our most favorite brands: Kettle Brand Chips. Jules and I have been addicted to those tasty chips for as long as we can remember. I know what you’re thinking, what do Kettle Brand Chips have to do with road tripping through Oregon? Well besides being the tastiest road trip snack imaginable, Kettle Brand was actually conceptualized in a van in Oregon in 1982! That van became Kettle Food’s first delivery truck.

Now Kettle has expanded their operations just a hair, by working with farmers all over the States and selling their delicious chips all over the world! They’ve stayed true to their roots, though, and never compromise on keeping their manufacturing as sustainable as possible. From using biodiesel in their delivery vans and to solar power on the roof of their plant, to sustainable packaging, Kettle walks the environmental walk. They even partner with local nonprofits to help the communities they operate in. Can you say #brandcrush?

To inspire your own Oregon vanlife road trip, here was our Central Oregon road trip itinerary:

Crater Lake

If you’re coming up to Oregon from California along the Hwy 97, Crater Lake will likely be one of your first stops. Crater Lake is super easy to get to from the highway and makes for a fantastic afternoon detour for a picnic and a break from driving. The lake is located in its own national park (Crater Lake National Park) and is actually the deepest lake in the entire US.

The lake is extremely clean, which is visible in the water’s clarity and deep blue color. Crater Lake is considered one of the “7 Wonders of Oregon,” which is pretty impressive considering the state is filled with many natural attractions. Besides being an incredible backdrop for photography, you can also hike around the park or bicycle the lake’s rim.

Bend

Bend isn’t nearly as well known as other Portland cities, and it seems that locals are happy to keep it that way. Although rising in popularity with tourists, Bend still might be the best kept secret of Oregon. This little town is teeming with personality, from its quaint downtown to its hip restaurants and cafes. And we can’t write about Bend without mentioning one of its best attractions: beer.

Bend has a thriving micro-brewery scene that started in the late 80’s with the “grandaddy” of breweries, Deschutes. Now there’s almost two dozen local breweries, each with really different personalities. Want to spend the afternoon with the family outside, playing cornhole and drinking cold IPAs? Definitely check out Crux. Want something a little edgier, with a biker feel? Boneyard is your spot.

We hopped on the the Bend Brew Bus and got a tour (and taste) of some breweries to get our bearings the first day. One of our favorites was Bend Brewing Company where you can enjoy your beer in their outdoor area overlooking the Deschutes River. We recommend getting a beer sampler (six 2 oz glasses of whatever beer you want to try) and pairing with Kettle Brand chips of course! Just another perk of winning the grand prize van road trip: you can visit all the delicious breweries Oregon has to offer!

Smith Rock

Just a 45 minute drive from Bend is Smith Rock, a beautiful state park perfect for just about any outdoor activity you can think of. From rock climbing to stand up paddle boarding to, of course, hiking, it’s an outdoor lover’s paradise. Hell, we even saw a guy riding up and down the trails on a unicycle, getting pulled by his dog! Smith Rock is also a perfect spot for wildlife watching, with otters cruising down the Crooked River and golden eagles soaring overhead. Sunrise and sunset are particularly good times to visit Smith Rock, especially for photographers looking to capture the light pouring through the canyon’s rock faces.

Sisters

After spending the day at Smith Rock, you can head to the nearby town of Sisters. Another gem of a city in Central Oregon, Sisters is an artsy little town that is named for the nearby Three Sisters mountain range. Like neighboring Bend, Sisters has plenty to offer for outdoorsy types, with a variety of hikes to waterfalls, lakes and mountains. The town is home to several art and culture festivals and shops where you can purchase local handicrafts. If you’re looking for a bit of self-pampering, the town has several upscale lodges, spas and golf courses.

Lava Tubes

No, we don’t suggest tubing down a river of liquid hot magma. The Lava Tubes near Bend are actually a series of underground caves created by lava from the Newberry volcanic eruption. From ground level you’d never know that such an intricate maze of tunnels exists underneath. Not until you descend the stairs will you see how massive these cave systems are.

We explored the Boyd Lava Tube, which was easy to access and explore without a guide, but there are several other access points in the area. Definitely take a headlamp and a sweater, because it’s dark and chilly down there. At some point in your exploration, we recommend turning off all your headlamps to experience just how pitch black and eerie it is in the caves. These caves are unique to Central Oregon and are just another reason to explore the region.

