Surfing Morocco Responsibly: How Travelers Can Protect Culture and the Coast

Kara Karinauskaite

Taghazout, Morocco. Kara Karinauskaite.

Last November, I traveled to Taghazout, a small coastal town in Morocco. It was my second year in a row traveling to the country specifically to surf. Spending my days in the water and my evenings with local surfers put into perspective just how closely surf culture is tied to everyday life and the local economy.

While I was there, I learned that the Agadir tourism area, including Taghazout, recorded about 1.5 million tourist arrivals in 2025, compared with about 0.9 million tourists in 2015, showing how rapidly tourism in the region has grown over the past decade.

For generations, the people of Taghazout and the wider Agadir region have relied on fishing, argan oil production and trade as key sources of income, with the area’s Indigenous Berber heritage still evident in local culture and craftsmanship today. Taghazout has attracted international surfers and travelers since the 1960s, when its consistent waves and relaxed atmosphere caught the attention of visitors from around the world. This helped transform the local economy, leading to the development of surf camps, guesthouses and related services that now make surf tourism a major source of income alongside traditional livelihoods.

Surfing in Morocco. Kara Karinauskaite.

During my trips to Morocco, all of the surf instructors and trip guides I met were from the Agadir region, and having the direction of people who had surfed the coastline for many years made a real difference, as their deep knowledge of conditions, tides and safety spots provided me with the most well-informed surfing experience. They were always happy to talk with me about the area’s history, culture and how life in the village has changed with the growth of surf tourism, and they even took the time to teach me a few local phrases, making everyday interactions feel more personal. The surf instructors also invited us to visit their local hammam, a type of steam bath, which felt like an incredible privilege and offered a rare insight into everyday community life beyond the surf scene.

Learning local recipes at Blue Waves Morocco. Kara Karinauskaite.

While surf tourism supports an array of local businesses, such as instructors, board repairers, cafes and small guesthouses, it also increases pressure on beaches, water use and fragile coastal environments. During my visits, I learned from local instructors about practical ways to reduce these impacts.

Travelers can support the Taghazout area responsibly by choosing locally owned businesses, helping tourism income remain within the community. Respecting local culture is equally important, including dressing modestly away from the beach, asking permission before photographing people and learning a few basic words of Arabic or Amazigh. Being conscious of one’s environmental impact also makes a meaningful difference, such as by avoiding single-use plastics, taking part in beach cleanups and disposing of waste properly. Visitors can further help by conserving water through shorter showers, reusing towels and being mindful of water use in surf camps and accommodations. Protecting natural spaces by sticking to marked paths, avoiding walking on dunes and following local guidance when accessing beaches and surf spots helps preserve the coastline for both residents and future travelers.

Local business in Morocco. Kara Karinauskaite.

Surfing in Taghazout has shown me how important responsible travel is for the future of its community. By supporting the local economy, respecting cultural practices and helping protect the coastline, visitors can contribute to a tourism that allows surf communities like Taghazout’s to continue benefiting from travel without losing the character and environment that define them.

GETTING THERE:

Blue Waves is a guesthouse in Anza, just a 15-minute drive from Taghazout, that is perfect for travelers who want to immerse themselves in surf culture. Local cooks and hospitality staff make the experience feel genuinely rooted in the community, and alongside its welcoming accommodations, it stands out for its use of locally made pottery and textiles. 

Cafe Restaurant Surf Berbere and Dar Josephine are two eateries I particularly enjoyed in Taghazout. They attract visitors with their locally-inspired dishes and provide a warm atmosphere for dining. The town also has many small street-side restaurants offering traditional Moroccan food, which are worth exploring for a more everyday, locally-rooted experience.

Another place that should not be missed is Anza Souk, one of the largest markets in the area. Open on Wednesdays, it is a traditional market that offers a lively setting to buy spices, handmade pottery and other souvenirs.

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Kara Karinauskaite

Coming from a TV editing background, Kara has worked with broadcasters including the BBC and Discovery Channel. She is a passionate traveller and filmmaker who enjoys documenting meaningful travel experiences and connecting with people who share her interest in sustainable tourism, culture, and nature.

Travel and Work for Food on Organic Farms

Organic farms look for travelers to help in exchange for housing, meals and an opportunity to learn—providing a unique mode of affordable, ethical travel. 

Organic farm in Cyprus, Greece. George M. Groutas. CC BY 2.0. 

Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) is the most widespread and popular organization that pairs people interested in volunteering on organic farms throughout the world with host families who run their own organic farms. The idea is that volunteers would be just that: unpaid volunteers, who work part-time on a close-knit and often family-run farm in exchange for free housing and meals with the family. In fact, WWOOF bans any exchange of money between the host and the volunteer. Often, these volunteer stints are short (a few weeks) or part-time, allowing for the volunteer to obtain paid work and/or spend time exploring the area they are living in while also growing  the food they will eat during their stay, immersing themselves in culture, helping a local organization and learning from experienced farmers. Below are some detailed opportunities from every continent in the world. 

