Regenerative travel: What is it?
How we might find a little peace as we explore this summer
Aloha friends!
I’m fresh off my first truly regenerative journey to Hawaii. I’m excited to share more news about how I crafted this trip, what activities we engaged in and more. In the meantime, check out this regenerative travel explainer to help you understand a bit more about this beyond sustainable travel trend.
Check out our adventures on Instagram
My sons charged toward the turquoise waters of Waikiki Beach, Honolulu. Sun diamonds reflected off the cresting waves. Drake’s voice crooned through someone’s portable speaker; a young couple sang along as the sea licked their toes.
Fastening my bodyboard leash on my wrist, I noticed the water looked thicker than normal, less sudsy. I stepped closer only to realize someone’s Styrofoam cooler had fallen apart. Plastic pellets littered the sand, surfing into the ocean with each wave. My older son hollered for me to check out the leaping dolphins, but as much as I wanted to dive in, I detached my board, grabbed a bag and started cleaning up that beach.
As an environmental activist, I can’t ignore the trashing of a planet I love. Yet my itchy feet — I’m also a veteran travel journalist — make a stationary life impossible. I used to believe striving for sustainability was good enough, but after a trip to the Great Barrier Reef, I saw firsthand that climate change isn’t theoretical, and I (we) have to do better.
For the rest of the story, click here.
This week’s action
Happy summer to my incredible northern hemisphere community, and happy winter to my southern hemisphere friends!
This week, I have a fun challenge. For those of you going on holiday in the next couple months, integrate one aspect of a regenerative trip to your itinerary. Plant enough trees to offset your carbon footprint, or volunteer in the community. Stay at a locally owned and operated accommodation—nope, Airbnb doesn’t count. Eat locally grown and served food. You get the gist.
And then give us ideas by sharing your experiences with us here. Leave a comment or tag me on social media!
As always, get outside and do something nice for yourself.
~Michele