Coos Bay

If your Central Oregon road trip is taking you over to the coast, a great first stop is Coos Bay. This fun city has a diverse landscape for all types of nature lovers. Hikers will love the waterfalls and viewpoints in the area. Those that prefer to spend a relaxing afternoon on the beach will enjoy the sand at Sunset Bay State Park. Thrill seekers can enjoy ATVing and other motorsport activities on the sand dunes. Local free concerts and farmer’s markets just add to the community feel of Coos Bay. This city is a great jumping off point to continue your road trip up north along the beautiful Oregon coast.

Whether you choose to travel through Central Oregon like we did, or you’d rather explore a different region of the state, Oregon is a perfect spot for a road trip.

Don’t Forget To Move has partnered with Kettle Brand to create this conversation! As always, we’d never endorse a product or service we didn’t fully trust and support. Trust us… we LOVE Kettle Brand chips!

6 Must Do Activities in Venice, Italy

Venice, Italy is often on the top of traveler’s bucket lists. With the romantic canals and plethora of fine dining, it’s no surprise why this Italian city is so popular. Although you’ll get a taste of Italian cuisine, history and art, Venice’s cultural and geographical traits make it incredibly unique in itself. Although Venice is small, there is lots to do and some great Venice tours to experience. That’s why it’s so important to have an itinerary ready so you can be sure to hit every spot without missing anything. Here are our top favorite activities you can’t miss in Venice.

1. Gondola Ride

Yes, it’s cheesy. Yes, it’s touristy. But can you really go to Venice and not ride on a gondola? Venice is known for its canals that criss cross the city and cruising on a gondola is the best way to see them. Gondola rides in Venice are pretty much exactly as you’ve pictured them in your daydreams- the gondolier, (aka the driver), sports the iconic striped shirt with a red handkerchief tied around their neck and straw hat on their head. Using their long oar, they’ll direct you through the Grand Canal, under bridges and past houses located directly on the water. Gondola rides are a once in a lifetime experience and one you’ll regret missing if you don’t take one.

2. Eat and Drink with the Locals

Venice is incredibly touristy and with the influx of tourists comes the expensive, inauthentic restaurants that line the main streets looking to shuffle patrons in and out as quick as possible. Luckily, you can easily avoid these tourist traps by researching where the locals eat and drink. Most tourists stick to a few main drags, and while there are some delicious restaurants in those areas, it’s best to get off the beaten track.

Osterias in the less chaotic Jewish quarter are some of the best in the city. If you’re a fan of wine, try one of the Bacari, traditional wine bars located through Venice. Don’t miss the Rialto Market where you can try local produce, perfect for grabbing supplies for an afternoon picnic.

3. Piazza San Marco

As crowded and touristy as it is, you can’t leave Venice without visiting St Mark’s Square. Located in the square are some of the city’s most iconic attractions- St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace, as well as the Campanile de San Marco (the plaza’s bell tower). Dating back to the 11th century, St. Mark’s Basilica is one of Venice’s most iconic churches. You have to pay an entrance fee to get in and wait in a long line, but it’s absolutely worth it. (pro tip: some Venice tours will let you skip the line and get in immediately).

The gorgeous architecture and Byzantine mosaics make it a visual wonder that shouldn’t be missed. Doge’s Palace is the former home of the Doge (the elected chief Magistrate of Venice). The palace is a symbol of the city and a icon of Gothic Venetian architecture. The Plaza itself is a great spot for people watching and feeding pigeons.

3. Burano

Although technically Burano is its own separate island, it’s only a short boat ride from Venice and a popular day trip. Burano is known as one of the most colorful islands in the world, with rows of houses boasting all colors and shades of the rainbow. Aside from being a photographer’s dream, Burano is famous for its artisanal lace making. You can pop your head in a local lace shop and hopefully get a free demonstration! Lastly, when the sightseeing works up an appetite, don’t head back to Venice without stopping at a local tavern to enjoy a delicious fresh fish meal.

