#5 Ways to Make Your Travel More Meaningful in 2023

[thedalatribune]

© Paolo Dala

Blaze A Trail

This year, resolve to get out on a path that reveals a lesser known destination or that brings a fresh perspective to a beloved favorite. The new, 250-mile Trans Bhutan Trail lures trekkers from this enchanting country’s famed Himalayan peaks to outlying regions with its dense forests and ancient fortresses. Other recently created trails span Armenia; circumnavigate Prince Edward Island, in Canada; and explore medieval Alpine history and culture around Zermatt, Switzerland.

Heather Greenwood Davis 5 Ways to Make Your Travel More Meaningful in 2023

[drarryspecificrecsdaily]

2024.02.13

Complete fics posted on AO3 this day

1. Home by Animamundi [G, 1k]

►Draco watches as Malfoy Manor burns.

2. I Double Dare You by Reloumi [E, 8k]

►Living in Romania was a great way to decompress and think after the war, and Harry found himself thriving as he looked after the dragons with Charlie. It was time to go home, though, to see his best mate and have the best stag do ever before Ron married Hermione. It's just a little shocking what a difference a year can make, and who your best mate now considers a friend. And why does this friend still need to be so goddamn attractive?!

3. I love you, Draco by Fumeko_Jubami [E, 2k]

►As Harry sat at his desk in the Ministry of Magic, staring blindly at the pile of paperwork in front of him, he took a sheet of paper and his eyes drifted to look at the date. A sudden realization hit him. It was the 13th of February, just a day before Valentine's Day.

4. Late Night Talks by @vinylfoxbooks [T, 3k]

►Harry has express permission to leave at night as long as Remus or Regulus are able to back up that he was with one of them, and he uses that to his advantage of getting some advice when it comes to Draco.

5. Moving Fast by Bbiicee [M, 1k]

►Draco and Harry meet again at a party. They immediately fall in love and immediately move in together.

6. The Stag and the Dragon: The School of Witchcraft and Wizardry by Jesse_James [T, 180k]

►On the night of October 31st 1980, in an attempt to subvert prophecy, The Dark Lord Voldemort launches a pair of attacks to rid him of the one chosen to defeat him. But when one fails, the world is changed forever. But in this universe, things are different. The rules are not always the same. And things will not always be as we remember. And with a different choice made with a young orphaned Harry's future, the consequences of this one act will echo across fate. Meanwhile, in a different family, another boy struggles against what he is, and what he was born to be. All while his father seems to orchestrate more than just his life.

---

Fest/Exchange

1. Knot Your Average Coworkers by @thecouchsofa [E, 22k]

►Harry makes a bunch of unintentional knotting jokes while an increasingly baffled Draco is driven insane. ★ Knot Another Writing Fest: Knot Again 2023 | @hpknotfest

---

Anonymous

1. Enclosed is a Memory & The Memories [M, 20k, 2 works]

►Draco's Azkaban sentence is reduced to house arrest, and Harry leaves the country to travel abroad. What was meant to be only one letter to return a wand turns into another, and then another. A gift exchange born from politeness becomes more meaningful, until the gifts are memories and feelings begin to bloom between them.

[macflorendo]

THANK YOU to life!

This is my Eulogy.

First. I would like to thank Life and God for giving me the opportunity to live and experience a taste of this world.

TO MY FAMILY. Thank you for raising me well. I am not me without any single of you. I may not express as much as needed but I want you to know that I LOVE YOU. See you soon!

I may not be the best son, not the best brother. I don’t wish to be one but I would like to believe that we are destined to be the way we are. Well, that’s where I learn from my lessons from anyway - all my mistakes.

TO THE ENVIRONMENT. I am so proud to have joined Cuernos de Negros Mountaineers Club, Inc. of Silliman University for teaching me how to love the environment. Because of that, I was able to travel to 5 countries (USA, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand) for FREE to attend different environmental programs and its alumni engagements.

Aside from being able to see different parts of the world. I am fortunate to learn that there is a problem that we need to do something about. Our children’s lives are at stake.

-

MUSIC, MAGIC, & MOVING PICTURES. MY PASSIONS. I cannot thank you enough. We have been through the happiest and most difficult times of my life. When there’s no one else to talk to and hang out with, you were there.

You even got me jobs!

-

SOUTH KOREA. You are my second home country. You made me realize that I am part of the world, a global citizen. There is the potential of anyone to make a difference even to another individual in the world. Thank you Silliman University and Hannam University for this opportunity!

I am happy I am able to learn Korean so I could understand you. Now, I am giving back by learning your language too. South Korea is beautiful. I know most of you are tired of the pressure in your country. But please, never forget your passions and purpose. There’s more to the world than getting a “good” job and lots of money.

-

EVENTS.

2011 - Moved to Dumaguete to study in Silliman University, Dumaguete City. I lived in Vernon Hall inside the campus, lived in an apartment for summer class, and then lived with mom and sister until I graduated.

2013 - I was exchange student to Hannam University in Daejeon, South Korea. That was my first time abroad. I took up Korean Language classes, Faith and Film, and Advance VIdeo Production Class. I taught English to students during my free time and that’s where I got my allowance.

2015 - I became an academic fellow on Environmental Issues under Young Southeasts Leaders Initiative. We went to Hawaii, Colorado, and Washington DC.

- I founded Food Rescue Philippines (formerly Food Rescue ASEAN)

2016 - I graduated Cum Laude from Silliman University.

March 2020. There’s an ongoing virus called COVID-19 infecting people around the world. Who knows what will happen next? We will not be always safe. I live in a dorm, I live with other people. They may be carrying the disease. I hope not. I have one roommate who still goes to work at this time. I hope he won’t bring the disease in the dorm. There’s currently 187 infected patients in the Philippines and recovery rate has not moved at all.

