Image/text by Vitor Kosaka
whl.travel local connection in Belo Horizonte, Brazil

.

Posted under Brazil, Photo of the Week, countries

By Jacqueline Baleon

.

Located in the Ejido (communal land) of El Rosario, only 45 minutes to the south of La Paz (the capital of the Mexican state of Baja California Sur), is the lonely Cactus Sanctuary (Santuario de los Cactus), in which 50 hectares of parkland have been divided into 50 distinct areas to preserve cacti and endemic plants found only in this part of the globe.

Signs throughout the Cactus Sanctuary of Baja California Sur, Mexico, share information about this unique plant preserve

Read More…

Posted under General, Mexico, countries, responsible organisations, whl.travel newsletter

Jinja, in eastern Uganda, is fast securing its place as one of Africa’s hottest destinations. Dynamic yet easygoing, this town set on the northern shores of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake, is just a few kilometres from the Source of the Nile Gardens, the outlet that feeds the northern flow of the White Nile on its long journey to the Mediterranean Sea. This is just one of its many allures, complementing a charming and relaxed atmosphere, striking flora and fauna and multitudes of attractions.

Adventure seekers enjoy white-water rafting on the mighty rapids of the River Nile near Jinja, Uganda

Read More…

Posted under General, Uganda, countries, new local connections, whl.travel news

MIRAR DEBAJO POR ESTE MENSAJE EN ESPAÑOL / SEE BELOW FOR THIS MESSAGE IN SPANISH

At the precise point where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortes (also known as the Gulf of California) – at the very tip of the Baja California Sur – lies Cabo San Lucas, a perfect vacation spot for avid travellers, young and old. As a famously picturesque locale, Cabo San Lucas is blessed with white sand beaches, year-round sun and temperate weather, all part of its magnetism, attracting die-hard fishermen and beach bums alike.

The famous Arch and Bay of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, are a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site. Locals call the arch the 'window to the Pacific Ocean.'

Read More…

Posted under General, Mexico, countries, new local connections, whl.travel news

By Paul Tavner

.

The Indian subcontinent, stretching from the snow-capped Himalayas in the north to the white sandy coves of Kanyakumari in the south, is one of world’s most popular destinations for travellers in search of diverse experiences. After all, South Asian countries have a distinct energy that combines the spiritual, natural, cultural and human.

Travellers make their way to a Himalayan destination on yak back, accompanied by local guides

The pace of life in South Asia, particularly some of the larger cities, can seem chaotic and disorienting, sometimes even overwhelming to newcomers. While this feeling is usually assuaged after a short period of acclimation, many people still prefer to plan a visit in advance, thereby minimising the sense of first-arrival confusion and dislocation. Fortunately, these people are finding recourse in the growing number of businesses offering their services online.
Read More…

Posted under General, India, Nepal, countries, responsible organisations, responsible travel, whl.travel newsletter

The Caprivi Strip of Namibia is a curious, narrow panhandle in northern Namibia that thrusts east to the Zambezi River and borders Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana. Although geographically small – about 450km long and 100km at its widest – it is land rich in vegetation, and host to both dramatic scenery and some of the best bird and game viewing in Africa.

Hippos wallowing in one of the many rivers of the Caprivi Strip in Namibia (photo by Ute von Ludwiger)

Read More…

Posted under General, Namibia, countries, new local connections, whl.travel news

Photo by Timothy Lawrence Clancy
Text by Thierry Joubert, whl.travel local connection
in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

.

I walk daily from my house along an old trail up to the old stone gates of Sarajevo and into Baščaršija, the old trading quarter dating back to the 16th century, of which the street of coppersmiths is pictured below. The walk is refreshing, soothing and prepares me for my busy day at the Green Visions office. Each time, whether it be morning or evening, I experience the city in a new light. In the morning the sounds of splashing water from the water fountains around the mosques welcome me to the city. The sound of a craftsmen’s hammers hitting copper is matched only by the full aroma of baking coffee beans that invade the old town.

Read More…

Posted under Bosnia and Herzegovina, Photo of the Week, countries

SEE BELOW FOR THIS MESSAGE IN MALAY / UNTUK BAHASA MELAYU, SILA BACA DI BAWAH

In Kuala Lumpur, while towering skyscrapers, shopping malls and the golden glove of international finance may not be prime draws for many travellers in search of the ‘real’ Malaysia, a small scratch beneath its surface reveals an immense amount of cultural diversity and places full of interesting experience. With a little careful attention, the buzz of the city can be found in its throbbing street markets and the clamour of languages; its ease in whiffs of temple incense and catnaps in the shade of the central park.

The Kuala Lumpur skyline is unmistakable, towered over by the Petronas Twin Towers, the city's most prominent landmark

Read More…

Posted under General, Malaysia, new local connections, whl.travel news

By Carmelina Ricciardello

.

This article was first published by our friends at The International Ecotourism Society, who have agreed to its republication here.
View the original article on their Your Travel Choice blog.

.

On the geographical map of Italy, at the bottom of the peninsula, lies the island of Sicily, which looks like a football being kicked away by the boot of the Italian peninsula. This might be the heartfelt wish of some Italians, mainly because of the island’s historic link with the mafia. I live in a quiet little village of Sant’Ambrogio, just five kilometres from a bustling tourist town. Founder of Sicilian Experience, I’m a firm believer that Sicily can become known as a haven for ecotourism and sustainable tourism opportunities, rather than for its Il Padrino (The Godfather) reputation.

Coastal view of Sant’Ambrogio e Rocca

Read More…

Posted under General, Italy, countries, responsible organisations, responsible travel, whl.travel newsletter

By Ashley Hiemenz

.

It is well known that animals are a powerful tourism catalyst throughout the world. However, after the tragic death of Dawn Brancheau at Orlando SeaWorld on February 22nd, many questions have again been raised about the exploitation of whales and dolphins as entertainment. SeaWorld, owned by Blackstone, is a profitable business that fills its stadiums day after day with thousands of viewers eager to watch animals do circus tricks. The animals live and perform in pools the conditions of which have been likened to a human spending the rest of his or her life in a bathtub.

The spinner dolphin is common to the waters of Fernando de Noronha, Brazil, and most famous for its acrobatic displays. Some have been seen completing 14 spinning jumps one after another.

Read More…

Posted under Estonia, General, Malaysia, South Africa, opinion, responsible travel, whl.travel newsletter