4. Murano

Murano, like neighboring Burano, is another beautiful island close to Venice. Murano has earned its nickname as the glass island because of its famous glass making artesans. The history behind this trade started in 1291, when the Venetian Republic forced local glass makers to move to the island of Murano to avoid potential fires. Now the craft is the island’s main attraction for visitors, where they can see glass blowing demonstrations and take home beautiful souvenirs. The Museo del Vetro (glass museum) is a great place to start if you’re interested in learning more about the trade.

6. Get lost in Venice at night

Venice is gorgeous during the day, but even more spectacular at night. There’s something about the lights shimmering along the canals and couples taking a romantic moonlit gondola ride that makes you forget about the heat and the crowds, and lets you get lost in the moment.

Grab a gelato at one of the city’s many gelaterias (chocolate and pistachio is a great combo), and take a stroll through the cobblestone streets. Photographers will love the picturesque views of dimly lit plazas and serene bridges. Getting lost in Venice, day or night, is the perfect opportunity to get away from the crowds, explore where the locals live and shop, and have a serene moment to yourself to appreciate this truly remarkable city.

This article is a sponsored conversation between isango! and Don’t Forget To Move. As always, thoughts and opinions are our own and we would never recommend a product or service that we didn’t trust and fully support.

Share Your Favorite Places Around the World with Localini

This article is a sponsored conversation between Localini and Don’t Forget To Move. As always, thoughts and opinions are our own and we would never recommend a product or service that we didn’t trust and fully support.

As full time travelers, we’re often asked for recommendations and suggestions for what to see, do and experience all over the world. We’re asked about the best restaurants in Cuba, the best bars in Rome, the best tours in Budapest. And while we’re more than happy to share our favorite places around the world with friends and family, it’s not always that easy.

Unless we’re writing about a specific location for our blog, those favorite places are usually pushed out of our memories as we keep traveling. We’ve tried to organize our lists on notebooks, websites and apps, but nothing has been easy enough to record and keep our ‘favorites’ lists in one easy place. Enter: Localini. This new app helps you record and organize lists of your favorite places around the world. It makes it super easy to share with friends and family interested in learning about your trip or visiting themselves! Here are some of the features we love about Localini:

1. The Creativity

With Localini you’re not limited to “# Places to Eat in X City.” You can create a list of anything you want! Browsing other people’s list is a great way to plan a trip while thinking outside of the box. Here are some of our favorite unique lists: “Top 10 Dog-friendly restaurants in SF”, “Best Place to Shoot a Viral Video in NYC” and “Where To Find The Perfect Muffuletta in New Orleans” (what’s a muffuletta? We’re not sure, but you can bet we’re gonna find out!) The creativity of these lists allows you to share your favorite quirky places around the world, and to learn about random spots you’d never think to visit.

2. You Can Follow Your Favorite “Tastemakers”

When you’re sharing your Localini lists, you’re not limited to just sending them directly to your best friend or favorite aunt. Trendy “tastemakers” like Thrillist and Refinery 29 are already jumping on the Localini bandwagon! It’s really fun to enter the city that you’re visiting and see what pops up! These lists are a great place to start your trip planning.

Heading to New York? Check out Thrillist’s “Every Food You Need To eat in NYC Before Summer’s Over.” Planning a trip to New Orleans? The Culture Trip has you covered with their list of “The 5 Best Places for Fried Chicken in New Orleans.” You can follow these accounts so you never miss new lists that they put out. What’s even better, you can comment to let them know when you loved a place they recommended, or to tell them about a new spot they left off the list!

3. You Can Explore New Places in Your Hometown

Even if you’re not planning a trip any time soon, Localini can help you discover new spots in your own city. It gets boring going to the same restaurants and bars all the time. Why not try being a tourist in your own town and find recommendations from other locals and travelers? Checking out lists from tourists visiting your city for the first time can help you see your hometown through new eyes.

4. It Can Help you Decide Where to Go

Not every list is location specific. Trip Advisor’s list “2017 Traveler’s Choice- World Hotels” has compiled their users favorite hotels from around the world and put them in an easy to read list. If you’re planning a trip but still not sure where to visit, lists like this can be incredibly helpful. With photos, locations and a link to Google reviews, it’s easy to continue researching if you want to learn more.