July 2020.  COVID cases are not easing down here in the Philippines. I heard stories of the government just making money out of this situation…

2021 - 2022. Met the worst person in my life. But thank you for making me wiser and way better.

MARCH 2023 - I got hired as Food Rescue Supervisor at Scholars of Sustenance. This is a dream come true. I used to bike and work with volunteers for this advocacy but I now work with a bigger organization that can create more impact.

JULY 2023. I will be turning 30 in 2025. I want to focus on meaningful and valuable work. I also want to create opportunities for myself and others to grow financially, and spriritually.

- 

I am happy that I have experienced many jobs. I realized that I can do so much more, and at the same time, I know I will have options when any career I would choose won’t work.

-

LOVE. Love is a BURST of emotions that happen in your body. That feeling is temporary. When choosing a partner, remember BURST.

B - Believe in each other.

U - Understand each other.

R - Respect each other.

S - Support each other.

T - Trust Each Other

-

MEANING OF MEANING

Meaning starts with ME. Everything you do should start and would meaning something to you.

MEAN has three meanings.

1. what do you mean to say

2. you are so mean

3. what does it mean

MEANING is present tense. Is it something that you currently do. It should be something that you are doing now.

-

A MESSAGE TO MY YOUNGER SELF/TO MY CHILDREN/ TO YOUNG PEOPLE:

1. Exercise more. Play more.

2. Get long hair and donate.

3. Grow a beard! (DONE)

4. Talk to more people. (ALWAYS)

5. Go to more places. Be more adventurous. (BE MORE SPECIFIC)

-

A MESSAGE TO MY FUTURE SELF:

1. Hope you are still doing what you love; performing really good magic, doing something for the environment, helping people, and sharing what you know.

2. Stay fit.

3. Be financially secure.

4. Always learn.

5. Network more. Meet more people.

6. Don’t work for a boring company with boring people.

-

TRAVELS

Countries I traveled to..

2013 - South Korea - Seoul, Daejeon, Busan, Chuncheon, Okcheon, Jeonju

2015 -  USA - Hawaii, Colorado, Washington DC

2015 - Singapore

2015 - Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur

2016 - Thailand, Bangkok

2016 - Cambodia, Siem Reap

2017 - South Korea - Seoul, Daejeon, Pohang, Busan

2020 - Japan - Osaka, Nagoya

2022 - France - Paris

2023 - Thailand - Bangkok

PHILIPPINES

1. Zamboanga

2. Dumaguete

3. Manila

4. Cebu

5. Davao

6. Iloilo

7. Palawan - Puerto Princesa

8. Baguio

9. Tagaytay

10. Bohol

11. Siquijor

12. La Union

13. Zambales

14. Dapitan

15. Bacolod

16. Boracay

17. La Union

18. Pampanga

19. Bulacan

To be continued…

Edited 5/9/2019

Edited 10/2/2019

Edited 3/18/2020

Edited 3/29/2020

Edited 7/23/2020

Edited 9/6/2021

Edited 1/1/2022

Edited 4/14/2022

Edited 7/11/2022

Edited 7/1/2023

[painandfantasy]

new comings

since my last post here I ended up taking some measures to change my perspective of life, my habits and how I've been dealing with things

I've started going to the gym, and it has been really good for me to feel alive again. Who would think that lifting weights and making my heart pump faster could be good for mental health? What a coincidence. We started couples therapy (we're on our way to Den Haag as I write this), and it has been nice, too. Alona is always bashing me there, so I sit quietly, listen, and try to take something back home to work with. I haven't read the book the therapist offered me yet, though, but I try to keep the journal she asked me to. Last week I went through a bunch of Dutch integration exams for my next step as an immigrant: get my Dutch passport. I am at this stage going through what is called the "inburgeren" process, where I need to pass 5 exams (listening, reading, writing, speaking, and dutch culture knowledge). So far I've already passed reading, listening, and Dutch culture knowledge. Waiting to see if I'll pass on writing and speaking as well. Now, this requires me to renounce my Brazilian citizenship, given that the Dutch government doesn't allow a naturalized citizen to hold two nationalities. I'm particularly okay with that, but I feel like that is becoming more meaningful to me than just a piece of paper. As I've spent years writing on this blog, I know that I never fit into Brazilian culture. I love the food and love the people (very few of them), but I never really felt like I blended well, and now after 7 years of living in Dutch society, I truly feel like I forgot how it is to be fully Brazilian. And by that, I mean: being loud, touchy, extroverted, trying to get myself surrounded by people and family, sugar-coating my opinions and dissents with fake-ass meaningless glitter, and just not caring about anyone or their feelings. I feel like I came to live abroad with a not-so-good perspective of what it was to be Brazilian, and now I'm renouncing my citizenship with a fortified and proven perspective that we, as Brazilians, are terrible global citizens. We don't care about anything or anyone; we just fake it. We love the good moments, even if they are at the expense of others' feelings. And we learned that that is okay. And anyone that feels bad because of this is either weak, too dramatic, or simply a pussy. In my 2023 post here, I wrote the following:

Mas eu sinto que cada ano que passa eu me afasto um pouco da minha familia e amigos da minha terra natal. Existe ainda uma proximidade, e eu faco muito esforco pra me manter presente, mas nao eh reciproco… Eu sinto que se eu parar de fazer o esforco, eu vou perder a presenca, hoje minima, de muitas pessoas que eu considero e tenho grande carinho sobre.

