sustainable travelers
Hi! We’re Sam and Ashley, the couple behind The Green Shoestring.
In 2015 we left our beautiful home of Colorado, USA to pursue a life of exploration and adventure. As digital nomads, we employ multiple strategies to keep our little travel dream alive. In the past three years of travel, we’ve come to see the harmful side effects of tourism on our planet. We understand that if the beautiful places we visit are to stay that way, the culture of traveling must become more sustainable. We believe that if used correctly, tourism can be a powerful tool for influence and inspiration.
To spread that message, we take simple measures to ensure we are respectful of the local communities and ecosystems we visit. With an eco-conscious approach to traveling, The Green Shoestring is the materialization of our travel beliefs. We hope to educate our readers and inspire them to join to the ever-expanding community of sustainable travelers.
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Popular Posts
Breaking Up With Plastic in China
Alright, so there are some places where it’s totally easy to avoid using plastic…. And then there’s China. From coffee to fruit, EVERYTHING comes in plastic. Ditching plastic in China can be frustrating at times, but it’s totally doable! Here’s our top tips for breaking up with single-use plastic in China.
Ayutthaya One-Day Bicycle Route
Ayutthaya makes for a great stopover on your way to Chiang Mai, or as a day-trip from Bangkok. The area is littered with ancient temples and ruins just begging to be explored. The best part? They are all easily accessible by bicycle. We recommend staying for a few days, but if you’re short on time this itinerary will take you to all of the best spots in Ayutthaya in a single day.
How Teaching ESL Let Me Travel the World
Money is often the biggest obstacle that prevents people from traveling, but it doesn’t have to be that way. If you’re a native English speaker, you have a skill in high demand all across the globe. Through teaching English, I’ve spent the last two years traveling and living abroad. I’ve explored all over Southeast Asia and had some of the most incredible experiences of my life. Find out how teaching abroad can open the door to long-term travel.
10 Unconventional Money Saving Tips
Everything I see on the internet about how to save money traveling says pretty much the same thing. This post promises to be different! After months on the road, we’ve compiled our most effective; if unconventional ways to stretch your dollar and travel longer.
The Couples Guide to The Mae Hong Son Loop
The Mae Hong Son Loop is an incredible, 600km journey through the North Reaches of Thailand. Contrary to conventional wisdom, we did the loop together on a single motorbike, and couldn’t be happier that we did. We think this is the safest and most comfortable way to navigate The Loop. Check out our complete guide to find out why!
How We Got Here
With a huge increase in travel and tourism over the past ten years, it’s easy to see why so many people dream about quitting their 9-5 jobs in pursuit of a life filled with more adventures, and less office time. We were no different. In 2015 we decided to turn that dream into a reality, here’s how.
How The Gilis Are Going Green
The Gili Islands have become some of the most popular travel destinations in Southeast Asia. As their popularity grew so did the stress on the local environments. As the islands started to become overwhelmed with trash, local inhabitants and foreign residents on the islands to make a stand. The three tiny islands have now become a model for how island nations around the world can fight the effects of climate change on a local level.
Beaches of South Lombok
The Southern coast of Lombok; to the East and West of Kuta, has some of the most amazing beaches in Southeast Asia. Here’s a rundown of the some of the most popular beaches, along with our favorite hidden gems.
6 Effortless Ways to Use Less Plastic When Traveling
Cutting down on plastic while traveling can seem like a daunting proposition. There is literally plastic EVERYWHERE. Its convenience and versatility are exactly why it is so widely used around the globe. But you don’t have to feel overwhelmed by single-use plastic. These 6 quick tips will help you drastically cut down your plastic use on your next trip.