It Starts with the Heart

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Ethics are beliefs that drive a person’s behaviors or actions.
The issue is, everyone’s beliefs are different.

Still, I believe most of us want to be part of something decent—something good.
My aim is to encourage that instinct.

Specifically with this page, looking into how travel supports that.

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For me, ethical traveling means being aware of my impact.
I try to:
– Support local people and their businesses
– Respect cultural customs
– Be mindful of nature and my footprint

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Think about how you would want someone to treat your hometown when they visited.

Travel can be a beautiful exchange—when we all act accordingly.

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I’m unraveling travel as I’ve learned it myself.

Ethical travel could mean many things, depending on who you ask.

This is my interpretation. It’s loose on purpose—
Because I believe rigidness is what got us in this mess in the first place.

Let’s keep exploring.

Up next:
The perspectives of tourism from residents and what we can do.

The Roads I’ve Taken

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Let me start by describing my experience with travel.

My mom was in the military, which gave me the opportunity to travel from a young age.
I think the first time I flew without an adult, I was 12.

But my first thoughts of travel were negative.
To me, travel meant moving- leaving.
As a kid, I remember thinking:

“When I grow up, I’m not leaving. I’m going to find a place I want to call home, and I’m going to stay there the rest of my life”


Ironically, the exact opposite happened.

Over the years, travel has taken many forms:
Solo adventures, camping trips, music festivals, nights in hostels and hotels- and the occasional friend’s couch.
I’ve done long-haul road trips for business and for fun.
(Moving from North Carolina to Las Vegas feels a little different than a weekend in Yosemite.)

I’ve got family scattered across countries and tucked away in remote places like Alaska.
Lately, I’ve found myself going to more venues and events alone- and loving it.

Each experience has taught me something different.
Each one added a piece to the bigger picture.

This page will be home to an ongoing series where I explore the many sides of travel- Ethical, cultural, spiritual, and personal.

Come back often. I can’t wait to share the challenge and beauty of it all.