And now, in August 2024, I'm coming to the realization that nobody cares about you. Literally, nobody cares. They pretend. Whenever you need them, like truly need them, they won't be there. None of them. Neither your family, neither your brothers or sisters, or people you've called best friends for the past 16 years. I'm coming to the realization that Alona is my only and true family in this whole world, as of now. It might change in the future (I don't think it will, but it is a reality). I've saved 10k EUR to pay for a trip for my brothers and father to come to spend some quality time traveling. I said I'd pay for everything. Literally everything: plane tickets, housing, food. I've even paid for my younger brother's passport while also leaving him an extra because he sucks at managing his bills. They all shitted in my head. Joao Pedro got pissed with me because I asked him which dates would be comfortable for him to travel, and apparently that was too much for his overloaded head. Thiago said he can only do a week or two, which is ok, but also didn't make any effort to sync in a date with me. My father ghosted me in multiple situations and tried to convince my mom to come in an effort to save his fucked up marriage, which I honestly found pathetic. All my friends and family always blame it on the money that they don't come over. I believe that to be a lie at this stage. They just don't want to do it. They don't care; they never did. They believe I am the one to blame for being the one to go away. At this stage, I'm absolutely sure that if I don't make any effort to keep my presence, I'll just become a memory. And honestly: maybe it is time for this all to become a memory. Maybe it is time for me to forget how to speak my mother tongue, to stop visiting my family, and stop visiting brazil and my friends. Until the past year, I thought the only reason I had to go to Brazil was for my friends. This year I can fully tell you I have no reason whatsoever to ever come back to Brazil. Nobody cares about it, so why should I? In a year and a half, I'll have spent more time in Amsterdam than I've spent in Vila Velha. I guess that chapter is over, forever.

[madhukumarc]

Why is blogging so popular?

Blogging has become extremely popular in recent years, and there are several reasons behind its rise to fame.

Let's dive into why blogging has become such a sensation.

Do you know? - “Blogs give people a reason to come to your site beyond the marketing. They also give a way to publicize your authority. A high-quality blog (i.e. well written, engaging, topical posts) has a good chance to go viral, creating more publicity, more visits, and a wider reach” – Level343

Blogging Popularity:

1. First and foremost, blogging provides a platform for individuals to express themselves and share their thoughts, opinions, and experiences with the world.

It allows people to connect with others who have similar interests and engage in meaningful conversations.

Whether it's fashion, travel, cooking, personal finance, fitness, or more, there is a blog out there for everyone.

2. One of the main reasons why blogging has gained popularity is its accessibility.

With the advent of user-friendly blogging platforms like Wix, WordPress, Squarespace, and Blogger, anyone can start a blog without any technical knowledge.

This democratization of content creation has empowered individuals to become content creators, fostering creativity and diversity in the blogosphere!

Image Source - Writesonic

3. Another factor contributing to the popularity of blogging is its potential for monetization.

Many bloggers have turned their passion into a profitable venture by partnering with brands, running advertisements, doing affiliate marketing, or selling digital products.

This has attracted a wide range of individuals, from stay-at-home parents looking for a side hustle to aspiring entrepreneurs seeking financial independence.

“Blogging is an attractive and creative outlet for sharing your unique perspective. Besides adding value to your audience, blogging helps you turn your passion into income through several monetization methods” – HubSpot

4. In addition to monetary benefits, blogging also offers personal growth opportunities.

By consistently writing and sharing their ideas, bloggers enhance their communication and writing skills.

They also develop a deeper understanding of their chosen niche and gain valuable knowledge through research and exploration.

Blogging can be seen as a form of self-improvement that allows individuals to develop their personal brand and establish themselves as experts in their field.

5. Furthermore, blogging has proven to be an effective tool for building an online presence and establishing credibility.

In today's digital age, having an online presence is crucial for personal branding, career advancement, or even starting a business.

Blogging enables individuals to showcase their expertise, connect with like-minded professionals, and network with potential employers or clients.

6. Remember, search engine optimization (SEO) plays a significant role in the popularity of blogging.

Well-optimized blog posts can rank high on search engine result pages (SERPs), driving organic traffic to the website.

This increased visibility not only helps bloggers reach a wider audience but also boosts their credibility and authority.

“Blogging isn’t useful if you aren’t keeping tabs on performance and reader engagement. Identify the metrics you want to track, review the analytics regularly, and make data-driven decisions to optimize and maximize your blogging efforts” – SmartBug and rockcontent [Report for 2023]

7. Lastly, the Generative AI revolution has made blogging accessible to individuals who may have considered it challenging before.

These tools facilitate easy content creation, breathing new life into the world of blogging.

Use of AI by Bloggers:

Image Source - Orbit Media Studios [Bloggers Survey 2023]

In conclusion, blogging has gained immense popularity due to its ability to provide a platform for self-expression, accessibility for content creation, opportunities for monetization and personal growth, effectiveness in building an online presence, AI influence, and the benefits of SEO.

It's no wonder that blogging has become such a sensation in today's digital world.

So if you've been contemplating starting a blog yourself, now is the perfect time to dive in and experience all the benefits it has to offer! Remember to play the long game for the best results.

Here's related information that you may also find helpful  - Affiliate Marketing vs Blogging

[fandomsideworks]

Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows, Amazon Luna

Third-Person POV

Fantasy/Adventure

I am impressed at how much I ended up disliking this game.

Tedious. Dear God, was it tedious. The levels are stupidly big, have very few distinguishing landmarks to figure out where you are/have been, are unnecessarily complex (and there is no map, so have fun with that), and you're gonna have to explore them pretty thoroughly if you want to find all of the murals and spirits and shamans that you have to awaken (all of which are required to platinum the game).

There are jumps you have to complete to move to different areas, and sometimes if you screw up the amount of time it takes to correct it is ridiculous. Even once you get the Spirit Dash ability the fox does not move fast enough to make the travel in this game less obnoxiously tedious.

Making this worse was the janky controls. Sometimes you try to jump and just somehow get caught in the ground, botching your attempt. Sometimes the fox just doesn't jump when approaching a ledge. Don't even get me started on the parts where you have to do very specific maneuvers through wind tunnels or water spouts.

