Final Blog Post

Overall course goal, international general education requirement: Each student will be able to identify current/contemporary issues impacting the international travel industry, or shows how historical approaches are relevant to contemporary issues (i.e., World Peace, Human Rights, Climate Change, Fair Trade, etc.)

Over this semester and researching Southeast Asia and all of it's aspects in regards to natural disasters, ecotourism and fair trade, I have came to the realization that this country is in dying need of our help. As I have stated in previous posts, Southeast Asia continually suffers from all sorts of natural disasters. These natural disasters take the lives and homes of so many. Some of these issues impacting Southeast Asia have already changed the lifestyle of the people and culture there. These same issues impact the tourism and travel industries to and from this country. As I have stated in my info graphic, there's plenty for us to do. One way we can all give is to volunteer or donate to the American Red Cross. Click here for more information. I ask of you to do your part, become giving citizens to our fellow men.

Overall course goal: Upper division communication/writing requirement: Each student will effectively utilize multiple forms of writing and communication (i.e., written reflections, Microsoft Powerpoint or Corel Presentation slide shows, outline for discussion, debate, evaluation, and online reflections).

With utilizing the numerous ways of writing and communicating, there's many ways we can provide this. One example from this semester that I appreciated was that we incorporated Pinterest.com into our learning experience. Pinterest is a valuable resource in spreading the word and communicating with many more people than you normally would. This was my favorite part of the semester and I know whenever I see educational "pins" on Pinterest, I'm more appreciative of them and have a desire to read them. Also having resources to evaluate your writing such as critiques and these blog postings, can aid in you becoming a better writer and reader.

I really enjoyed this class and learning all there was to learn about international tourism and also incorporating different forms of writing such as Pinterest, Blogger, Weebly and much more. Thank you Linda for this semester and all that you have taught us.

Responsible Tourism: AsiaTranspacific Journey's

Since 1987, AsiaTranspacific Journey's has set the standard for travel across Asia and the Pacific. Over the past 25 years, They have been named the most luxurious travel guides across these countries. They call it, "Journey beyond the ordinary." AsiaTranspacific Journey's connects you the traveler with the locals who know the destinations better than anyone else. AsiaTranspacific educates about the history and culture of each destination. I guess this is why they have nine reasons why we should travel with them, the next time we want to plan a trip to Asia. The nine reasons include: expertise, history, reputation, credibility, partners, support, security, peace of mind, and no regrets. The mindful travel that this provider provides is through diligent stewardship and philanthropy. According to the website, "We believe that travel can help to foster the preservation of ancient cultures, benefit local communities, and protect the environment. Long ago, our commitment to these goals was inspired by our deep connection to the regions in Asia to which we travel."

AsiaTranspacific provides a means for travel for everyone with various budgets and various destinations. Traveling to from the preferred destinations includes travel that accommodates everyone and their interests. Also with traveling, AsiaTranspacific strives for not only a better environment but a better outcome for everyone however that may be for modes of transportation and traveling. The travel specialists strive to plan the trip of your lifetime. AsiaTranspacific strives to give back to the countries and communities in which they travel. By this that includes, the economy, volunteerism and the AsiaTranspacific Foundation.

With this, I have to include in relation to natural disasters in Southeast Asia, that AsiaTranspacific Journey's and other partners administers to the non-profit foundation, AsiaTranspacific Foundation. This foundation was founded in 1998 and is funded financially by the travelers of the AsiaTranspacific Journey's themselves. This foundation is ultimately committed to providing clean water to children and families in Asia.

If you would like more information on this travel company or the non-profit foundation, you can research or contact them here at there website. http://www.asiatranspacific.com/travel-destinations/vietnam

AsiaTranspacific Journey's is an excellent illustration of the cornerstones for fair trade and responsible tourism in various capacities:

1. Fair Working Conditions: The travel to Asia  and the Pacific destinations are accessible for people to plan and book their trips online and provides small group travel or large group travel. With this, your payment is typically all inclusive from the beginning. Therefore, the traveler shouldn't need to be paying any additional costs later unless desired. The travel company also provides tour guides to assist in educating tourists of these countries.
2. Fair Prices: Depending on the amount of money the traveler would like to spend, there's different destinations for different budgets. The traveler should remember that this is traveling across the world.
3. Integration Into the Local Economy and Regional Development: The traveling across Asia and the Pacific varies depending on the desired destination. The time frame, the destination, interests, and style all depend on the desire of the traveler. This travel company makes traveling more convenient in the way of the trip is planned and expenses are all inclusive, as previously mentioned.
4. Fair Trade Partnerships Between All Actors in Tourism: Since the traveler provides the payment when booking the trip, everything such as travel, shuttling, hotels, meals, and even sometimes trip insurance is all inclusive. Anything extra such as souvenir's, the traveler would have to purchase on their own. Once arriving at the destination, the traveler's are greeted by the locals in which they are further knowledgeable than anyone else.
5. Sustainable Resource Use and Environmental Justice: The traveling between close locations uses private vehicles but more importantly, watercraft that less pollutes the environment. This travel company uses it's resources in connection to traveling to the safest parts of these countries and receiving the utmost best experiences for it's travelers with regards to resource and environmental usage.

I believe that this travel company emphasizes cornerstone number three, integration into the local economy and regional development. Meaning with this, the travel company provides an economical way of transport for travelers but also gives back which ultimately improves the economy of these countries. By providing a means of travel and being all inclusive, travelers are more ideal to spending their extra money in places in which actually could benefit the economy and the people there but also the traveler themselves.

In the end, I believe it's extremely important that we give back, and this travel company does that. If we all do our part and give just a little (or as much as you want or can), the world can change. The world itself  can change to a more giving, respected, responsible and fair trade planet. With this, humankind would be changed for the better. So think about the next time you travel or even something as simple as purchasing an item, wherever that may be. Does it fall under the fair trade commodities listed above? And do you care? Because you should.