North America: Consecon, Canada

Stonefield Alpaca Farm in Consecon, Canada is a 100-acre family-owned and operated farm powered by solar panels and windmills. The owners are looking for volunteers to help maintain the straw bale home they built together, grow their own food and take care of the animals (alpacas and poultry). They hope to become completely self-sufficient in terms of food, and that volunteers can help them do so while also learning from them and exploring Ontario. Learn more here. 

South America: Belize City, Belize

An individual who bought and began his own 14-acre pesticide-free, organic farm in Belize City, Belize offers an opportunity to help develop his farm further in terms of sustainable energy production and other sustainable farming methods. He became a host because he was a WWOOF participant in the past. His farm has goats, monkeys, parrots and sheep. Responsibilities would include taking care of the animals, gardening, landscaping and sharing ideas on how to improve the farm’s organic practices. Learn more here. 

Africa: Apam, Ghana

This family-owned farm in Apam, Ghana is not only a farm located on the coast, in the center of a fishing community, but also an educational and charitable center focused on agriculture and helping the larger community. The hosts are looking for volunteers to help with typical farming tasks, such as taking care of animals and harvesting, as well as build ecological houses and participate in the local fishing. This is a unique opportunity to not only help the environment and one local family, but the entire community as well. Learn more here.

Australia: Upper Kangaroo River

Winderong Farm is a cooperation of 10-15 employees and volunteers working together to revive their surrounding environment in Upper Kangaroo River, Australia. They’re looking for volunteers interested in conservation to work on composting, permaculture and regeneration of the Australian bush. This farm differs from most as it is a larger, community-based effort as opposed to a small family-run farm. Learn more here.

Asia: Kampot, Cambodia

Nakupenda Farm in Kampot, Cambodia is a family and community farm focused on sustainability. They are completely sustainable in terms of energy and are working towards growing all of their own food. They would like volunteers to help harvest food and help them reach their goal of becoming entirely self-sufficient. They have also worked on projects in the past such as building earth houses and solar dehydrators, which dry fruits and vegetables to preserve them. Nakupenda Farm sits on 3.5 acres of land. Learn more here.

Passive solar dehydrator. Colleen Taugher. CC BY 2.0. 

Europe: Hvolsvöllur, Iceland

The Farm Buland is a certified organic dairy farm run by three generations of one family. They would primarily be looking for help with the cows and other livestock, such as chicken, horses and sheepdogs. The owner is passionate about environmentalism and has studied natural healing and medicine. They have over 50 humanely treated cows, providing an opportunity to work on a large-scale ethical and organic farm. Learn more here.

These are only a few examples of the types of farms looking for volunteers; there are hundreds of local and family-owned farms all over the globe searching for people passionate about agriculture and the environment to help them while learning from their experience. In addition to WWOOF, potential volunteers can find more opportunities through similar organizations like World Packers, as well as through the websites of individual independent farms on the lookout for volunteers, such as Red Hook Farm.

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Calliana Leff

Calliana is currently an undergraduate student at Boston University majoring in English and minoring in psychology. She is passionate about sustainability and traveling in an ethical and respectful way. She hopes to continue her writing career and see more of the world after she graduates. 

10 Travel Destinations Paving the Way in Sustainability

According to the United Nations, the global community must take drastic measures to alleviate the climate crisis. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, composed of nearly 1,300 scientists, predicts that global warming could increase worldwide temperatures up to 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit by 2040. This temperature rise will almost certainly exacerbate food insecurity, disease transmission, sea level rise and loss of ecosystems. From 2009 to 2013, international travel alone accounted for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Roughly 1.4 billion people travel to a new destination each year, indirectly contributing to air pollution, land degradation and strained resources. These current levels of travel threaten the Paris Agreement, which proposes an annual 7.6% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions. Many countries have recognized the importance of environmental management and have striven for sustainability. From Malta to Japan, travel destinations are implementing eco-friendly practices, such as renewable energy and wildlife conservation. Travelers to these locations can explore pristine environments while positively impacting the planet. 

1. Gozo, Malta

The coastline of Gozo, Malta. Zoltan Tasi. Unsplash.