This game was released in 2019, and yet there is STILL a borderline game-breaking bug at the end of chapter five: You have to destroy a plague tether, but the game will not let you use the Spirit Howl to do it. You stand next to it, it prompts you to press the button, but it just doesn't work. I should mention to that you have to do this in Spirit Form, which only lasts a few seconds.

So you attempt this about fifty times, go on YouTube, and eventually find out that the solution is to close out the game and come back- which will then load you into the environment as if you'd destroyed the plague tether, allowing you to progress.

Again: I am playing this in 2023, nearly four years after Spirit of the North was released- fully updated, fully patched. And they have not fixed this bug.

It's also worth mentioning that there appears to be some sort of glitch related to this one, where sometimes the game does not count this towards the ultimate "clear all the plague tethers" trophy.

The controller, by the way, did not stop vibrating after I got the fox's spirit powers. (i.e. chapter 2). And there is no way to toggle it off in-game. I mean, long, continuous vibrations as long as the game was running.

There is no meaningful story here. Once upon a time, there were humans. And then they all died because plague. Now fox spirit must restore life to the world.

Sounds similar to Okami, right? There's even a skin you can unlock in-game that looks like Ammy's. Except that it lacks its charm, and... Just about everything else that made Okami special: The characterization, the unique artwork, the world full of lore... It just doesn't hold a candle to it.

The only slight emotion I felt was watching the fox limp through the cave early on in the game after being injured. And even then, that sadness was quickly overrun by irritation because of just how LONG they drag out the slow, limping walk through that level. Any positive emotion that this game might provoke gets overridden either by boredom or aggravation at the controls.

It's boring, frustrating, and again- tedious. I've played plenty of "walking simulator" games, like Abzu, Beyond Blue, Everybody's Gone to the Rapture, What Remains of Edith Finch, etc. Abzu was a good example of what this game could have been, if they'd tightened up the map and diversified the environments a bit more.

The fox is cute, the environments are kinda pretty (they get old fast, though), and the music is nice. Those are the only compliments I have for this game.

2/10

[godolcevita]

Planning the way!

[vinuthna28]

In class writing exercise

January 19, 2023:

List 3-5 "worlds" (cultures, communities, landscapes, industries, philosophies etc...) with which any of your patterns of consumption connect.

One world that my pattern of consumption connects with is the cultural world which is India. Most of my pattern is connected to India and my childhood there. I would connect it with the culture of my childhood and how I tried to fit into my culture along with my sisters. I missed out a lot on my country and I felt at home when I was there. I can never forget that feeling.

Another world that connected was Minnesota. When I was in India I had to travel a lot by metro rail transit. It reminded me of travelling from downtown to University when I get on the wrong bus. It was always adventurous and scary if I take the train from downtown because my parents said not to do it, but I still do it. When I was in India, I felt happy that I can use my knowledge of metro rails there and take my mom and sisters to different places.

The last one I could think of is a whole new world for me. I never did any documentation for anything in my life. For the first time, I filed my own visa and the required documents. I realised I should start doing my own paper work instead of depending on my father.

January 24, 2023:

What do you enjoy the most about unboxing? or seeing something being unboxed? Select a quote from the reading and discuss how it might relate to your answer above. What are some ways you could represent/covert that experience into a meaningful activity/ experience/ strategy/ collection?

I enjoy the unboxing videos because of the experience the YouTubers present when opening the box. Most importantly it gives me an exact view of what the product is going to be, and whether is it going to be useful to buy it. And sometimes I watch the unboxing videos because they give us some coupons to buy the product at a discount.

"Framing design in this way moves the focus from the physical artefacts of design (the letterforms, the page, the book, and so on) and shifts attention to the behaviours and experience their forms make possible." (David & Hunt, 2017) Imagine there is an unboxing video that's on youtube when a person starts to watch the video, the first thing they see is the box and what is the box, how is designed and everything. The second thing they notice is the expression and how youtube reacts to the product, for instance, is the product good or bad, worthy or worthless and more that.

I could make unboxing videos to represent the companies and be honest about them. It will be really useful and also profit for the companies who make the products.

January 31 - February 2, 2023:

part 1:

What are your thoughts about the varying strategies for reducing food waste due to cosmetic imperfections? Which of the following strategy did you like the most initially? Which of the following strategy did you think is the most effective? Would knowing the undersides of some strategies change your thoughts?

the most i remembered is about the local survey conducted to see what type of potato can be used to make what dishes. In the survey, it was clear that "ugly potatoes" were used in all types of dishes. The only reason why they don't buy it is because of it imperfect look.

Each technique has pros and cons, and the success of each depends on a number of variables, including consumer behaviour and the availability of infrastructure for food redistribution.

I would personally like to buy "ugly" food for a low price. that way, i could be happy about price and also use it some way or the other. I think this strategy is effective too. Everyone has a mindset of "saving money, enjoying more". So this strategy would be more appeasing for the market. Thought in the survey, only half of the people said they would buy the "ugly potatoes" for low price, in reality, most people would buy it atleast in the following weeks. For example, in summer, cub foods have a corn sale for 5 for a dollar or something like that. And at the end of the day, most of them are sold. They are imperfect in few ways but consumers buy it for the low cost.

March 21, 2023:

In what ways can personality tests be used to identify and define our demographics? How can we generate information that helps designers make decisions for their target demographics? Can personality types be used as an accountable indicator equivalent to common indicators such as age, income, and education? Why or why not? How can we use it in the design industry?

Personality tests can be helpful to some degree to help designers find out the target demographics. Generally, most of the time, same personality type people think alike but also differently sometimes. If we categorise the same personality type, we can achieve their basic needs easily through design. No, I don't think personality type can be an accountable indicator for common things such as age or education. For age, everyone will be of different ages and still think the same and have the same personality type. Even an introvert can have a PhD degree, and so can an extrovert. Being an extrovert or an introvert doesn't change education, age or income. Personality tests can be used to find a perfect audience in the design industry.

