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International & Sustainable Tourism Awareness Blogs

2/9/2014

24 Comments

 

Introduction:

The following blogs have been developed by the students in my PRT 5610/6610 Social Media and International Tourism Course at the University of Utah during Spring 2014.  Please check out these blogs and feel free to leave comments and suggestions for improvement.

Human Rights & International Tourism Blogs:

  • Becca Horak: http://thebeccablog.weebly.com/
  • Katie Sikkema: http://katiesikkema.weebly.com/
  • Dylan Stokes: http://dylanhstokes.weebly.com/
  • Renee Thirkell: http://reneetravel.weebly.com

Native Cultures & International Tourism Blogs:

  • Simon Huang: http://gejianghuangtravel.weebly.com/ 
  • Casey Madsen: http://nepalculturechange.blogspot.com/
  • Raena McGlochlin: http://caribbeanlocalsfirst.weebly.com/
  • Ken Williams: http://onecoldtourist.weebly.com

Natural Disasters & International Tourism Blogs

  • Tanner Andresen: http://travelindo.weebly.com/
  • Rachel Farr: http://ifwritingwerelikefootball.blogspot.com/
  • Nate Olson: http://nateolson.weebly.com/
  • Steven Rath: http://tsunamirecoveryinjapan.blogspot.com/2014/01/my-name-is-steve-rath.html

Responsible Travel & International Tourism Blogs

  • Stuart Derman: http://www.stuartderman.com/the-digital-vagabond.html
  • Dave Forsman: http://daveforsman.weebly.com/
  • Vanessa Gregory: http://vanessagregory.weebly.com/
  • Eric Larsen: http://www.ericlarsen.weebly.com
  • Jeanette Murugui: http://jeanettemurugi.weebly.com/

Safety & International Tourism Blogs

  • Matthew Bird: http://matthewjbird.weebly.com/
  • Spencer Hackett: http://dufflebagtraveler.blogspot.com/
  • Dallas Harlan: http://mdallasharlan.weebly.com/
  • Jessica Nebecker: http://jessicanebeker.weebly.com/travel-blog-the-healthy-traveler.html

Sustainability & International Tourism Blogs

  • Kari Barnard: http://theoutbackupfront.weebly.com/
  • Tony Church: http://tonycuofutah.weebly.com/
  • Sarah Morris: http://sarahmorris.weebly.com
  • Abigail White: http://www.greensplore.weebly.com
24 Comments

Going Green Travel Tips

2/3/2014

6 Comments

 
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The most important green travel tip is to pack SMART! You will save your back and time, as well as the planet!  Here are a few suggestions that will ensure you travel SMART!

  • Start with research, planning, and sensible luggage.  Research your destination and determine the clothing needed for the climate and activities you plan to engage in during your trip. Select sensible luggage that you can lift without assistance when packed to capacity. This is essential when selecting your carry-on luggage for a flight.  How many times have you experienced a near miss from someone who cannot seem to get their heavy carry-on suitcase up into the overhead compartment.   Also, if you are flying verify the overhead compartment space dimensions.  Be sure to research by checking out TravelNerd’s carry on luggage size chart.  I have boarded many flights where there is crowd of people waiting to tag their luggage and have the ground crew load it into a storage compartment.  Of course, when the flight reaches its destination, these same people are still gathering at the door of the plane awaiting their luggage.  I find it much less of a hassle to check the bag for these flights and avoid clogging the jet way.  
  • Miniaturize when possible.  Select compact items to help save space in your luggage and save you luggage fees. Those squeezable toiletry tubes/bottles are great for packing those necessary items . . . many of which meet the TSA requirements for liquids. I love my pocket camera with an adjustable lens, compact solar battery charger, and multiple memory chips.  A bonus is the waterproof camera cover that allows me to use it in the rain or underwater. An ereader can hold your pleasure reading and games to distract you during your flight.  Additionally you can load up the ereader with  maps and travel guides for your destination.  Another bonus is the long battery life will last through most international flights.
  • Arrange your clothing and other items in your suitcase to minimize wasted space.  Roll your clothing or fold clothing in and around other items to maximize space.  I pack my socks in those little bags the newspaper is delivered in and then stuff into my shoes.  I love the "packing cubes" and compression bags to keep clean clothes free of the odors that may come from soiled clothing between destinations.  I also pack dryer sheets inside the compression bag to keep items smelling nice. Check with the lodging at your destination to see if they provide hair dryers, irons, or other items you might need.  Imagine the space you will save.
  • Right clothes for the climate and season.  For example, pack wrinkle-free, quick-dry, and color-coordinated clothes.  Plan your wardrobe for the trip and lay out the color coordinated outfits you are taking on the trip. Then begin combining items to ensure you can create a minimum of 3 to 5 outfits.  If not, leave the item at home. Research has found that women tend to wear only half of what they pack, so I always cut back by half before packing up the luggage. Please leave valuable items at home.  If you would be upset if it is lost or damaged, then leave it at home. Limit your shoes to one or two pairs of comfortable, versatile shoes. Include an extra pair of socks in your carry-on luggage that can double as slippers on an international flight.  Feet often get cold and airline blankets are not always warm enough (and may not be clean), so I use the blanket on my legs and feet.  A super soft cashmere pashmina wrap is always in my carry-on that can be used to wrap around my shoulders on a flight or walking along the beach after sunset.
  • Tuck a few reusable items in your suitcase to save time, money, and the planet! A reusable shopping bag can be tucked into an outer pocket of your suitcase.  I have found this a real lifesaver on my travels.  A lightweight but strong bag with a wide handle can double for shopping, carrying items for a day of sightseeing, or all those items that do not fit in your suitcase when you return home. An eco-friendly water bottle can be very handy on a long flight or long road trips and you can eliminate the use of plastic water bottles.  Hint:  Since TSA does not allow me to carry a bottle of water through security, I stop by a fast food provider in the airport.  After buying a last minute snack, I fill the bottle with ice and water. Even if there is not a self-service dispenser, I can usually convince a server to assist me for a tip.   Remember water is essential on long distance flights to ensure that you do not dehydrate in the dry cabin air.  

