When I visited Thailand, I made a conscious choice not to ride any elephants. Here’s why:
While elephant rides might seem like an exciting adventure for humans, they are nothing short of a nightmare for these majestic creatures. Upon mentioning my Thailand travel plans for Thailand, many people asked me whether I planned to ride an elephant. My immediate response was a resounding “No, never,” which often left people confused.
Sadly, most people are unaware of the cruelty behind elephant trekking. Many assume that because elephants are large and strong, carrying humans on their backs is effortless. However, the reality is quite different. Elephants were not built to be ridden; the practice is harmful to their sensitive skin and detrimental to their spines. Despite their apparent strength, our weight on their backs for extended periods causes significant harm. Moreover, the hidden brutality involved in allowing tourists to ride elephants is something we rarely witness.
This fence is to keep humans out of the elephant’s space, the forest behind them is their sanctuary, where they are free to roam safely for miles and miles. None of the elephants are required or forced to come to the sanctuary building to interact with humans, but they choose to almost every day…they know it’s the best banana hookup around town đ
The Crushing Process for Elephants:
Riding an elephant is far from a natural experience, and the process of preparing them is equally unnatural. Known as “crushing” or Phajaan, it is an ancient technique used to subdue these magnificent animals. Phajaan is a deeply traumatic experience for elephants, which are highly social and tightly bonded beings.
Whether captured from the wild or bred in captivity, young elephants are separated and isolated from their mothers and family groups within the first few months of life. They are restrained or confined in small spaces, subjected to starvation, dehydration, and repeated beatings to “crush” their spirit. This torture is just the beginning of a life spent in chains, deprived of proper habitat and food, forced into a monotonous routine day after day.
Unfortunately, the Phajaan process is also used in other forms of entertainment, like circus performances and painting. Those elephants you see in videos performing tricks or creating artwork have likely been subjected to this brutal training method, and their happiness is far from what the videos portray. Elephants are inherently compassionate and emotional animals. They experience joy, anger, grief, and love, with the capacity for complex thoughts and deep feelings.
The Tragic Reality
In the wild or in a safe sanctuary, elephants can live up to 60 years. However, those held in captivity, enduring the “crush” process, rarely live past 40. Some recent, tragic examples include Na-Laieng, a 40-year-old captive elephant who died from exhaustion due to excessive rides with minimal rest, and Sambo, who suffered a heart attack from exhaustion and dehydration after 15 years of carrying tourists in scorching weather. These highlight the devastating impact the tourism industry can have on these magnificent creatures. As Asiaâs tourism industry grows, the number of Elephants dying from depression, dehydration, and exhaustion grows along with it.
Elephant hugs! …In exchange for a banana, of course..
What defines a real sanctuary?
Some travelers seek out “sanctuaries” that claim to offer ethical interactions with elephants. However, many of these places still permit a few hours of riding per day, claiming these reduced hours are âhealthier.â These organizations rely on tourists remaining uninformed about the harm inflicted on these animals. The brutal truth is that breaking the spirits of these creatures to make them rideable involves cruelty at every step.
My decision not to ride elephants was driven by a deep concern for the well-being of these remarkable animals. As travelers, we have a responsibility to educate ourselves and make choices that prioritize an animalâs well-being over our entertainment. Let’s ensure that our adventures leave a positive impact on all the worldâs inhabitants rather than contributing to their suffering.
Giving the elephants a mud bath to help keep them cool!
Ensure your elephant visit is safe and ethical:
So, how do you know for sure if the sanctuary you visit is a safe, happy place for the elephants? I was able to take some time to talk with the guide at my sanctuary, and hereâs what I learned:
Itâs all in the body language:
Heads and tails: Elephants exhibit body language that is similar to dogs. Wagging tails and flapping ears are a sign that the elephant is content and happy. Conversely, if their ears are pinned back, and their tails are stiff, it’s an indication of stress and anxiety. The latter may suggest that the elephant is not being treated fairly or is experiencing discomfort.
Itâs all in the eyes: Much like humans, elephants’ eyes reveal their emotions. When they are anxious or stressed, their eyes widen. Hopefully, the Elephants you see will have lazy, half-closed eyes and tails swishing in a relaxed manner. This is a positive sign that they are living free from the torments of irresponsible tourism.