March 30,2023

A) What were some of your considerations?

Instead of saying,

changed the colour to look modern

Try saying,

changed the colour because as per the article in dopleycolors, it is stated that people are associated to think that cool colours represent cool scents and warm colours represent flowery scents.

Instead of saying,

changed the shape to look modern

Try saying,

changed the shape because humans are associated with thinking that round and tall bottles are for woman's perfume, at the same time, square and sharp bottles are for men's perfume.

Instead of saying,

changed the packaging to look sexy

Try saying,

changed the packaging to align with human psychology. a sudden change in things upsets humans, so instead of an unusual shape and pattern, it should be more of something we already know, so it is easily grabbable.

B) What were your pulls?

which direction is your project going towards? It is more inclined towards Market-pull innovation. What were your design changes pulled by? Which forces? Is it more based on meaning-making pulls?

Yes, it was designed based on the problems based on taking personal makeup products over a certain limit to the airport. Most perfumes aren't allowed in airports, so changing it into a roll-on and thinner than before would work for travel purposes.

It is a familiar design as it has been in the world for ages but almost going extinct. But for the packaging, there was no package. it was only available in large bottles without packaging. I took inspiration from my childhood scent bottles. It was smaller than a palm size but really powerful smell.

[travelsense-asia]

Sustainable Travel: A New Way to See the World

Travel has the power to inspire, connect, and transform. But beyond the beautiful landscapes and cultural experiences, our adventures carry a lasting impact. Every trip can either uplift or strain the destinations we visit. By adopting sustainable travel practices, we can ensure that our journeys protect the planet, support local communities, and create a positive legacy for future generations.

What Is Sustainable Travel?

Sustainable travel, also known as responsible tourism, is about making travel decisions that reduce environmental harm, support local economies, and respect cultural heritage. It’s not just about minimizing negative impacts but also about actively contributing to the well-being of the destinations we explore.

This approach encourages travelers to think beyond their personal experiences, considering how their choices affect the environment and the people who call these destinations home.

The Rise of Sustainable Tourism

Between 2020 and 2023, Google reported a 191% increase in searches for “sustainable travel.” This surge reflects a growing awareness among travelers who are seeking more meaningful and responsible ways to explore the world.

Why Sustainable Travel Matters

Tourism is a double-edged sword. While it boosts economies and promotes cultural exchange, it also contributes significantly to environmental degradation and resource depletion. The tourism industry accounts for roughly 8% of global carbon emissions, driven largely by transportation and energy-intensive accommodations.

In popular destinations like Bali, the pressure of over-tourism is evident. Resorts and tourist facilities consume vast amounts of freshwater, leaving local communities with limited access. The influx of visitors during peak seasons overwhelms infrastructure, raises living costs, and strains natural resources.

By traveling sustainably, we can mitigate these challenges, ensuring that tourism remains a force for good rather than a source of harm.

How to Travel Sustainably

1. Avoid Over-tourism

Over-tourism not only damages the environment but also diminishes the quality of life for residents. To combat this, consider visiting less crowded destinations or traveling during off-peak seasons.

This not only eases the burden on popular spots but also allows you to experience a more authentic and peaceful side of these destinations.

2. Adopt Slow Travel

Slow travel emphasizes quality over quantity, encouraging travelers to spend more time in fewer places. This allows for a deeper connection with local cultures and environments, creating richer, more meaningful experiences.

Research shows that 83% of travelers now prefer this approach, which also helps reduce the carbon emissions associated with frequent, short trips.

3. Respect Local Cultures

One of the joys of travel is discovering new cultures, but it’s essential to do so respectfully. Learn about local customs, traditions, and etiquette before you go.

Support cultural preservation by participating in traditional activities and purchasing locally-made crafts. Respecting the social fabric of your destination enriches your experience and helps preserve its unique identity.

4. Minimize Plastic Waste

Plastic pollution is a global crisis, with single-use plastics being a major contributor. Travelers can play a role in combating this issue by adopting sustainable habits.

Carry a reusable water bottle, utensils, and shopping bags. Choose accommodations and tour operators that prioritize waste reduction. Vietnam, for example, has made strides in reducing plastic pollution through various eco-friendly initiatives, setting an example for sustainable travel practices.

5. Support Local Economies

Travelers can make a significant impact by directing their spending toward local businesses. Stay in locally-owned accommodations, dine at neighborhood restaurants, and purchase souvenirs from local artisans.

This not only stimulates economic growth but also helps preserve the cultural and social fabric of the community. Supporting local economies fosters a deeper connection between travelers and their destinations.

6. Choose Ethical Wildlife Experiences

Wildlife tourism can be both captivating and harmful. A 2015 Oxford University study revealed that many tourists unknowingly support practices that exploit animals, such as elephant rides and tiger interactions.

To travel responsibly, opt for wildlife experiences that prioritize animal welfare and conservation. Visit sanctuaries that provide safe environments for animals or participate in eco-tours that support biodiversity.

7. Stay in Eco-friendly Accommodations

Eco-friendly accommodations are designed to minimize environmental impact while providing comfortable and sustainable stays. Look for certifications such as Green Globe, EarthCheck, or Travelife to ensure your lodging meets high sustainability standards.

These accommodations often use renewable energy, reduce water and waste, and support local communities. By choosing green lodgings, you contribute to global efforts in sustainable tourism.

Conclusion

Sustainable travel is not just a trend; it’s a necessity for preserving the world’s beauty and diversity. By making mindful choices, we can ensure that our adventures leave a positive mark on the planet and the people we encounter.

At Travel Sense Asia, we are committed to helping you explore responsibly. As a proud member of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), we offer personalized travel experiences that align with your values. Together, we can make every journey a step toward a more sustainable future.