Located in the Mediterranean Sea, the island of Gozo boasts a rich historical identity. Recognized by UNESCO, the Ggantija Temples are the world’s oldest free-standing structures, predating Stonehenge and the pyramids of Egypt. In addition to these historical sites, the island is relatively undeveloped, offering scenic hills and untouched coastlines. The European Environment Agency regularly monitors urban waste and pollution in coastal areas. According to their assessment, Maltese beaches rank among the cleanest in Europe. Within this pristine environment, common activities include swimming, snorkeling, deep-sea diving and kayaking. Gozo also hosts 85 endemic species of flora and fauna. To protect and preserve this unique landscape, the Ministry for Gozo established the Eco-Gozo Regional Development Directorate in 2009. Over the past decade, the island has become a model for sustainable development. Through renewable energy, green transportation and plastic reduction, Gozo is committed to reducing its carbon and water footprints. Ecologists have established protected spaces for endangered species, while local craftsmen sustainably restore ancient ruins like the Ggantija Temples. To further improve the standard of living in the Gozitan community, the island implements eco-education programs in schools and offers locally sourced, organic ingredients in restaurants. Named the Mediterranean’s Best Green Destination in 2018, this small island continues to gain recognition for its innovative conservation efforts.   

2. Ljubljana, Slovenia

The Ljubljanica River, a pure water source in central Slovenia. Pedro Szekely. CC BY-SA 2.0

Known as “Slovenia’s Green City,” Ljubljana is the first European capital to establish a “zero-waste” initiative. The city currently recycles nearly 70% of its waste, reducing landfill trash to a mere 5%. Residual waste is processed into recyclable materials, solid fuels and high-quality gardening compost. Public green spaces, which include thousands of trees, comprise a third of the city’s territory and absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Visitors to Ljubljana can explore a variety of hiking trails, as well as an urban bee path that cares for 4,500 beehives. The city draws from the Ljubljanica River, which provides natural, non-processed drinking water and eliminates the need for plastic bottles. Since 2007, the historic city center has banned car traffic, allowing only bikes, pedestrians and electric trains. With fewer cars, the integrity of cultural and historical landmarks, like Preseren Square and Cobblers' Bridge, will be preserved for generations. In 2016, Ljubljana was deemed the “European Green Capital” and it plans to be zero-waste by 2035.

3. Azores, Portugal

The rugged cliffs of the Azores Islands in Portugal. Yves Alarie. Unsplash.

With nine volcanic islands, the archipelago of the Azores has diverse geological significance. The islands’ landscapes are dominated by craters, lagoons, waterfalls and lava fields. Visitors can hike among dense coastal forests, relax in natural hot springs and journey through dormant volcanoes. Azorean wildlife is varied and includes whales, dolphins, seals, bats and hedgehogs. However, rising sea temperatures spurred by climate change have driven aquatic species, such as the North Atlantic right whale, to near extinction. To protect the islands’ biodiversity, the Azores Islands harbor more than 60 marine protected areas which serve as sanctuaries for endangered species. Rather than burning fossil fuels, the Azores utilize geothermal power plants to harvest renewable energy from the earth’s subsurface. Geothermal power currently provides around 50% of the islands’ energy needs. Due to these sustainable developments, the Azores ranked among the world’s top 100 sustainable destinations in 2019. 

4. Iwokrama Forest, Guyana 

The dense foliage of the Iwokrama Forest. Kunal Shinde. Unsplash.

Named “The Green Heart of Guyana,” the Iwokrama Forest is one of the last pristine tropical forests in the world. For decades, global timber industries have exploited these natural ecosystems through deforestation, generating 18% of all greenhouse gas emissions. While tropical forests only occupy 7% of the Earth’s surface, they capture and store carbon naturally, with Iwokrama capturing over 1.4 million tons of carbon dioxide annually. In order to mitigate the loss of vital vegetation, Iwokrama employs a polycyclic harvesting system, resulting in the removal of less stems per acre and no significant gaps in the forest canopy. The Forest Stewardship Council has commended these forest management practices, which prioritize locals, wildlife and the natural environment. Amid lush forests, wetlands and savannas, visitors might encounter diverse wildlife such as jaguars, giant anteaters, black caimans and harpy eagles. While traversing the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway, a 500-foot series of suspension bridges, travelers can examine nearly 6,500 species of plants. In 2016, Guyana’s Environmental Protection Agency awarded the Iwokrama Forest with the Green Award for its exemplary environmental stewardship.  

5. Galapagos National Park, Ecuador

A Galapagos sea turtle swimming off the coast. Wexor Tmg. Unsplash.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Galapagos National Park and surrounding waters are protected for conservation. The 19 islands boast distinct landscapes, ranging from barren volcanic rocks to green sand beaches formed by olivine crystals. The Galapagos are home to a variety of endemic species, including 15 mammals, 45 bird species and 79 types of fish. Due to wildlife sanctuaries and habitat restorations, vulnerable animals like tortoises, iguanas and sea lions live in harmony with humans. The Galapagos Islands also have a rich variety of endemic flora, with over 500 species discovered. When visiting the Galapagos, visitors are expected to act responsibly and treat the environment with respect. Common activities include snorkeling alongside sea turtles, hiking over dried lava beds and whale watching from kayaks. The Galapagos National Park is well maintained and protected by park rangers and volunteers, who partake in regular coastal cleanups. However, to ensure long-term sustainability, the islands offer outreach and education programs. Ecologists and environmental experts teach locals and visitors about the harmful effects of climate change and pollution in the hopes that this diverse landscape will endure for years to come. 