5. The Maps Feature Makes it Super Easy

Forget trying to read your cousin’s scribbled map explaining where his favorite burrito spot in LA is. Localini syncs up to Google Maps on your phone and can give you detailed directions to anywhere on the list! Let’s face it, when you travel, Google Maps is a godsend. It’s saved our butts many time when we’ve started to wander into the wrong part of town. Being able to get directions to anywhere on your list makes it so much easier for yourself and travel friends you’re sharing your lists with.

6. It’s Not Just Travel

Yes, we’re travel-obsessed so we mostly use Localini for travel-related places, but the lists could really focus around any interests. Refinery29’s “Festival-worthy Dresses Under $100” or “Awesome Buys To Start The Month” are perfect for those of us that prefer to spend their money on dope new clothes for the summer rather than a vacation. You could use the app to find the best gyms in your area, or to compile a list of your favorite cafes to work from. The limits are endless!

Download the Localini app and let us know what your favorite feature is!

4 Tools To Keep You Organized On The Road

Anyone who has traveled knows how quickly even the most organized suitcases can go awry. By the end of the trip our bags look like small bombs have exploded inside of them, with clothes, toiletries and electronics mixed into one big clump. Slowly over the years, we’ve learned the key to keeping your bags organized: organization tools. There are some fantastic tools on the market that are perfectly designed to keep all of your travel accessories in their correct place. Here are our favorite travel organization tools:

1. ORGO

This handy accessory is perfect for keeping all your small stuff in a neat container. The compact case is filled with pockets, zips and compartments to fit your items. Personally, I plan on using mine for my toiletries and makeup (goodbye messy makeup bag crammed with stuff!) The best part (ladies are going to love this) is that the sides slide out and it fits perfectly over a sink. That means you can do your skincare and makeup routine without having to worry about losing your favorite eyeliner down the drain. You’re also left with more valuable counter space which can be hard to come by in cramped hotel bathrooms. Here’s how it works: You unsnap two buttons on the side, slide open to fit the sink area and then use all your goodies!

ORGO isn’t just for makeup lovers; it can be used for lots of different items. Art supplies, toiletries, electronics. One feature we love about the case is that the dividers can be taken out and rearranged to fit your items. It really does have endless possibilities! ORGO is also compact enough so that it barely takes up any room in your suitcase. You can easily pack clothes around it and zip up your bag without having to have someone stand on it. Finally you can get rid of your bulky organizers and have something that actually fits conveniently in your suitcase!

2. Packing cells

If you’re packing for longer than a week, these are life savers. Packing cells make it easy to separate and organize clothes so you don’t have to destroy your bag just to pull out that one pair of pants you need. The cells come in different sizes and are perfect for separating tops, bottoms, underwear, socks and whatever else you may be bringing. The mesh material on the top makes it easy to peek inside and see where everything is. They’re super lightweight so they won’t push you over the weight maximum on airplanes.

3. Cable organizers

Anyone who travels with gadgets and gizmos is familiar with tangled cables. Between our laptops, cameras, cell phones, e-readers and headphones, we’ve easily got a dozen cords roaming freely around our bags. Inevitably, they all seem to find each other and form some sort of cord super knot. The best way to avoid hours of untangling is to use cable organizers. These can come in different shapes and sizes, from small spools to wrap your cords around to snap ties that keep cables in place. Whichever method you choose, you’ll be glad that you invested in something to keep your pesky cables organized.

4. Passport holder

A small passport holder may not seem like a crucial item for staying organized on the road, but it can really be a lifesaver. Protecting your passport is important. After years of traveling without one, my passport was so banged up that it wouldn’t scan and I was also forced to go to a special immigration desk every time I entered a new country. Not fun. A good holder will protect your passport, as well as have extra slots for important documents like your itinerary, boarding pass or credit cards.

Organizers may not be the most exciting things you pack on your travels, but they can be absolute life savers. Traveling can be stressful enough, there’s no reason to add to that stress with a messy bag. With ORGO, packing cells and the other items on this list you’ll feel prepared before you leave, so you can focus more time on finding the best experiences during your travels and less on finding your toothbrush.

5 Reasons to Visit Sacramento with megabus

With the summer of 2017 coming to an end, many of us are itching to squeeze in some last minute trips before the weather cools. Last minute flights can cost an arm and leg and while road trips are fun, getting stuck playing chauffeur to a rowdy group or cranky kids can be exhausting. Luckily, there’s another option: megabus. Megabus has routes to more than 100 cities around North America with fares as little as $1! Seriously, $1? There’s no excuse not to travel!