Let’s travel with purpose and make a difference—one adventure at a time.

[docrotten]

RENEGADE FILM FESTIVAL (2022) Christopher G. Moore & Doc Rotten Share Their Trip to the ATL Festival

On episode 489 of Horror News Radio:

The Grue-Crew review… RENEGADE FILM FESTIVAL (2022).

Warning: possible spoilers after the initial impressions!

Be sure to subscribe to the Gruesome Magazine YouTube channel to catch all the HNR episodes.

This is HORROR NEWS RADIO, the official GRUESOME MAGAZINE podcast. Back with Doc Rotten once again are the scariest, goriest, bloodiest co-hosts on the 'Net.

Award-winning Film-maker, Christopher G. Moore

RENEGADE FILM FESTIVAL (2022)

HNR co-hosts Christopher G. Moore and Doc Rotten share details from their trip to the Renegade Film Festival (2022) in Atlanta and share their reviews of a few key features and short films as well as the awards presented.

Renegade Film Fest Wraps Up A Successful 2022 Season

The Renegade Film Festival came back to Atlanta bigger and stronger than ever, for the first live event under the new name. The Strand Theatre was absolutely electric with creative energy. It was a true celebration of art and we can’t wait to come back in 2023!

The turnout was stellar and included artists like K/XI (Maya) all the way from the UK, Ramone Menon (The Pey), Sydne Horton (META), Syd Van Roosendaal (Skin & Bones), Natasha Halevi (Don’t Go Outside), Rozalyn Mattocks (Kid Free Weekend), Nonie Shiverick (Scales), Tony Reames (Lethalogica), David Bornstein (Unholy ‘Mole), Jenna Kanell (Bliss is Orange), Adam Marcus (Jason Goes to Hell), Heather Langenkamp (A Nightmare on Elm Street), Andre Gower (Wolfman’s Got Nards), Michael Kennedy (Freaky) and so many more!

Screenwriter Olivia Loccisano wrapped it up by saying, "Renegade is full of such welcoming, incredible and loving people. I had such an amazing experience throughout the whole process and at the fest, itself. The festival director, Vanessa, is such an amazing human, and the films were so powerful. I highly recommend submitting if you have a genre film or screenplay that you care deeply about. This was one of my most meaningful experiences and travels ever, and by far, the best experience of any festival I've been to!”

The festival wrapped up on Saturday March 5, 2022 to a packed house and with an entertaining awards ceremony hosted by Wright & Marcus, complete with matching Adidas tracksuits and musical intro. The winners are as follows:

Best Short Screenplay - Simone by Olivia Loccisano

Runner Up Short Screenplay - Hysterica by Brit Tobin

Things That Go Bump in the Night - Mourn

Best Feature Screenplay - Catfish by Stephanie Moore & Vincente DiSanti

Runner Up Feature Screenplay - CareFull by Talie Melnyk

I, Myself, Am Strange & Unusual - Don’t Go Outside

Best FX - Grummy

Techno Terror - The Purple Iris

Best Score - Who Wants Dessert?

Filmmaking 101 - Gaslight

Best Writing - Scales

Catharsis - Despair

Best Art Direction - Kid Free

Weekend Global Terror - Trauma Zero

Best Editing - The Pey

Southern Discomfort - Bliss is Orange

Indie Spirit - Lethalogica

It’s All in Your Head - The Going

Best Cinematography - Bliss is Orange

Side Splitting - I’m a Vampire

Best Performance - Jordan Gonzalez - META

Gen Z - The Dome of the Sky

Audience Choice - Kid Free Weekend

Let’s Make it a Blockbuster Night - The Fourth Wall

Breaking Barriers - Freaky

Wolfman’s Got Nards - Gateway to Horror

True Grit - Stacey Palmer

Best Director - Jenna Kanell - Bliss is Orange

Best Short Film - Grummy

Best Feature Film - Maya

The one thing that this fest has successfully accomplished is to create a safe space for all creators to tell their stories in an inclusive environment that supports equality & visibility. Fest director Wright went on to say, “These films sparked important and thought provoking discussions, reinforcing the idea that progress in this industry is happening, and that we are all a part of this revolution in film. I’m given a lot of credit for this event, however it’s the people and the artists involved that make it what it is. You are who you surround yourself with, and I’ve made it a priority to surround this fest with positivity and strength. I am proud to be a Renegade and I encourage everyone to join us on this journey.”

The Renegade Film Fest is currently open for submissions exclusively through Film Freeway for the 2023 event, which will take place at the Strand Theatre March 2-4, 2023. The fest would like to thank the 2022 sponsors for their support, MBS Equipment Co, Henchmen House, FilmFave, Horror Pack, Final Draft, Mud Rat Screen Printing, and Javelina 98 Productions. For more information on the fest, questions and how to get involved, please visit us online at www.renegadefilmfest.com or on Facebook @RFF22, Twitter @Renegade_FF & Instagram @Renegadefilmfest

CONTACT

Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/gruesomemagazine

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/gruesomemagazine/

Facebook Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/HorrorNewsRadioOfficial/

Events:

http://gruesomemagazine.com/events/list/

Vanessa, Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/scarlettspitfire

Vanessa, Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/scarlett_spitfire/

Christopher, Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/ilikefilms/

Christopher, Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/FilmmakerChristopherGMoore

Doc, Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/DocRottenHNR

Dave, Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/drehershouseofhorrors

Check out this episode!

[travelonlinetipsofficial]

Holiday now, work later: why autumn and winter will be defined by ‘revenge travel’

New Post has been published on https://www.travelonlinetips.com/holiday-now-work-later-why-autumn-and-winter-will-be-defined-by-revenge-travel/

Holiday now, work later: why autumn and winter will be defined by ‘revenge travel’

“I was planning on buying a house, but I feel my money will be better spent taking this trip.”

