Author Intro

"Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living." – Miriam Beard (American author)

With reports that sea levels are rising and Arctic ice is shrinking, climate change has become a hot topic. Yet the travel industry, a major source of carbon emissions, is growing at full throttle. I believe that we can no more ignore environmental security than forego the use of metal detectors at airports. Yet I would be loath to give up travel. Just as plants grow stronger from cross-pollination, I have grown more from experiencing different ways of being and seeing than I would have if I’d stayed at home and read books. There is a world of options available to travelers seeking knowledge, awareness and community. My hope is that the resources in this book will help you plan a journey that harmonizes with your values, stretches your mind and touches your heart. When describing projects and destinations, I have tried as much as possible to draw on direct experience, either my own or my friends’. Although I mention various organizations throughout the book, my intention is to provide snapshots of possibilities, not endorsements for any organizations. The last section of the book includes tips for evaluating your own choices. Tread lightly on the earth so that it may continue to support you.

Linda Handiak