Conversations: Did you know elephants often speak at frequencies we canât hear? One sound you will (hopefully) hear at your sanctuary visit is a low, rumbling sound from the elephants as they make calm conversation with each other. This subtle vocalization is a testament to their complex social interactions.
The trumpet call: Children often imitate the trumpet sound when asked what noise an elephant makes. However, this distinctive sound is a clear signal of distress and fear. In the wild, elephants typically make this trumpet sound before charging, and young elephants use it to call for their mothers when they need help.
By paying attention to these cues in elephant body language, you can gain insights into their emotional states and well-being. Itâs up to us as responsible travelers to support sanctuaries and organizations that prioritize the welfare and happiness of elephants. That way, we can ensure they live free from harm and suffering.
How you can help these elephants:
I hope this article sheds light on the elephant tourism industry and encourages you to refrain from participating in the mistreatment of these intelligent and gentle creatures. If you’re eager to learn more about how you can contribute to elephant welfare, explore the links below!
Responsible tourism and sustainable tourism are closely related concepts, but they’re not exactly the same. Both emphasize environmentally and socially conscious travel practices but have different focuses. Letâs break them down:
Sustainable Tourism
Sustainable tourism is a broader concept that aims to minimize the negative impact of tourism on the environment, society, and economy while maximizing its positive contributions. It involves long-term planning and management to ensure that tourism can continue without depleting natural resources, harming local cultures, or negatively affecting the well-being of communities.
Responsible Tourism
Responsible tourism, on the other hand, is a subset of sustainable tourism. It focuses on the behavior and choices of individual travelers and tourism businesses. It emphasizes respect for local cultures, support for local economies, and efforts to reduce waste & energy consumption during travel.
Use whatever term makes more sense to you, but at the end of the day, the goal is the same: Protect the earth & its inhabitants while still getting to go on adventures!
Why Responsible Tourism
The climate crisis is all around us, it’s impossible to ignore. Change is essential, but we can still travel and live fully if we do so responsibly. So it is crucial that we prioritize responsible tourism, as responsible travel choices can make a huge impact. A large part of this involves simply being mindful of when and where we travel.
The tourism industry has the potential to greatly improve the economy of many locations, but unfortunately, in some regions, locals are actually displaced to accommodate tourists. Responsible tourism has the potential for great positive change if approached correctly; it should work to conserve and protect the natural environment while improving and enhancing the lives of the locals.
Ecology & Economy
The conservation and protection of the environment and the locals are NOT mutually exclusive. If a tourist business conserves the environment but is financially destructive or physically displaces locals, it’s not responsible tourism. If it benefits the locals but endangers the environment, it is not sustainable tourism.
Adapting to Responsible Tourism
The main thing to remember about responsible tourism is that it’s going to change over time. Just like how we used to think that riding elephants or swimming with captive dolphins was acceptable, we now know the devastating effects it has on the animals and how it destroys their quality of life.Â
Itâs okay to feel guilt for participating in one of these types of activities in the past, as long as you donât let that guilt consume you and instead let it fuel you to educate yourself and do better. You know the saying⌠once you know better, do better.
Doing Your Research and Making Responsible Choices
If you canât find research or articles informing people on whether or not a tourist business/industry is responsible, listen to your gut. Put yourself in the shoes of the locals or the wildlife. If something feels icky or off about it, itâs best to avoid it, at least until you have more information!
Iâll do my best to keep you all informed and educated with the most up-to-date, responsible tourism practices. If youâre curious about a particular tourist business/industry/activity/or practice and you donât see anything on my page or anything easily accessible online, contact me!
Iâm more than happy to dig into some research to help guide your responsible tourist practices. It’s what Iâm here for, and it will ultimately help many others who Iâm sure have or will have the same questions!
In this post I go through lots of simple steps to work through solo travel anxiety and give lots of examples for small solo activities!
Going solo on your adventure can be daunting, particularly when youâve got anxiety keeping you dutifully informed on everything that can go wrong. Iâve compiled a list of my favorite things to do to prepare for going solo. I still do all of these activites as often as possible. Even though Iâve gone on solo trips before, my anxiety never lets me down in finding new ways to make me stressed, even if Iâve already proved it wrong before. The key is repetition. Do it again, and again, and again, until it becomes so comfortable youâre barely even thinking about it anymore.