In a few months, Claire Truman* is planning to quit her job at a publishing company and jet off to Southeast Asia for a six-month adventure, where she’ll weave a leisurely trail around Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos.

Handing in your notice and putting off your house purchase for a holiday might seem extreme, but it’s the sharp end of a new post-pandemic trend: “revenge travel”. After months or even years spent largely at home, professionals across the UK are marking their calendars, totting up their savings, and extricating themselves from work commitments in order to explore the world.

“I feel overworked and mentally checked-out from what the typical 9-5 lifestyle offers,” explains Truman, 29. “With the understanding that I’ll be working into my 60s, why not take a few career breaks along the way?”

Many Millennial and Gen Z travellers are eyeing Southeast Asian countries such as Cambodia

(Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Biomedical laboratory manager Mollie Millington is getting her revenge with a once-in-a-lifetime, three-week trip to Antarctica, set for February.

She, too, cites Covid “burnout”, caused by scarce time off during the pandemic and being in the lab the majority of the time while others worked from home. During the lockdowns and periods of travel restrictions, Millington had multiple trips cancelled, including two weeks in Japan where she’d planned to go skiing and run a marathon.

Now Mollie’s ready to stretch her legs – at any price. Her Antarctic cruise has a price tag of £7,000 (“at 40 per cent off the normal price”), an unheard-of splurge for pre-pandemic Mollie.

Handing in your notice and putting off your house purchase for a holiday might seem extreme, but it’s the sharp end of a new post-pandemic trend: “revenge travel”

“This is the biggest trip I have ever booked,” she says. “The only big trip I did before the pandemic was climbing Kilimanjaro, but it cost under £1,000 and I took two weeks off work.”

Revenge travel began as an American trend. With foreign countries opening quicker to the US than to the UK earlier this summer, travellers from the States visibly shrugged off formerly conscientious work ethics or frugal principles and started booking bigger, better, longer trips.

“Americans are hitting the roads and skies in droves,” reported Forbes in June. It defined the trend as a perfect storm of pent-up demand, stored-up annual leave, saved-up cash and fully-vaxxed confidence.

“Revenge travellers can be more likely to try a more exotic location, spend more money to travel, or a combination of both,” wrote Geoff Whitmore at the time.

Professionals who might formerly have squeezed in short city breaks or spent long weekends just outside of town splashed hundreds on flights to Europe. People cashed in sabbaticals and quit their jobs. Conde Nast Traveler US heralded the rise of the “adult gap year”.

Now that destinations are opening up to the UK in earnest, Brits are ready for their own taste of revenge.

A Eurofins survey of 2,000 UK residents last week found that more than half are saving all of their spare cash for their next adventure, with an average travel fund of £2,543 already squirrelled away.

Moreover, 36 per cent have been putting off other big spends, such as home improvements, in order to funnel maximum cash into the revenge travel pot.

We’re evening the score with Covid-19 – that dampener of hopes, dreams and air miles – as well as sticking it to employers, traditional office culture, and a feeling of stifled work-life balance

All of this is helping to cook up our travel revenge. But who exactly are we taking revenge on?

The trend goes beyond the practicalities of stored-up cash and time off work. We’re also, in a way, evening the score with Covid-19 – that dampener of hopes, dreams and air miles – as well as sticking it to employers, traditional office culture, and an overall feeling of stifled work-life balance. In short: all work and no play makes Jack an itchy-footed boy.

“People are ‘taking revenge’ on Covid and the journeys they missed out on during 2020,” says Tom Marchant, founder of high-end adventure travel company Black Tomato. “For many, that means going big and booking a bucket list trip, or planning something indulgent and meaningful. There’s a strong desire to make up for lost time and compensate for lost trips.”

The operator has seen a surge of long-lead bookings for 2022 and 2023 – mostly to safari destinations such as Botswana, Uganda or Rwanda, but also to Chile, Japan, New Zealand and Southeast Asia.

TripAdvisor’s Travel Index report for autumn, released today, found that Millennial and Gen Z travellers are most committed to vengeful travels.

Italian spots such as Cinque Terre are a short-haul option while farther-flung destinations are off limits

(Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Over a third (36 per cent) of Gen Z Brits surveyed said they plan to take three or more trips this autumn, while around a third of both Millennials and Gen Z-ers (33 per cent and 36 per cent respectively) said they expect to spend more on their biggest trip than they did pre-pandemic in 2019.

For HR advisor Emily Ellwood, 29, revenge meant booking two honeymoons. Having lovingly planned three weeks off in September 2021 to explore Sri Lanka and the Maldives, she and husband Alex were able to get married, after two postponements – but the red list kept them away from the Indian Ocean.

The couple’s higher-than-usual pandemic savings meant the original trip was quickly paid off, and once it became clear that it wouldn’t happen in 2021, they moved it back by a year – an indulgent first anniversary trip to look forward to.

But Ellwood wasn’t giving up those hard-negotiated three weeks off to be employee of the year.

Covid, she says, has given her a new perspective: “You don’t know what time you will be given, so I want to enjoy the time I know I have – which is right now.”

Instead, she and Alex are spending those weeks on a grand Italian tour, hitting up 11 swish stops including Venice, Cinque Terre, Florence and Positano.

“It’s important to keep refreshed by taking time away from work,” agrees Alex. “The only time off we’ve had this year is when we had Covid, so we needed time to unwind. And we still have next year’s holiday to look forward to!”

*Names have been changed.

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[jobsinchicago911]

Accounting Manager

At Civis, we take a science-first approach to solving problems. With a blend of proprietary technology and statistical advisory services, we help public and private sector organizations find, understand and connect with the people they care about, so they can stop guessing and start using mathematical proof to guide decisions. We know others use “data science” and “analytics” as buzzwords, but at Civis we don’t stand for fluff, and we will always deliver scalable products and technologies — not PowerPoints — to drive your business forward. Learn more about Civis at www.civisanalytics.com .

