Everyone has heard of eco travel and ‘voluntourism’, but do you know what pitfalls to look out for and how to make an informed decision?

Hear first-hand from travel writers, journalists and industry advocates about what we can all do better to help reduce our footprint and make for more meaningful adventures.

Tara Winkler has a fascinating story of volunteering at a Cambodian orphanage only to learn that her actions were causing more harm than good, inspiring her to start charity Cambodian Children’s Trust. She will share her experience and how she is now working with the travel industry to tackle the downside of voluntourism and create different models of community engagement.

Anthony Ham and Bri Lee are both travel and nature writers who have to juggle the dilemma of writing about remote and pristine places while also wishing they remain untouched. Anthony’s adventures have taken him around the world and recently to the deepest parts of the Amazon where nature, politics and tourism collide – ayahuasca retreats anyone? Bri Lee leads boutique learning-driven travel tours and will share her approach to travel and some of her recent experiences to places like Antarctica and Turkey.

And with more than 20 years across the travel industry, Jenny-Lee Scharnboeck will share her insights into how the industry is changing to address problems like waste and plastic pollution through programs such as Ground Swell by Take 3 for the Sea.

Together with veteran travel journalist Ben Groundwater, they’ll discuss the challenges and opportunities of ethical travel, and what you can do to ensure your next adventure engages cultures, communities and ecosystems without harming them.

Auslan Stage Left thanks the Vivid team for supporting Auslan access again in 2023. Follow the festival here:

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