Jules and I were itching for a little day trip to somewhere in California before taking off on our van road trip. We had a scope of the megabus website and found that Sacramento was the quickest and cheapest destination from San Francisco. We decided it was a perfect spot for a day trip because it’s only a couple hours away, but has plenty to see and do. We booked our tickets literally the day before (I told you it was last minute!) and started planning our 1 day Sacramento itinerary! After spending the day there, we can agree that it’s a fantastic destination for a last minute summer getaway. Here are our top 7 reasons you should visit Sacramento with megabus:

1. Sacramento is easy to get to

If you’re traveling from San Francisco, or anywhere in the Western US for that matter, Sacramento is a great choice for a day or overnight trip. It’s often overshadowed by locations in SoCal, but it has plenty to do. It’s only a short 2 hour trip from San Francisco and leaves from SF’s train station, so if you’re coming from outside the city, you’ll be able to get to the departure spot easily. If you’re coming from out of state, it’s pretty cool to see CA’s capitol and learn about the State’s history. If you’re not traveling in California, no worries! You can search your travel dates on the megabus.com website and easily find affordable trips near you!

2. You can get something done while you travel

If you’re anything like us, the last part of summer is crazy hectic. There always seems to be a million things to do, so taking a last minute trip isn’t always easy to squeeze in. Luckily riding a bus gives you the opportunity to get some stuff done on the way to and from your trip. Pack your laptop or phone to crush some emails and get that inbox to zero! Or, if you’re like me and get nauseous at just the thought of reading in a bus, chuck your headphones in and listen to a podcast or your favorite music. Take the time to give yourself a much needed relax at the end of a busy summer.

3. A different neighborhood for everyone

Sacramento is a perfect destination for a big group of friends or family with different interests, or just if you want to see a lot of different areas in one day! The city has unique neighborhoods for every taste and interest. Old town is perfect if you have an affinity for the wild west and want to learn more about the city’s history. It’s a particularly fun area for kids because there are lots of old Western shops and saloons. Downtown Sac is where the action is, politically speaking. There’s definitely a buzz in the air, knowing that huge government decisions are being made just down the street. Twenty and thirty-somethings looking for a hipper neighborhood will enjoy Mid-town Sacramento. Midtown has a very cool vibe with hip restaurants, cafes and bars, and every second Saturday of the month there’s an art walk with food, drinks, live music and, of course, art!

4. Breweries

One of the best things about taking the bus is that you don’t have to worry about having too many drinks to drive home. Although not as famous as other beer meccas in the Pacific Northwest, Sacramento is home to some really delicious bars and breweries. We stopped at local favorite Burgers and Brews for lunch and a cold one. With 44 beers on tap, and a few more rotating seasonally, there’s no shortage of brews to sample. The bar is stacked with local beers, with most coming from California and Oregon, as well as all the way from Belgium. By the early afternoon the place was packed with people, a sure sign of good food and brews. Other options for beer drinkers include Coin-op, a bar + arcade combo, and bike tours that take you to different breweries around the city! The best part is knowing you have a safe and comfortable ride home at the end of the evening.

5. Plenty of outdoor spaces to soak up the last of the summer sun

If you’re heading to Sacramento for a last minute summer trip, you’ll want to spend most of the day outside. Luckily Sac-town is usually very sunny, so it’s a perfect opportunity to get the most out of your summer dresses and short shorts! Outdoor lovers will enjoy the endless activities like floating down the Sacramento River or biking the American River Trail. Those that want to go at a slower pace can walk around the lovely State Capitol Park. Don’t miss the beautiful International World Peace Rose Gardens located inside the park.

Although our time in Sacramento was short, it was a perfect destination for a day trip from San Francisco. The city is unique and has plenty to do and see. It’s unique enough to really make you feel like you’re experiencing something new and small enough so you can get to know the city fairly well in just a day. We’ll be keeping an eye out for more affordable fares for quick and easy getaways! Check out the megabus route guide to find affordable fares in your area, as well as what to do around each location!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of megabus.com. The opinions and text are all mine.