Start Small
You donât need to follow all of these steps in the same order. Just make sure you start small, whatever that means to you. For some people, a solo hike in nature feels a lot safer than a solo dinner date. Thatâs totally fine! Mix and match based on what eases your anxiety most. Iâd love to hear what things you end up trying out, or if you have any other ideas to add to the list, let me know in the comments!
Nothing will ever go perfectly, so if you start small, it will be easier to handle any challenges that pop up along the way. Start with small, local adventures around your hometown. Build your way up to a short domestic trip. Eventually, you will be able to stay calm and handle any surprises that come up on your first big solo adventure.
Solo Coffee date
I love packing up my computer and security water bottle (IYKYK) and heading to one of my favorite local coffee shops. Spending a few hours there, whether it’s tackling school assignments or crafting new blog posts while savoring a delightful mocha, is one of my favorite ways to work. I’ve placed this one at the top of the list because working at a coffee shop surrounds you with like-minded individuals working (often solo) on their own tasks, but still offers the perfect opportunity to practice enjoying your own company while being out and about.
Look up cute local cafes to support in your area. While Starbucks may be convenient, choosing local cafes is a more sustainable choice. Plus, not only does it feel good, it helps support small businesses and build a sense of community.
Solo Dinner/Lunch Date
While it seems similar to the last one, taking yourself out for a meal can definitely feel a lot different. In a cafe, youâve got your own little bubble, and as a bonus, most of the other people in the cafe will probably be by themselves, too. Depending on the place you go, most people out for lunch will probably be with someone else, so it can feel a little awkward the first few times to be there alone. Personally, I like to bring a book with me to read while I eat. This solo excursion will teach you what it feels like to eat alone in foreign restaurants. Plus, no more wasting time trying to agree on a place to eat; you get to pick whatever you want!
Solo Hike
The point of this one is to go out on your own away from towns (and lots of people). If you donât plan on exploring nature on your trips, you can probably skip this one. However, it’s an added bonus that this activity is completely free! I love immersing myself in nature, and whether I’m abroad or at home, hiking tops my list of favorite activities!
Some tips for going on your first solo hike:
If youâre new to solo hiking, pick a hike that you know is pretty popular. That way, youâll be sure to find many other hikers on the trail (just make sure you go up early to snag a parking spot).
Tell someone where you are going. When I go on longer hikes up in the mountains, especially where cell service may be spotty, I like to let someone know where Iâll be going. Itâs never actually been needed (knock on wood!), itâs more so to ease my anxiety.
Going somewhere solo is a much different feeling than going somewhere alone. Youâll likely come across other hikers, but there will be moments when itâs just you and nature. If you think that might stir up some anxiety, bring whatever you use at home to help calm down. Some people listen to music (but respect the wildlife and other hikers and use headphones). If you’ve got a dog, or a friends dog you can borrow for the day, bring them along with you! I love bringing my pup with me hiking. She’s no guard dog, but I do feel safer when I have her in my company.
Solo Day Trip
Nowâs the time to combine all your solo activities into one big day! It’s a chance to indulge in a bit of ‘travel’ planning minus the long-term commitment. Take some time to curate a day of solo adventures, aiming to embrace the day entirely on your own.
If your budget allows, consider extending your solo excursion from breakfast to dinner. If you live in a small town near a large city, how about dedicating your day to some big-city exploration? Plus, it will feel more like a mini âtrip.â I personally love planning solo day trips down to Denver; the city never fails to offer exciting discoveries and new restaurants to try!Â
Safety
I know my personal safety can add a lot of anxiety for me. I carry a birdie personal alarm with me EVERYWHERE I go. It’s always in reach for me to pull at a moments notice if I feel unsafe or uncomfortable. It’s such a small, affordable device but it’s done loads for my anxiety!
Need a little inspiration?
Check out these travel quotes to help inspire you to pack your bags and see the world!
Your Adventure Awaits â Get Started Now!
