Colliding Continents

Monday, February 16, 2009

The Two Faces of A Green Initiative

The Jakarta Post reported that environmentalists determined the population of Sumatran Orangutans has been reduced to a mere 6,500 in the wild. The primary cause being the loss of habitat due to deforestation for palm oil plantation, hunting and illegal trafficking.

It has been suggested that an eco tourism strategy be taken in order to combat the decimation of the orangutan population. It is interesting to note that the primary cause of this unfortunate situation (deforestation) is fueled by the production of basic consumer goods (cooking oil, soaps, detergents etc.) but even more so now with the aggressive moves western nations have taken towards alternative energy, specifically biofuels.

The primary use of palm oil may not currently be for biofuel but the demand for biofuels has created more of a demand for palm oil. This in turn increases the price of the palm kernels making them more profitable and consequently leads to more deforestation. I believe that eco tourism is a powerful tool that can be used to save what is left of the planet but, like all tools you have to want to use it before it is too late. In addition, we have to understand the basic laws of supply-demand and the consequences associated with it.

The orangutan population has been in decline for a while now and it seems that the Indonesian government doesn't care at all. With the price of gas as low as it has been lately I cringe at the thought of how profitable palm oil is, now more than ever.

From one traveler to another; If you have ever been to Sumatra, cherish those memories and images of lush green forests teeming with life.

Written at 7:29 PM by Sebastien.

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Friday, February 06, 2009

Joe's Jeans Winners!!

The Results Are In! I have my top 5 Joe's Jean's winners. Thanks to all that submitted their photos. The first five of the following images are the winners of a free pair of Joe's Jeans and the images following win 50% off discount to Joe's Jeans online store!

Written at 2:59 PM by Sebastien.

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Travel Advice From the Travelscape

I decided to reach out into the Travelscape and asked the travel 'pros & gurus' in the online space to send over a piece of advice (or two) for my beloved readers. I think that you should not just get advice from one traveler, its like visiting just one country, mix it up I say! So here it is, a compilation of several pieces of travel wisdom from around the globe....make sure to check out their sites!

Rob, of Explorer Travel - Check visa requirements in plenty of time, you don't want miss your trip because you don't have your visa issued in time.

Brian, of Visit the Coqui suggests you start a Caribbean cruise in Puerto Rico rather than FL - get to see more islands (less time at sea).

Leah M. Smith of The Thoreau Traveler says to always travel during shoulder seasons. Rates are lower, crowds are smaller, the experience is better

For international flights, always pack 1 t-shirt/underwear/socks pair in your carry-on bag. If checkd bag gets lost, you’ve got some leeway....AND...Tear out guidebook pages of those destinations you’ll actually need. Leave the rest of the book at home - Jeff Ward, Savvy Navigator

Save money and don't take taxis waiting at train stations. Instead call for one recommended by a train station employee. Also, eat in-season foods and order the meal/dish of the day. It's usually fresher, cheaper and tastier. And the chef will be happy! - Nate Long, Visit Florida

Jenn Garcia from The Purple Passport recommends to keep a copy of your passport at home with friend or fam- if anything happens, they can scan or fax to you!

Barbara Weible of Hole in the Doughnut says - Forget about travelers cheques, especially in third world countries. They are almost impossible to cash. Instead, rely on ATM's, which are available even in the remotest locations and spit out the local currency, saving you the trouble of finding a currency exchange shop.

...and my tip:

When backpacking for a prolonged period of time, take some dried foods (beef jerky, dried fruits etc.) and duct tape them to the inside of your pack. This way you will always have something to nosh on if the going gets tough.

Written at 9:44 AM by Sebastien.

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Wednesday, February 04, 2009

Traveling Coastal and a Beach filled Vacation

Beach trips are the highlight of any summer no matter how old you are. Taking the day or week off from work or school and escaping to the coast or a lake for the day is one of the most popular ways to decompress from a stressful life. But what’s better than a day at the beach? How about 2 days at the beach?! Planning an overnight beach trip adds a whole new element to the average beach day trip. Now along with enjoying the surf, sand, and company of loved ones; you also get to spend a night under the stars.

However, an overnight beach trip requires a bit more planning than then a simple day trip. Sure you’ll need the basic staples of any trip to the beach, but you’ll also need to plan your evening accordingly. You want to make sure you have everything you need to help insure your trip goes off without a hitch. The point of a beach trip is to relax, not to stress out over forgotten items and lackluster sleeping arrangements.

For starters, you are going to need the basics. What day at the beach would be complete without a few beach toys? Frisbees, tennis balls, footballs, and any other aquatic play thing you can think of will add fun and excitement to any beach trip. You can only lie in the sun for so long before you’re going to need a little exercise. If you’re bringing small children with you don’t forget the pale and shovel. You’re going to want to keep the little ones busy while you soak up the sun.

You’re going to need to stay well nourished and healthy during your trip as well. Be sure to pack plenty of snacks and water for your trip. You’re not going to want to be stranded in the hot sun without any food or water. Staying hydrated is especially important when you are spending extended amounts of time in the hot sun. By the same token you should also protect yourself from the sun’s rays with some sun block. What good is a day at the beach if you spend the next day so sun burned that you can barely move? Have a friend or loved one apply sunscreen evenly to your back and shoulders to keep you protected where you need it most.

In terms of sleeping arrangements, be sure to plan ahead of time. If you plan on spending the night, you don’t want to be scrambling to find a place to sleep come sundown. If you are allowed to camp out on the beach then you’re going to want an air mattress. Sleeping on sand can wreak havoc on your back without the proper support. Pillows and blankets are also essential. Temperatures tend to drop once the sun goes down and you don’t want to be left with only a damp beach towel to keep you warm at night.

Night time fire pit gatherings can add a whole new aspect to your beach trip. Sitting around a bon fire, toasting marshmallows, and sharing stories is a great way to make the most of your summer nights. Just make sure fires are allowed on the beach before you start one. Many public beaches frown upon bon fires for safety reasons, but there are still several that allow for such activities. Some beaches may even provide you with a fire pit to help keep your flames safely contained.

Above all else make sure you pack a positive attitude and are ready to have a good time. Beach trips are one of the best parts of the summer and making the most of your trip is essential. You should strongly consider bringing a camera to help capture the good times you are sure to have during your trip. There’s nothing worse than having the time of your life and not having any photos to look back fondly upon.

Written at 10:43 AM by Sebastien.

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