How has travel inspired you to become a better person?
Travel has helped me become a better person through opening my mind to what can happen in the world, instead of being stuck in a bubble not worrying about what is going on around myself. It has made me more enthusiastic about wanting to travel and discover new places around the world outside of general tourist spots. Witnessing poverty first hand in least developed countries, where food and water access is restricted, made me take for granted what I have back home. This idea that basic needs weren’t universal really inspired me to give more of myself, so that others could have a better opportunity at success. Travel has made me realize that small changes can help solve big problems.
What one travel experience changed your life and why?
Traveling to India 2 years ago was life changing. I remember talking with friends and how reserved they were about the idea of me visiting. They would say things like “why would you go there? Can you even travel in India? So many bad things happen in India, so I wouldn’t go to that country.” Yet when I arrived, I discovered that the local people were the most humble I have ever met, and the hospitality was second to none. I visited the slums in Mumbai to bear witness to the poverty conditions of children and families. I was emotionally broken by what I saw, and it helped change my outlook on life in a meaningful way. It inspired me to focus more on trying to help people who, to a certain extent, feel helpless.
Why should people care about conservation?
Firstly, a clean environment is essential for healthy living. The overall temperature of the earth’s atmosphere is increasing at a quicker rate than we have ever seen before, and we are the ones that need to change this by caring for Earth. Plants are a necessity to life. I view it as an imperative to maintain and repair the environment we have altered and damaged.
What three pieces of advice would you give to someone starting an international adventure?
My first bit of advice would be to research sustainable travel focused tour agencies. Make sure you are mission aligned and believe in their values.
Second, enter with an open mind, and be willing to learn and be open to new opportunities and knowledge that is being presented to you.
Lastly, try to avoid the myths, such as : You have to sacrifice luxury and quality of accommodations when you choose ecotourism. As this movement gains momentum and becomes the new gold standard of travel, we are seeing that quality can be delivered in an environmentally responsible manner, and this gives all of us hope for the future.
Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden is the first of its kind in Laos dedicated to biodiversity conservation and ecotourism. Why is their focus important to you?
Their focus is important to me, firstly because it is the first of its kind in Laos and really helps to build momentum around the cause of conservation. Secondly, like any conservation and eco tourism project, it is a great chance to help educate people about what we can do for the world and how small changes in our actions and value systems can create effective solutions to big, global problems.
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