Earth Day started in 1970 to shine light on our global impact and raise awareness of environmental conservation. Originally, it was only observed in the United States. But, in 1990, the movement went global with over 140 nations participating. A few facts about Earth Day: — After witnessing a massive oil spill spewing millions of gallons of oil off the coast of Santa Barbara, US Senator Gaylord Nelson organized Earth Day. — The first Earth Day was celebrated April 22, 1970. On that day, 2,000+ colleges and universities, 10,000 public schools, and 20 million citizens participated, about 10% of the US population at the time. — Wanting to help in the initiative, more than 100,000 people rode bikes in China to reduce CO2 emissions and save fuel on Earth Day 2012. — Some countries call it International Mother Earth Day. — Earth Day has a theme song written by an Indian poet. — Due to COVID-19, in 2020 an Earth Day Live event was hosted remotely. Approximately 20 million people worldwide tuned in to the 12-hour broadcast. Worldwide initiatives to clean up neighborhoods, beaches, rivers, and parks span the planet, teaching how environmental conscious is paramount. It doesn't take grand gestures to participate in Earth Day. Clean up trash outside, forgo using unnecessary electronics, or plant a tree. As a traveler, I visit some of the most beautiful natural habitats on earth. I know how precious these places are and the importance of conserving them for future generations to enjoy. Here are 10 photos to inspire you to take care of planet earth. San Blas Islands, Panama Todos Santos, Mexico The Exumas, Bahamas Pacaya Volcano, Guatemala Galápagos Islands, Ecuador Viñales, Cuba Grand Canyon, Arizona Sonoran Desert, Mexico Anza Borrego Desert, California Redwood National Park, California Our environmental awareness helps keep
Earth Day started in 1970 to shine light on our global impact and raise awareness of environmental conservation. Originally, it was only observed in the United States. But, in 1990, the movement went global with over 140 nations participating. A few facts about Earth Day: — After witnessing a massive oil spill spewing millions of
We had the good fortune of connecting with Travel Journalist Maggie Espinosa and we’ve shared our conversation below. Hi Maggie, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of? Since I began as a travel journalist twenty years ago, the industry has significantly transitioned. In the beginning, I predominately wrote for newspaper and magazines, peppered with radio interviews and television appearances. Now, everything has segued online — blogs, podcasts, and videos. Because of these changes, I’ve needed to create a personal website/blog to showcase my work, as well as continually curate content for my social media platforms. Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally? As I write this, the world is in the midst of a pandemic and unrest. All aspects of my travel brand — curating content about far flung destinations for readers, hosting guests at my San Diego Airbnb, purchasing foreign indigenous items to sell on my online store (Global Personal Shopper), etc. — are on hold. For now, along with my travel contemporaries, I’m treading water to see what steps the industry will take next. Because my demographics are women ages 45-65, I cater to those who may be more trepidatious about venturing abroad at the first sign of border openings. The challenge will be determining their comfort level and providing them with the needed information to travel comfortably. I’ve learned through my years in this profession, in order to survive one must learn and then pivot to stay relevant. What ever will become of the travel industry after COVID-19, I will adapt and move forward. If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to? I’m fortunate to live in San Diego,
We had the good fortune of connecting with Travel Journalist Maggie Espinosa and we’ve shared our conversation below. Hi Maggie, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of? Since I began as a travel journalist twenty years ago, the industry has significantly transitioned. In
I can't believe it's been almost a year since I visited Cuba. I amassed so many fond memories during my week on the island. Each town has its own unique personality whether it be Havana, Trinidad, or Cienfuego. If you're thinking of taking a trip to the Caribbean nation, I say go. Here are 10 reasons to visit Cuba. 1. Cuba is so lush & green The tropical climate produces foliage the color of emeralds! Absurdly expansive vistas meet towering green mountains, all swathed in vegetation. One artist highlighted the verdant meadows by painting the limestone cliffs hovering above. Leovigildo González Morillo designed the 395-foot Mural de Prehistoria. It took 18 people four years to complete, resulting in a depiction of world history up to the age of humans. 2. The architecture Colonial buildings with ornate Spanish and Moorish influence sit majestically along the cobblestone streets of Havana. While some have seen the wear of neglect, there are numerous jaw dropping gems. The craftsmanship hardens back to a time when construction was meticulous. Inlaid tile, Greco-Roman columns, and ornate wrought-iron were de rigueur. Hotel Inglaterra, opened in 1875, has preserved its neoclassical style. You don't have to stay there to enjoy its grandeur. The lobby restaurant is open to the public. 3. Cuban coffee With over 270 years of growing coffee, Cuba has perfected the elixir. They've managed to concoct a smooth java with the kick of rocket fuel mostly grown without the use of chemicals. It's said a Cubans day doesn't begin until the aroma of coffee floats through the air. I stayed at Airbnbs' during my visit. Every host brewed copious cups of the deliciousness! 4. Sunsets for miles Cuba may be smaller than the state of Pennsylvania, but it boasts huge technicolor skies as the sun goes down. Seaside
I can’t believe it’s been almost a year since I visited Cuba. I amassed so many fond memories during my week on the island. Each town has its own unique personality whether it be Havana, Trinidad, or Cienfuego. If you’re thinking of taking a trip to the Caribbean nation, I say go. Here are 10
Vacationing in communist Cuba is a mix of experiences. It’s a melting pot of 11 million inhabitants comprised of people from myriad countries, all migrated to the island throughout history, either willingly — Spaniards, French, or under duress — African slaves. The capital, Havana, with its crumbling history and riot of color is bustling with kind, smiling locals who numerous times approached me asking my name and where I was from. They are a happy culture. Children play on the streets laughing. It doesn't matter they can’t afford a deck of cards. They improvise with cut up cigarette packs. The U.S. embargo and collapse of the Soviet Union have taken its toll. Cuba once produced 1/3 of the world’s sugar. Today, only 1%. Images of Che Guevara are everywhere reminding us of the revolution which took place over 50 years ago. The highlight of the trip for my husband and I was exploring the country with our 22 year old nephew, Diego. Miguel, Diego, and I were simpatico and had the same agenda. An evening at the Tropicana Club cabaret; smokin’ stogies in Vinales tobacco fields; visiting museums and plazas; sharing meals with Cubans in paladares; dancing at festivals; and truly being immersed in the culture. No trip to Cuba is complete without a visit to the Vinales tobacco fields via a 1955 Pontiac. Green doesn't begin to describe the countryside two hours outside of Havana. About 90% of the tobacco leaves grown go to the government, the farmers keep and sell the remaining 10%. The tobacco is organic and the cigars are smooth! The man rolling them dipped the end in honey because Che Guevara smoked his that way . We rented rooms in casa particulars from locals in their neighborhoods and witnessed firsthand true Cuban lifestyle. With the 2015
Vacationing in communist Cuba is a mix of experiences. It’s a melting pot of 11 million inhabitants comprised of people from myriad countries, all migrated to the island throughout history, either willingly — Spaniards, French, or under duress — African slaves. The capital, Havana, with its crumbling history and riot of color is bustling with
