RESOURCES
These are all resources I have road-tested and adored, so I feel good about recommending to you. I get asked all the time about the best places and products for traveling consciously, so why not share all them here on one tidy page.
*disclosure: I do (occasionally) receive a commission if you purchase products I've recommended.
To help you navigate the suggestions that are right for you, click for more information, check out our values or look for these labels:
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Zero-Waste / Plastic-Free
Ethically Made / Fair Trade
Triple Bottom Line
Cruelty-free / Vegan
Road-tested
Accommodation
Experiential Accommodation
Both Hopineo and NuMundo are platforms that link travellers with authentic and responsible experiential accommodation.
Hopineo does this by connecting adventurers with locations where you can swap skills and time in exchange for room and food.
NuMundo links you with impact centres (think ecovillages, organic farms and retreat centres). Each one promotes "individual transformation, regenerative living education and strives to leave a positive local impact."
Traditional Accommodation
Even big, budget search engines like Booking.com offer B&B and Guest House accommodation. Look at each property's website to weigh their environmental policies. ​
Insider tip: use a major search engine to compare places, but then book on the accomodation's website. For small-scale hotels and hostels, more $$ goes directly to the owners and you save some cash too!
Backpacks & Packing Solutions
Compression Packing Bags
10 - 30 CDN
These babies have seen me through +50 countries of backpacking, tour directing and a couple of moves. I picked them up on a whim in London and they have since become my favourite travel product. I typically save 60% of my backpack space when I use compression bags. Simple, no fuss, and easy to use. Not only do they allow me to travel with just a carry-on, they help me organize my clothes and make everything waterproof! Bonus!
100-150 CDN
Thule is my 'King of Daypacks.' Stylish enough for digital nomading but easily acts as a dependable companion for a short hike or a few days of roaming a city. They all come with extra padded laptop pockets and extra big external water bottle holders (a must!). I cannot say enough about my 25L Crossover, but it is Thule's Corporate Social Responsibility model is what really stands out. Thule models responsible and sustainable sourcing, whole supply-chain ethics, emission reduction and all of the best practices of triple bottom line production.
Health
Insurance
I pack light. I have no room to carry anxiety about health or insurance with me when I'm on the road. And nobody gets that more than World Nomads. They know travellers and travelling. Getting covered was simple, World Nomads doesn't shy away from adventure or risky activities, and it has let me extend and change plans while I'm on the road.
Their website, unfortunately, doesn't have any information or corporate sustainability or giving, but they produce content on responsible travel and raise micro-donations for local development projects.