Our mission

Our mission is to bring objective, data-driven truth to organizational decision-making – all the way from the boardroom to the world’s largest social causes.

Due to the uncertainty of COVID-19, all Civis offices are closed and all employees are remote for the foreseeable future. This is being closely monitored as things change and it’s likely our offices will reopen. Because of this uncertainty, we want to ensure candidates for this role are open to potentially relocating to one of our offices in the future.

About our team : 

The Finance, Accounting, and Revenue Operations team (affectionately called Team Money), is a part of the larger Operations team at Civis. The Operations team also includes our People Operations and Legal teams. As an Operations team, our core values include respect, humanity, ownership, and humility. We strive to bring these values to work every day, with the aim of making Civis a great place to work for everyone. 

What we are looking for

As a member of our accounting team you will help drive our day-to-day accounting, financial, and reporting processes. Key duties include leading the monthly close process, overseeing AR and AP processes, managing annual audits, and managing staff accountants. We are a lean team which allows for a lot of project ownership, collaboration, and the ability to impact the business. We’re looking for analytical thinkers with creative ideas who can go beyond the numbers and think critically about the business. 

Responsibilities

Manage month-end close, reconciliation, and reporting processes

Manage and mentor a small team of accountants

Research technical accounting issues, including the implementation of new standards and internal policies

Lead the annual audit process

Oversee day to day accounting operations, including bookkeeping and AR/AP processes 

Maintain accounting processes and policies, while working to continually improve and streamline our procedures

Support ad hoc requests from our finance team

Preferred Qualifications

8+ years of experience working in an accounting role, preferably with a SaaS product

2+ years leading a small team

CPA certification required

Proven knowledge of accounting principles, practices, standards, laws, and regulations, including experience with revenue recognition under ASC 606

Experience in Netsuite is a plus

Advanced knowledge of Microsoft or Google Suite, especially with spreadsheets

High attention to detail and accuracy

Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships at all levels

Why join our team?

The opportunity to be part of a growing tech startup focused on solving interesting and meaningful problems, invested in internal promotion, and committed to fostering a diverse, equal and inclusive workplace. 

Competitive benefits, including unlimited PTO, 401K match with immediate vesting, health, dental, and vision benefits, fully paid parental leave, breastfeeding support including breastmilk shipping services for traveling moms, commuter benefits, wellness initiatives including weekly group meditations, monthly on-site massage therapy, and pet insurance.

To support employees in our now fully remote work environment , we also have expanded our virtual journal and book clubs, Donut Pals (organized virtual coffee meet-ups), Lightning Talks (5-minute presentations on anything you’d like), Lunch-and-Learns, and HR Open Discussions (bi-weekly meet-up where we discuss ideas and topics of the day in a casual format). We are also able to support and accommodate flexible work from home schedules to help employees juggle responsibilities at home.

Civis Analytics embraces the individuality of our employees and we celebrate each other’s differences. Our products, services, and culture benefit from and thrive on the unique perspectives brought by each person in our community. We’re proud to be an equal opportunity workplace, and we are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, age, sex, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, marital status, disability, or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please contact internalrecruiting@civisanalytics.com

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States.

Do you have experience working for a Public Accounting Firm?  * —

Will you now or in the future require Civis Analytics to commence (“sponsor”) an immigration case in order to employ you (for example, H-1B or other employment-based immigration case)? This is sometimes called “sponsorship” for an employment-based visa status.  * —

If the answer to above question is “yes,” please specify the type of visa you currently have and its expiration date.  *

U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment Information (Completion is voluntary)

Individuals seeking employment at Civis Analytics are considered without regards to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identity, or sexual orientation. You are being given the opportunity to provide the following information in order to help us comply with federal and state Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action record keeping, reporting, and other legal requirements.

Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiring process or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in a confidential file.

Gender Please select Are you Hispanic/Latino? Please select Race & Ethnicity Definitions

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection. As a government contractor subject to Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measure the effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categories is as follows:

A “disabled veteran” is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

A “recently separated veteran” means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran’s discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An “active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran” means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An “Armed forces service medal veteran” means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.

Veteran Status Please select

Form CC-305

OMB Control Number 1250-0005

Expires 05/31/2023

Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability

Why are you being asked to complete this form?

We are a federal contractor or subcontractor required by law to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We are also required to measure our progress toward having at least 7% of our workforce be individuals with disabilities. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had a disability. Because a person may become disabled at any time, we ask all of our employees to update their information at least every five years.

Identifying yourself as an individual with a disability is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer will be maintained confidentially and not be seen by selecting officials or anyone else involved in making personnel decisions. Completing the form will not negatively impact you in any way, regardless of whether you have self-identified in the past. For more information about this form or the equal employment obligations of federal contractors under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at www.dol.gov/ofccp .

How do you know if you have a disability?

You are considered to have a disability if you have a physical or mental impairment or medical condition that substantially limits a major life activity, or if you have a history or record of such an impairment or medical condition.

Disabilities include, but are not limited to:

Autism

Autoimmune disorder, for example, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, or HIV/AIDS

Blind or low vision

Cancer

Cardiovascular or heart disease

Celiac disease

Cerebral palsy

Deaf or hard of hearing

Depression or anxiety

Diabetes

Epilepsy

Gastrointestinal disorders, for example, Crohn’s Disease, or irritable bowel syndrome

Intellectual disability

Missing limbs or partially missing limbs

Nervous system condition for example, migraine headaches, Parkinson’s disease, or Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Psychiatric condition, for example, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, or major depression

Disability Status Please select

1 Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. For more information about this form or the equal employment obligations of Federal contractors, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at www.dol.gov/ofccp .

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