Look Beyond the Beaches of Bucerias, Nayarit, Mexico
If you find yourself in Bucerias, take a moment to look beyond the beaches and margaritas. Tucked into the heart of the community is Human Connections, a local social enterprise that bridges travellers with artisans and entrepreneurs through cultural tours and student programs. Just a few hours with them offers a richer, more meaningful perspective on life in Mexico.
Our Experience with Human Connections
We joined a Human Connections tour led by the thoughtful and knowledgeable Mauricio. Travelling by van, we met three local families who shared their stories with warmth and generosity.
Leonarda, a beaded art creator, opened up about her harrowing early life and how her work has helped transform her path. Andreas, a resilient and creative woodcarver, showed us the beauty and persistence behind his craft. And in the cheerful, cat-filled home of Nayeli and Omar—23 cats, to be exact—we witnessed the joy and resourcefulness of everyday life.
Each stop reminded us that the beachfront vendors we pass by—those selling beaded figures, carved bowls, bracelets, and more—have lives full of complexity, talent, and perseverance. Many start their days long before we see them on the beach, creating their pieces or preparing goods for others, all in hopes of making a living through their art.
Human Connections shines a light on these individuals and supports their journeys. We were moved by the work they do—and we think you will be too.
Rethinking the Safari: A Sustainable Adventure in Maasai Mara, Kenya
For many travelers, an African safari is the ultimate bucket list experience. The chance to witness majestic wildlife in its natural habitat is undeniably alluring. But before booking that dream trip, it's worth pausing to consider the environmental footprint such adventures can leave behind.
Safaris often take place in fragile ecosystems, where every footprint—literal and metaphorical—matters. While the principle of “take only pictures, leave only footprints” is well-known, the reality is that tourism impacts extend far beyond discarded waste or off-road tire tracks. The food you eat, the vehicles you travel in, and even the energy that powers your camp all contribute to the larger ecological picture.
One safari camp in Kenya’s iconic Masai Mara is leading the way in addressing these challenges: Emboo River Camp.
A New Generation of Safari Camp
Emboo River Camp represents a shift toward truly sustainable tourism. Located in the heart of the Masai Mara, Emboo has made impressive strides in minimizing its environmental impact without compromising the safari experience.
Most notably, Emboo operates an all-electric fleet of Land Cruisers—custom-converted by a local company in Nairobi. This puts them well ahead of the curve in an industry still heavily reliant on diesel-powered vehicles.
But their efforts go far beyond transportation. The camp is nearly fully self-sustaining, relying on solar energy for all operations, biogas for cooking, and a garden that supplies fresh, locally grown vegetables. Remarkably, they have eliminated the need for backup generators entirely—thanks to the reliability of their solar setup.
More Than a Vacation
What sets Emboo apart is its holistic approach to sustainability. Imported food items are carefully selected for their nutritional value and organic quality, aligning with the camp's eco-conscious philosophy. Guests are even invited to tour the camp’s sustainable systems—from food production to waste management—offering insights that may inspire changes back home.
Drive Electric to Tofino, BC
Planning a road trip to beautiful Tofino on Vancouver Island? Stay at Long Beach Lodge Resort and enjoy the ease of driving electric, with plenty of 7 kW chargers on-site to keep your battery topped up.
The resort has also made the switch to electric for its on-site laundry and maintenance vehicles, reducing emissions and supporting cleaner operations. And because British Columbia’s electricity comes from zero-carbon, renewable sources, your trip will be powered by clean energy from start to finish.
Want to explore even more? Rent an electric bike from the Surf Club and cruise the coastline with ease.
