Step Up Travel, [www.stepuptravel.org] / [www.stepuptravel.com], is a Global Network for Socially-minded Travelers who want to connect directly with locals and not bother with any intermediary tourist trap operation. It is the meeting ground where travelers connect with local people who are offering their own services, activities, and goods--from private language lessons, dance lessons, apartment rentals, to surfing collectives, guides, bongo drummers, artists, sailing outings, fishermen, and more. The traveler is more authentically immersed in the destination country, its culture, and its people, while the local people advertising their services can gain from self-employment.
So much commercial tourism stands in the way of interesting cultural exchange between traveling parties and local people. It stands not only as a cultural barrier, controlled by large global companies, but also an economic barrier to the people of destination countries who make their culture what it is. So Step Up provides a way for travelers to connect directly with local to help empower local populations who stand at the margins of a tourism industry dominated by big business--and the result is a more authentic and adventurous way to experience another country and its people, while supporting the livelihood of locals.
The site was established to address the needs of a world that suffers from broadening financial inequality. It also offers a more rigorous virtual global forum through which people can form collaborative efforts to address the needs of small communities across the world.
If you are interested in what we are trying to create and would like to become involved as a volunteer or potential employee, please write into volunteer@stepuptravel.org. our team is growing at every step and we welcome any dynamic thinkers who want to join the effort.
Reply to this Traveler Contributions for StepUp Travel: a Sustainable Travel Advocacy Project
Back in August of 2008, I decided to quit my job and devote my time to
StepUpTravel - a Sustainable Travel Classifieds and Advocacy website. Its the best darn job I've ever had!
We've recently started allowing the user community to
refer destinations they've been to - what we're looking for are local, small and micro travel-related businesses with whom you've had some great experiences. The goal of our project is to provide an online platform for locals and their communities; who are really the ones that make their culture what it is.
To get small, offline businesses signed up,
we rely on submissions from avid travelers like you. So, next time you're backpacking, do keep us in mind. Collect information (take lots of photos!) about the smaller, off-the-beaten-path businesses and post on our site so that other travelers know about them. If you're a travel blogger, you can also link to our listings from your post so that travelers can easily inquire and book travel to these destinations via StepUp Travel - we charge nothing!
We also strongly encourage travelers to educate locals with some basic Email skills so they can communicate with travelers directly. The more educated they are, the less they rely on unscrupulous middle-men. Help them out, they'll really appreciate it - it just takes a few minutes of your time.
Your comments and feedback are always appreciated. Use our
Contact Us form to talk to us, or just post on this forum thread.
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