4 Unique Philippines Travel Destinations

From the beautiful beaches to the lush jungle, there are an infinite amount of different trips you could plan for your Philippines travel itinerary. Each trip will take you on a journey through incredible landscapes and amazing hospitality, but depending on what time of year you go, some locations may be crowded with tourists. These four unique places are a bit different from your standard Philippines travel destinations, but you’ll be sure to beat the crowds. From the hanging coffins of Sagada to swimming with sea turtles near Dumaguete City, you won’t be disappointed by these Filipino gems.

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Siargao

The Philippines has no shortage of beautiful islands (over 7,000 in fact!), but not all of them offer the same range of activities as Siargao. Siargao is still a relatively underrated island, so you won’t face the same influx of tourists as Boracay, although it’s rapidly growing in popularity. The best time to visit Siargao is during the low season for the rest of the Philippines, making it the perfect complement to any itinerary.

Although somewhat challenging to get to, the natural beauty makes it absolutely worth the flight. With its world class waves and laid back vibe, the island has become somewhat of a surfer’s paradise. There are a plethora of surf breaks that will appeal to all levels. But there’s still plenty to do for non-surfers as well. You can go island hopping to off shore islands in the area, check out the lagoon and mangroves, relax on the warm white sand, or grab a board and take a surf lesson. Hey, if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em!

Puerto Galera

If you’re coming to the Philippines to dive, Puerto Galera is your spot. The island has over 40 dive spots, with some of the country’s best diving. From the gorgeous Coral Gardens, where you can see vibrantly colored coral reefs, to Shark Cave, where you can see white tipped sharks, there are a variety of dive spots depending on your interests.

Non-divers can enjoy one of the island’s beautiful 30+ beaches, with local favorites being White Beach and Sabang. Puerto Galera is always perfect for families with plenty of resorts and activities to do outside the water, as well. Hiking to beautiful local waterfalls for a picnic is a great afternoon activity. The island also offers a good nightlife scene if you’re looking to have some fun after the sun goes down.

Dumaguete City

Dumaguete City may not be the first choice for things to do in the Philippines, but this university town is a great jumping off point for local sites. The city itself is the bustling little center of the Negros Oriental region and has plenty to see and do. Walk the Rizal Boulevard along the ocean and stop at one of the many seaside cafes and restaurants. Visit one of the city’s churches and museums to learn more about the local culture. Once you’ve had your fill of Dumaguete City, it’s definitely worth exploring some of the local attractions of the region.

One of our favorites is nearby Apo Island where you can snorkel with sea turtles. The waters around the island have been protected as a marine sanctuary and it’s one of the few places you can swim with sea turtles right off shore. There is also excellent diving available in Apo Island. There are plenty of other beaches around Dumaguete City including the very popular Manjuyod white sandbar, as well as plenty of waterfalls in the area.

Sagada

If you’re looking for something a bit different from the island life, Sagada could be the perfect stop on your Philippines itinerary. Sagada is a remote mountain town and during the months of November to March, it’s a welcome cool relief from the heat of the rest of the country. It’s not easy to get to, but if you can withstand the windy, bumpy roads, you’ll be in for a real treat.

Sagada is famous for its “hanging coffins,” which is a traditional burial method where the dead are placed in coffins that hang off the side of mountains. As morbid as it sounds, visiting these coffins is actually a really interesting glimpse into the local culture. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to do in the area, including hiking, swimming and rappelling through the local caves. Watching the sunrise at Mount Kiltepan is also another local treasure as it boasts incredible views of the sun rising over the Cordillera mountains.

Each of these unique Philippines travel destinations offer something a little different and would be a perfect addition to any travel itinerary. If you’re looking to book a tour package, check out Philippines Travel Package. Yoav, and his team of travel experts, can arrange tours and transportation to all of these destinations and many more!

This post has been sponsored by Philippines Travel Package. However, as always, all thoughts and opinions are our own. We would never recommend a product or service we didn’t trust and believe in.