Some people recommend trying out a mini multi-day trip somewhere close to home as practice for larger trips (such as international trips). I think itâs a great idea if you have the budget for this. However, I am very aware that this is not a realistic option for everyone. As a budget traveler, it’s not realistic for me either. However, I believe it’s not necessary when prepping for a bigger trip.Â
The point of these activities is to figure out what you like and dislike, what feels easy, and what you might need more time adjusting to when it comes to solo travel.Just keep repeating the solo outings from this list, switching up where you go, of course. Before you know it, those solo jitters will be history!
I wish you all the best on your solo outings! Let me know in the comments below which of these youâve tried and which one you enjoy the most!
We all need a little inspiration now and then. That extra push to take the leap and embark on a new adventure. So, I’ve gathered a collection of my favorite solo female travel quotes. Each one was carefully picked to fuel your wanderlust, instill courage, and encourage you to set off on your own journeys. As someone who has always felt a profound connection to literature, I’ve come to appreciate the transformative power they hold. Your next unforgettable adventure awaits, and it all starts with a few inspiring words.
#1
“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us” ~J.R.R Tolkien
Of course I had to start off with a quote from J.R.R Tolkien since this blog is inspired by his magnificent literary works! This particular one is one of my favorites. We may not have control over the actions and decisions of others, but we do have the power to determine our own actions and choices.
#2
“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone” ~ Neale Donald Walsch
Another essential part of this blog is getting out of your comfort zone. I’m still working on this one, and this quote is an excellent reminder of why it’s so worth it!
#3
“And then there is the most dangerous risk of all — the risk of spending your life not doing what you want on the bet you can buy yourself the freedom to do it later” ~Randy Komisar
This is certainly a great reminder of why I’m pushing beyond my comfort zone now. I don’t want to wake up one day regretting the memories I could have made and the places I could’ve seen.
#4
“Time is precious, waste it wisely.”
I think this one explains itself! In other words… I’ll be “wasting” my time with adventure!
#5
“As a woman, I have no country. As a woman, my country is the whole world” ~Virginia Woolf
Certainly this travel quotes list wouldn’t be complete without a line from Virginia Woolf!
#6
“Into the wild I go, losing my way, finding my soul.”
I adore this quote as a solo traveler. It beautifully captures the essence of my journey: venturing into the unknown, occasionally losing my path, but always discovering a deeper connection with my inner self along the way.
#7
“I would rather own a little and see the world than own the world and see a little of it” ~Alexander Sattler
This one really speaks to me. I’ve always known that I never wanted to get stuck in a job I hate just because it pays well. I’d rather have only a little money to spend on adventure than be rich with no time to live my life.
#8
“I’d rather live a life filled with challenges than a life filled with routine.” ~Traveltobealive.com
Like Paul Coehlo said…routine is lethal.
#9
“Now more than ever do I realize that I will never be content with a sedentary life, that I will always be haunted by thoughts of a sun-drenched elsewhere.” ~Isabelle Ebhardt
… A steady job may be comfortable, but I no longer want comfort, I want adventure. I could probably make a whole separate post on these routine vs. adventure-style travel quotes!
#10
“Solo travel not only pushes you out of your comfort zone, it also pushes you out of the zone of others’ expectations.” ~Suzy Strutner
I love this perspective on solo travel. It truly is an adventure to find yourself!
#11
“A nomad I will remain for life, in love with distant and uncharted places.” ~ Isabelle Eberhardt
Isabelle Eberhardt’s words have truly captured my feelings and put them into words better than I ever could have.
#12
“Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.” ~ Jennifer Lee
I’ve saved this one for last because I think it perfectly sums up the message of this post and all the travel quotes included. If you’re reading this article, it means there was something in you, even if only just a spark, that has been feeling the desire for a change in your life, however permanent, and a little adventure for your soul. You are in the right place! Get started with your next adventure, check out the rest of my site for some more travel inspiration and solo female travel guides.
And there you have it, a dose of inspirational travel quotes to stoke your wanderlust. Let these quotes be your trusty companions as you embark on your own adventures. The world is waiting, and it’s full of surprises and experiences just waiting to be uncovered. So, grab your backpack, book that ticket, and remember that every journey begins with a single step.
Happy travels, fellow explorers, and may your adventures be as incredible as the quotes that inspired them!
