Travel Talkers Toastmasters

The theme of our April 20 meeting was Eco Travel. We discussed how we experience eco travel and shared tips on how to participate in eco travel.

Our destination master for the meeting was Meghan Burns. She shared these clues about a destination she will be visiting soon.

• This world capital megacity is one of the oldest continuously-inhabited urban settlements in the Western Hemisphere.
• The UN ranks this city as one of the top 5 cities in the world by population at 22 million in 2022.
• This city was founded in 1521 on the site of another capital, Tenochtitlán of the Aztec empire.
• The main public square, Plaza de la Constitución, is surrounded by the Metropolitan Cathedral, completed in 1813.
• Luche libre is a sport popular in this city with the 2nd highest spectator rate, surpassed only by fútbol,

If you guessed Mexico City, you are correct!

Eco Travel tips was the subject of Samantha Jamwal’s speech, “How to participate in Eco Travel.” Samantha gave us practical tips for how to be a more eco-conscious traveler.

1. Plan trips to National Parks and conservation areas and use the rangers as guides.
2. Eat locally and include items that are in-season, eat at local community restaurants rather than fast-food chain restaurants.
3. Buy local souvenirs made by members of the community.
4. Travel off-season to avoid the crowds and other tourists, plus off-season fares are usually cheaper.
5. Book local excursions with local guides from the area.
6. Use public transportation, such as buses, trains, ride-share, and bicycles rather than a rental car.
7. Seek out local accomodations, small local hotels, Bed and Breakfast inns, try EcoBnB, CouchSurfing or Wayaj for alternative options.
8. Do not touch! Enjoy the view, the plants, the animals, but don’t pick the flowers or try to pet the wildlife.

Her final suggestion was to watch YouTube videos about the area where you are traveling; to preview the sights, the restaurants, and the local events before you book your trip.

Travel Topics were led by Lynn Turnquest and she asked us questions about our favorite eco travel trips, our most joyful vacation and our top three vacation adventures or locations. Helen commented on how she finds out about local customs and foods by visiting the local grocery stores on her trips. Natasha talked about a cruise that she took in 2018 with her sister Lynn to celebrate their birthdays–a joyful vacation. Lisa listed her three favorite trips–a month long stay in Costa Rica learning about the local environment, a climbing adventure in Australia, and a trip to Denmark couchsurfing, eating local food and riding bicycles.

Join us for our next meeting on April 27 from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm Pacific (-8 UTC). The meeting theme is “Planes, Trains and Automobiles.” Do you have a favorite way to travel? Is a train ride the best way to see the scenery? Join the meeting to participate in our Travel Topics session and guess the mystery destination.

Register for the meeting: https://tinyurl.com/TravelTalkersZoomLink

Looking forward to hearing your Travel Stories!

Helen Josephine,