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6 Ways to Afford Travel: Our Best Tips

Travel is expensive. We get it. After years on the road we’ve felt the pinch of having to watch our wallets. Luckily we’ve now built a business around traveling. In fact, for us, it’s more expensive to stay in one place because we literally get paid to travel. But we understand that this lifestyle isn’t viable for everyone. Not everyone wants to be on the road forever. Most people want to take a few short, but meaningful trips a year. Or perhaps you’re saving up for that big year long trip of a lifetime. Either way, it’s going to cost you. Thankfully, over the years, we’ve acquired some helpful tips that can help you get some much needed cash and save money for travel. Here are our favorites:

Travel to Cheap Countries

Our most recommended tip is pretty damn simple: travel to cheap countries! Sure, who doesn’t want to sip cocktails in an overwater cabana in the Maldives? Unfortunately those cost $500+ per night. You and your partner can travel for a week or more while backpacking in South America for just the cost of one night of accommodation! And traveling to cheap countries doesn’t mean you need to slum it. There are plenty of luxury locations that will keep you on budget. $5 dollar massages in Thailand come to mind…

Take a “Workcation”

One of the biggest catch 22’s of traveling is that not only are you spending money while traveling, but if you quit your job you risk not earning money for a while! Luckily remote working is becoming a huge trend and more companies are allowing their employees to take “workcations.” There are plenty of “digital nomad” hubs popping up around the world that are perfect if you’re combining work and travel. These spots, like Chiang Mai, Thailand or Medellin, Colombia, are filled with cafes that are perfect to work from by day and restaurants and bars perfect to play from at night! Plus you can take day or weekend trips to nearby locations for adventure! Have a chat with your boss about how taking a workcation can be profitable for the business. It’s alllll about how you spin it!

Get Creative

If you’re trying to save up money for a big trip, you may have to get a little creative. We’ve all seen those GoFundMe accounts of people trying to raise money for their trip. And while it may be a bit obnoxious to ask your friends and family for money so you can travel, there are creative ways to fundraise for your trip. Think about how you can give back to people who help you support you. Maybe you’ll run errands for your family and friends for a couple months or make a kick ass short documentary about a country to share when you get back. Figure out your strengths and capitalize on those.

Sell Your Stuff and Rent Out Your Home

If you feel like you’re just not making money fast enough, consider selling some of your stuff. If you’re going on a long trip you probably don’t need that new TV or even your car. Use platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Ebay and Gumtree to list items that you no longer need when you’re on the road. If you’re traveling to a developing country (see: tip 1), chances are you’ll come back realizing you don’t need all that junk you have in the first place!

Another great way to save up some cash is to rent out your place while you’re gone. If you have an apartment, consider subletting it or putting it up on Airbnb so it doesn’t sit empty and you earn a bit of cash while you travel. Getting set up as a host is super simple and all you’ll need to do is hire someone to come and clean the place once the guests are finished. It’s a great way to supplement your travels and be on the road for longer.

Take out a Personal Loan for Travel

If you are saving money, but just feel like it’s not happening fast enough, you may want to consider taking out a personal loan. With lower interest rates than credit cards it’s better than expensing your whole trip on the AmEx. Those looking to take out a personal loan for travel should consider going to a credit union.

Credit unions are owned by their customers – their members- meaning they’re focused on supporting their customers compared to banks who are purely in it for the profit. For Australians, People’s Choice Credit Union offers reputable personal loan options with competitive low rates. Of course, if you are taking out a personal loan, remember to only take what you know you can repay. You want to be realistic about your financial future. Just because you’re approved for a large loan, doesn’t mean you should charter a jet to a private island for the week. Create a plan for paying your loan back as soon as possible!

Never taken out a loan before, and don’t know how it works? People’s Choice Credit Union helps you break it down with their super simple personal loan repayment calculator. Simply input the amount of money you’d like to borrow, set the amount of time you’d like to pay it back in, and the calculator will do the rest. This calculator will help you easily understand exactly how much you need to repay each month, for how long and the total amount of interest you’ll pay. No need for hidden fees and unknown costs, if you’re taking out a loan to travel you should know exactly how much you’re going to need to pay back.

Traveling doesn’t have to be expensive, but there’s no denying that you’ll need some money to get started. With our helpful tips we hope everyone can get out and see the amazing world that we live in. And who knows, we might even catch you someone along the way for a beer!

This article contains an affiliate link with our partner, Airbnb. When you click the link to sign up as a host we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. We have used Airbnb for years and absolutely recommend them. As always, we would never promote a product or service we didn’t personally use or support.