HI-USA's Travel Forum and Workshops.
2009 marks two milestone anniversaries: 75 years for Hostelling International USA and 100 years for the international hostelling movement. At HI-USA, we've celebrated with events across the country, culminating in our November National Conference in Boston, MA. We invited travelers and community members to participate in a selection of workshops that reflect interests and trends among travelers today, and a special Forum focusing on the positive impact those travelers can and do have when they practice "backpack diplomacy." See below for more information about the presenters and resources to help with your next travel adventure!
Travel Forum
Backpack Diplomacy: Youth Travel as a Force for Change
Since its earliest beginnings hostelling has both encouraged and made it possible for young people to expand their horizons through travel. As young people embark on world travel, they leave the comfort zone of their familiar world and reach outside themselves to understand other cultures as they gain new broadened perspectives on their own. These “backpack diplomats” have great potential to positively impact the world both during their travels and upon their return.
This forum explored youth travel, the role of hostelling, and the ever-changing landscape of independent travel. Four well-known travel experts shared their own experiences and discussed their views on how travel is transformative personally and globally.
The panel includes renowned travel writers Tony Wheeler (author and co-founder of Lonely Planet Publications), Rolf Potts (“Vagabonding”), and Jeff Greenwald (“Shopping for Buddhas”), joined by moderator Pauline Frommer (“Pauline Frommer Guidebooks: See More Spend Less”).
Workshop Sessions
Workshop Session 1
Travel Photography
Looking to improve your photography skills for your next adventure? Learn about composition, lighting and communication with people of different cultures as it relates to photography. Find out what equipment to take while traveling and what to do with your photographs when you get home. And get a glimpse of the world through the lens of an experienced photographer.
Get inspired at www.keithlevitphotography.com.
Presenter: Keith Levit, professional travel photographer
Travel Tech 101
Ever have trouble navigating all your latest on-the-road tech choices? Become a tech-savvy traveler as we guide you through various communications and appliance options for your adventure! Both developed and developing country destinations will be covered.
Presenter: Sean Keener, cofounder of BootsnAll Travel
Workshop Session 2
Voluntourism
These days many travelers are looking for ways to give back and experience the local culture in a new way while on the road. Learn about the various voluntourism opportunities out there and how you can be part of this growing movement.
Find great voluntourism resources at www.voluntourism.org.
Presenter: David Clemmons, founder of VolunTourism.org
Green Travel
What does it mean to travel green? How does one tell if an accommodation is really eco-friendly? How can you reduce your carbon footprint as you undertake an international trip? Our Green Travel program was developed by volunteer Elizabeth Sanberg, who writes and maintains Go Green Travel Green, a blog dedicated to green travel issues. Learn simple ways you can make a difference in the world, save money, and reduce your footprint on the earth regardless of where you are traveling.
Get tips to reduce your carbon footprint at www.gogreentravelgreen.com.
Presenter: Elizabeth Sanberg, co-founder of Go Green Travel Green
Workshop Session 3
Travel Writing
Hone your writing skills for documenting your travels and get familiar with the best tools for sharing them with friends, family and the world during this hands-on workshop.
Great travel writing tips are available at http://hasbrouck.org/blog/archives/001699.html.
Presenter: Edward Hasbrouck, award winning travel journalist and author of "The Practical Nomad: How to Travel Around the World"
Adventure Travel
Jungle trek to Machu Picchu, canopy walk among Rwandan gorillas, scuba diving in Thailand, camping in the Outback – the world is full of travel opportunities for anyone seeking off-the-beaten path adventures. Find out how you can tap into existing opportunities and get ideas for your next trip.
Learn more about adventure travel at www.bootsnall.com.
Presenter: Sean Keener, cofounder of BootsnAll Travel
