Everyone has a different style of travel. Does it really help to lash out against those whom you disagree with?

And, you might have time to post press releases if you weren’t spending so much time tweeting and social networking… Please don’t try to tell us that your publicity is accidental. You’re the most active travel belcher there is.

I’m surprised that you did not link to Julie’s post on Matador which is the BEST and most honest one that I have seen so far.

“Should travel writers care about their environmental impact?”

THAT is the issue!

I agree with Julie in saying this was about twethics, comped travel, social media, and environmental issues and what created the storm.

Both sides made mistakes, but that happens online just as it does in person when dealing with passionate people with different perspectives. Not just in travel either-just saw one with Scobelizer & ChrisBrogan and between Tim Ferriss and Gary Vee etc, etc!

It was purely principal as to why I tweeted on this topic based on our experiences on our family world tour since 2006. We have seen the damage that mega-cruise ships do to small ancient sites ( with up to 30,000 passengers invading tiny towns like Dubrovnik all at once) and think travel writers have a responsibility to inform & educate the public rather than just to write/tweet travel porn and fluff that encourages unsustainable travel.

Publicity? Huh? If anything sticking ones neck out like this is probably the worst possible way to get publicity as many love to do Mega-cruise (and many travel writers get free cruises and/or big advertising dollars to write good things/promote them)…so there was instant backlash, name calling and punitive measures towards anyone who spoke up to the enviro concerns. I know a great travel writer who was instantly blocked on Twitter for ONE RT of mine that had a link to Caitlin’s article!!

Unlike most travel bloggers, I have yet to even write ONE P/R release and have yet to set up a media page and we have been traveling non-stop since 2006! ( We have gotten tons of great things written about us, but that is only because we have a unique and trailblazing story. and valuable information that inspires and helps others….yet I don’t even have time to get them all on my website or even keep up with the ever growing loooong list of writers who want to interview us).

These are clearly, not the signs of someone after a publicity stunt! I actually have been stunned that we have become so popular and have had so many viral youtube travel videos, awards, write ups and readers! All of it has been accidental, I am a total non-geek & others always approach us and NOT the other way around. Yes, some get jealous, but that’s life and most focus on the inspiration and value. You can’t please all the people all the time, so you have to please yourself!

I’m not against press trips, but I have never taken one and am almost positive that I never would. Unlike most travel bloggers/writers, I don’t need to write for money and do it primarily to serve others and document our experiences. Thus, I am much freer to do and say what I please.

I AM passionate about family extended slow travel that is good for the environment (as are many of my readers)! 70% of families dream about doing extended travel and I DO want them to know that it is cheaper, more enriching, greener & easier than most know. We have more first hand experience in this niche than anyone else writing about it (thus we are featured in the new edition of 4HWW & NYT’s Frugal Traveler etc).

Why spend a pile of money to spend an afternoon jammed packed with thousands of Mega-cruise tourists in Santorini, causing all kinds of damage to the environment & not contribute much to the local economy ( as cruise ships make sure most is spent onboard,not in 10-2 excursion)…..when you can spend a month there without any crowds, add to the local economy, live healthier, contribute to the planet for FAR LESS?

My passion is to inform, educate and inspire!

“When you throw dirt at people, you’re not doing a thing but losing ground.” Zig Ziglar

i think that travel writers need to support each other’s work and efforts – you’re right, no matter who pays for it. excellent article, esp that last part!

Certainly ignoring the process is too reductionist but we need to focus on it less. Tech reporters get thrown freebies or have their corporations buy it for them to review; most travel writers aren’t working for a corporation which pays for expenses so we all need to relax, admit that sometimes writers create long-form advertisements rather than travel stories, and keep funding, employing and promoting the writers and new media producers we love.