I recently spent three lovely days camping along the New River in the New River Valley of Southwest Virginia. Spoiler alert: Itâs not new at allâŚitâs actually the second oldest river in the world. To put it in perspective, the New Riverâs water flowed along its winding path long before the Appalachians ever even rose to existence!
It was here that we ventured out for an unassuming hike at Cascade Falls/Barneyâs Wall that turned into a day filled with breathtaking views of the new river valley, refreshing swimming holes, a striking waterfall, and loads of mushroom hunting.
This is technically two hikes, but you have to hike Cascade Falls to get to Barney’s Wall starting point, so it’s essentially one hike with two segments.
Location and Overview
Route Type: Out and Back
Total Distance: 4.2 miles for the Falls or 7.6 with Barneys Wall
Total Time: 2 hours for Cascade Falls, 4 hours with Barneys Wall (not including time stopping at the waterfall & New River Valley viewpoint)
Trailhead Location: 2068 Cascade Dr, Pembroke, VA 24136 (search for Cascade Falls Trailhead in maps)
Parking: Parking can be limited. If you go on a weekend or during school breaks in the summer, plan on arriving EARLY to secure a spot. I went at the end of August on a weekday when school was back in session, and the parking lot was almost empty at 10:00 a.m. .⌠so it really depends on the time of year you go
Fees: $3 (there will not be anyone there to give you change).
Terrain and Trail Directions
The first segment of the hike offers an upper trail and a lower trail to the falls. The lower path (to the right and across the first bridge) is best on your way up, as it hugs the bank and provides endless creek views. I found myself stopping for photos often on the lower trail; The way the light seeped through the trees and danced along the mossy creek seemed right out of a fairytale! The upper path is more of a service road but makes for a quick return to the parking lot.
Lower path terrain: Slightly more diverse, with a few steep rock stairs and a bit more of a slope. The fit or avid hiker will have no issue with this trail, we even saw little kids making their way up it
Upper path terrain: Flat and wide. Great for beginners, strollers, or those with physical disabilities (it even has some benches along the way to rest at)
To continue to the New River Valley Viewpoint:
Head up the wooden stairs to the left opposite the falls observation deck.
Walk about 200 yards to an open area with a signpost showing the Conservancy Trail, a 0.4-mile fire road, at the fork in the road, bear left.
Take another left in about 50 yards at the Conservancy Trail signpost.
There will definitely be fewer people on this portion of the hike. You may even get to enjoy the view at the top all by yourself.
This portion of the hike is more strenuous than the first half, especially if youâre not an avid hiker. However, the view of the New River Valley at the top is absolutely worth it. You may even get a close-up of a Falcon on the hunt.
Mushroom hunting on the way to the New River Valley Viewpoint
Hiking Tips and Preparation
Wear a swimsuit (or clothes you donât mind getting wet)! â At the waterfallâs base is a large, refreshingly cold swimming hole to splash around in. Bring sandals you can wear in the water to avoid stubbing your toes on the rocks.
Bring plenty of water and snacks â The waterfallâs base offers plenty of dry rock âseatingâ for lunch with a view (depending on how crowded it is)!
Bugspray â Bugspray is a MUST on any hike on the East Coast (mosquitoes and gnats really thrive in the humidity). If youâve got summer hiking pants, Iâd recommend wearing those to protect your legs. For my health and the environment, I never use bug spray with deet or other chemicals. I buy Grandpa Gus’ Mosquito Repellent and I seriously SWEAR by this stuff. All natural, all plant-derived oils. My friend used deet bug spray and got more bug bites than me…thats how good it is!
Sunscreen â While the majority of the path is shaded, if you want to spend time up at the swimming hole, you wonât have the trees to shade you, so bring some SPF.
Going Solo
This hike is a fantastic choice for those looking for a short solo adventure! Everyone I came across on this hike was incredibly friendly and helpful in guiding me toward the lower trail. There’s no sign labeling it, but cross the first bridge to the right. My explorations in the nearby town were limited to the store, a gas station, and a park situated right across from a fire station. In every interaction, I was met with the genuine warmth of Southern hospitality.
Bonus highlight: Barney’s Wall viewpoint has some sizeable rocks that conveniently double as stable props for your phone, making it effortless to capture photos with yourself in the scenery!
