Self-love and Sustainable Travel
An understanding approach to sustainable travel, seen through the slightly chaotic lens of a young woman.
About ‘Empowering Ethical Travel’
‘Empowering Ethical Travel’ is about empowering people who travel and want to travel, whilst encouraging a more ‘sustainable’ approach to travel that should positively impact the communities we meet when travelling.
As a young female solo traveller, I know that solo travelling can come with its challenges. We are adjusting to new environments, meeting new people, and by doing so, we are certainly leaving our comfort zone. Although solo travel has been one of the best decisions I’ve made, having learned and experienced so much that I never would have if I hadn’t left the UK.
Although if I just left it here, I would be ignoring most of the picture.
Travel, even solo travel, is never just about ourselves. Because we meet and interact with so many people across the world.
Sadly, the travel industry overlooks this. Which means that much of the money we spend leaves the country we visit, many are left exploited, and harmful stereotypes are perpetuated. Often because of the prevailing power dynamic.
Poverty exploitation is disguised as ‘helping others’. Communities lose their public spaces because of resorts. And cruelty is inflicted upon the animals we yearn to see.
Maybe studying Politics, Philosophy, and Economics at undergrad led me to ask questions. But it didn’t teach me how to travel ‘sustainably’. I’ve made plenty of mistakes. As travellers we aren’t ill intentioned, rather, from appealing resorts to our favourite chains, it is made all too easy to travel ‘unsustainably’.
Yet as travellers we are lucky in being able to travel. Coupled with how many find travelling mindfully more rewarding, Empowering Ethical Travel aims to encourage sustainable travel to benefit individual travellers and the communities we engage with.
On here and on my Instagram, I share sustainable travel itineraries, informative content, and personal reflections. Soon, I will be releasing a sustainable travel directory where you can find sustainable travel content creators, businesses, and a guide to finding community as a sustainable traveller.
About Me
Hiya!
I guess I should talk a little bit about myself. So apart from being a 23-year-old who loves to travel, what else should you know about me?
About my life so far:
- I’m from the UK, and I grew up in Bournemouth. Since then I moved to Swansea to study. After my course, I stayed there and worked in sales/customer services for just under a year.
- I’ve also worked and volunteered for NGOs in communications. One was in Swansea, and more recently I volunteered with an NGO in Cambodia.
- Aside from travel and worky stuff, I love music, and really, anything creative. I used to play both acoustic and electric guitar, and I also enjoy spending time outside- whether hiking, running, swimming in the sea, or just taking lots of photos. In other words, I have a lot of hobbies, although I’m terrible at doing them.
Travel specific facts:
- I have mainly travelled in Europe and South East Asia. I plan to have a working holiday in Australia, and then spend more time travelling in Asia. There are still so many places I want to visit, although I prefer ‘travelling slowly’ through places.
- I won’t pretend that I don’t like ‘going out’ or sightseeing. But I also enjoy doing more unusual activities, engaging with ‘community led tourism’, and just spending time in nature. It’s possible to enjoy both!
- Perhaps I shouldn’t jinx this, but I have managed to solo travel for over six months without getting robbed, lost, or really ill. I don’t understand how, because I’m incredibly clumsy and sometimes too trusting of others.
Recent posts
Solo Travel Tips for Beginners: How I Prepared Emotionally, Practically, and Mentally
Solo travel can be difficult. Yet so rewarding.
Which is why I have put this guide together. From the preparations I made before solo travelling, to what I continue to do. This post is perfect for anyone who wants to solo travel yet feels slightly scared.
Sustainable things to do in and around Siem Reap, Cambodia
Perfect travel itinerary for anyone who is considering visiting Siem Reap, Cambodia. From unique things to do and tips to ensure you don’t miss out, to what to avoid and ways to give back. This itinerary is ideal for any solo travellers and those who wish to travel meaningfully.
Greek Islands through a Mindful Lens: Where to go and where to rethink as a Female Solo Traveller
Read for a guide to the Greek islands that I visited. From things to do and recommendations, to mindful solo travel tips. Figure out where the best places to visit this summer, and where to be mindful of.
Ethical Travel in Siem Reap, Cambodia: Community, NGOs, and Personal Reflections
From travelling through rural areas to spending time with locals and volunteering with a community-based NGO, these experiences in Siem Reap reshaped how I think about travel, responsibility, and place.
How Travelling made me Rethink New Year’s Resolutions
Before solo travelling, I thought New Year’s Resolutions were pointless. Although what if we have been thinking about New Year’s resolutions incorrectly? Read on to find out why you should be proud of yourself regardless, and how we can utilise New Year’s to grow.
Bali: No go or Slow?
Never had I even left Europe before. But there I was descending down the rickety plane steps, running on less than two hours of abysmal sleep. My heart raced with both fear and hesitation as I was about to meet the strangers with whom I would be sharing my next few weeks.
Female solo travel and sexual harassment
If you have solo travelled for some time as a woman, or simply existed, then I am sure you will know what I mean. From the glares, the interesting comments, and the constant voice at the back of your head telling you that you are never entirely safe. It is difficult to navigate, and for sure, solo travel is going to expose us to more risks. But that is not a reason to stop doing something.
Privilege, power, and how we can do better
Ah, the joys involved in stepping off the plane onto a beautiful tropical island. You can’t wait to spend the next two weeks swooning from 4 star hotel to four star hotel, receiving top hospitality (for little money), and beach rotting.
Essential safety tips for solo female travellers
Here are some essential female solo travel safety tips that I practice throughout travelling. From the solo female travel safety index, to essential safety apps and travel safety equipment. This post is a must read for any young woman who wants the freedom to explore the world alone safely.
Rethinking Euro Summer
Want to have the perfect Euro Summer, but also want it to be sustainable and enjoyable? Look no further. From Instagram trend setters and locations grappling with over-tourism, to locations that are actively seeking tourists- this post will enable you to enjoy a sustainable and affordable Euro Summer!
Cheap, Cheerful, and Sustainable things to do in Athens: Perfect for Solo Travellers
Want to visit Athens but are worried about breaking the bank. Or are you worried that you may find it difficult as a solo traveller? If that is so, then this post is for you!
Want to work with me?
As I travel, I am keen to document my own experiences whilst highlighting the ethical issues relating to travel. As much as I am enjoying this journey, I would enjoy it more if connected with other, likeminded people! If you are interested in working together, or if you simply want to say hi, then please drop me an email at: rosyramblings@gmail.com or you can dm me on Instagram
- Social media collabs: Do you also run your own little Instagram account? If so, I would be more than happy to collaborate with you. From cross-promotions and supporting one another, to working on joint content! If your niche lies within travel, sustainability, activism, or you run a small business, please don’t hesitate to DM me, regardless of the size of your account.
- Guest Posting: Keen to have someone else write a blog post? Again, please reach out! Likewise, I would be keen on featuring your content if we share similar values and aspirations.
- Content creation tailored to your business goals: If you run a small business and need someone to create content, I can help! And since I am starting, I can offer competitive prices.
Find out more about what I have done
If you wish to see the work I have done in the past, simply check out my portfolio!
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