Check back for tips on the debate for checking your luggage versus one carry-on bag,  cruising through TSA check points, and clearing customs.
6 Comments

Utah Tourism Growth Continued in 2012

2/3/2014

11 Comments

 
Welcome to Utah
Welcome to Utah where you are invited to enjoy a "Life Elevated"
Although we are still awaiting the data from the 4th quarter of 2013, let us take a few moments to check out the 2012 tourism statistics: 

In 2012 Utah recorded 6.6 million national park visits, 5.1 million national monument, recreation area and historical site visits, 5.1 million state park visits, as well as 4.0 million skier days during the 2012/2013 season.  In 2012, the top international markets included visitors from Canada, France, Australia, Germany, United Kingdom, and China.

If tourism were an export it would be the state’s second largest 
export behind primary metals ($12.2 billion) and well ahead of computers and electronics ($2.2 billion). 
Salt Lake International Airport
Salt Lake International Airport with the Wasatch Mountains to the east.
Utah Office of Tourism 2012 Facts at a Glance
  • 6.5 million recreation visits were made to Utah’s five national parks during 2012.
  • 5.1 million recreation visits occurred at Utah’s seven national monuments, two national recreation areas, and one national historic site.
  • 5.1 million visitors enjoyed Utah’s 43 state parks
  • Tourists contributed $6.8 billion to the state's economy in 2012
  • This represents a tax relief in the amount of $1000 per household for Utah.

Learn more by reading the 2012 Utah Tourism at a Glance and check out the following commercial entitled "The Mighty Five." 
11 Comments

Check out the Resort Manager's Digest

4/24/2013

3 Comments

 
Lily Tomlin
The top news story for April 24th features Lily Tomlin "speaks for elephants."

Check out the Resort Manager's Digest Today
no registration required ~ Free!

Promo
Picture
TripAdvisor Launches GreenLeaders, Just in Time for Earth Day - Find more articles like this at the Resort Manager's Digest.
More features in today's edition from:
  • National Geographic
  • Travel & Leisure
  • Disney Parks
  • Walt Disney World
  • Guardian Travel
  • TechCrunch
  • Nasa
  • and many more
3 Comments

Stop the Trafficking of Humans

4/10/2013

3 Comments

 
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I love this photo . . . we need to ensure that people know that human slavery continues to exist. We need to stop the trafficking of human beings, particularly children.
Trafficking in Human Beings and Human Slavery not only exists today, it has increased 18% between 2008 and 2010.  Due to the illegal nature of the activity it is difficult to obtain accurate statistics, but it is estimated nearly 21 million people worldwide are victims of human trafficking (2012 statistics from the International Labor Organization). 


Please check out this video entitled "One woman's story of the horrors of human trafficking" features Somaly Mam. When Somaly was sold into slavery when she was just 12 years old.  Unfortunately, her grandfather sold her into a series of "owners" who forced her to work in brothels in Southeast Asia.  When tourists visit many of the areas in Southeast Asia they engage in prostitution falsely believing that the people working in these brothels do so willingly.  You can be part of the solution by NOT participating in these types of activities.  
3 Comments

    Author: Linda Ralston

    This blog is authored by Dr. Linda Ralston with the intent of educating tourists on how to be responsible and sustainable in their travel experiences. Check out the latest news with the Resort Manager's News . . . a free paper updated daily.

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