6. Felicite Island, Seychelles 

Felicite Island in the early morning. Nenad Radojčić. Unsplash.

Located in the Indian Ocean, Felicite Island contains parts of Ramos National Park and multiple marine protected areas. This small island community has multiple initiatives to conserve energy and invites visitors to share the responsibility of offsetting their carbon footprint. Drip irrigation has been introduced as a solution to water and energy waste. Widespread rainwater harvesting allows the use of rainwater for non-potable needs, such as washing clothes and watering gardens. Organic vegetable gardens support the ultimate aim of self-sustained food and beverages in the Seychelles. Special efforts are given to waste reduction, with zero-waste and plastic-free initiatives. Recently, island officials banned plastic bags, plates, cups and plastic foam boxes in order to mitigate ocean pollution. Additional conservation programs include a reforestation project, sea turtle monitoring and coral restoration. Within this pristine paradise, visitors can partake in snorkeling, diving and community outreach programs regarding climate change. 

7. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Elephants, an endangered species, graze the Serengeti. Hu Chen. Unsplash.

Founded in 1951, Serengeti National Park houses one the highest concentrations of mammals in Africa, with species such as lions, giraffes and hippos. It is also known for the largest remaining unaltered animal migration in the world, with over 6 million zebras, gazelles and wildebeests stampeding over the fertile plains. At least four globally threatened or endangered species, such as elephants and cheetahs, thrive in these heavily-patrolled conservation areas. Guided safaris allow visitors to witness this diverse wildlife from a close proximity. Serengeti, however, is committed to sustainable visitation in order to protect the environment from irreversible damage. Human activity and waste disposal are closely monitored by park rangers. Conservation areas and secure breeding grounds also mitigate the impacts of deforestation, poaching and urbanization. Through such practices, Serengeti National Park allows wildlife to roam freely in their natural habitat, an increasingly rare commodity. 

8. Republic of Palau

Coral reefs, an endangered ecosystem. Qui Nguyen. Unsplash.

Located in the western Pacific Ocean, the Republic of Palau includes over 200 volcanic and coral islands. Palau supports a diverse aquatic environment, inhabited by nearly 700 coral species and 1,400 fish species. Coral reefs protect coastlines from waves, provide wildlife with refuge and offer opportunities for recreation. Due to climate change, this vital ecosystem is severely threatened. The Coral Reef Research Foundation promotes water conservation, renewable energy and recycling to mitigate coral destruction. In 2018, Palau banned sunscreens that contain environmental pollutants and established marine sanctuaries in 80% of its territorial waters. Travelers to Palau must sign a pledge declaring that they will preserve and protect the island. While scuba diving, snorkeling and surfing, visitors must adhere to this pledge and respect wildlife. 

9. Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan

Sun Moon Lake at sunset. Eddy Tsai. CC BY-SA 2.0

Residing in the foothills of Taiwan’s Central Mountain Range, Sun Moon Lake prides itself on maintaining a low carbon footprint. Public transportation routes have decreased the reliance on driving, thereby reducing the emission of greenhouse gases. Cable car systems, electric boats and cycling paths are common alternatives to cars at Sun Moon Lake. This rural region also hosts a range of dams which generate 62% of Taiwan's total hydroelectricity. Travelers to Sun Moon Lake can hike through dense forests, kayak in turquoise waters and interact with Indigenous people who live in the area. Thao natives, such as the Bunun, believe humans and Earth are intrinsically connected, opting to practice sustainable farming and fishing. Sun Moon Lake adheres to this philosophy and strives to protect the fragile environment. 

10. Kamaishi, Japan 

A traditional Japanese torii. Tianshu Liu. Unsplash.

Along the rugged Sanriku Coast, Kamaishi is an important fishing and industrial city. In 2011, a 45-foot tsunami swept through the city, devastating the local fishing industry and taking the lives of roughly 1,000 people. Amid ongoing reconstruction efforts, Kamaishi is prioritizing sustainability. Established two years after the tsunami, the Sanriku Fukko National Park consists of towering cliffs, unique stone formations and isolated coastlines. The Jodogahama and Kirikiri beaches, surrounded by vibrant green pine trees, host diverse marine ecosystems. Salmon, scallops, crabs and sea urchins are among the many aquatic animals that receive protections from overfishing. Through coastal cleanups, inland forestry conservation and river purification, Kamaishi strives to reduce the impact of industrial pollution. Forms of public transportation, such as electric trains and ride-shares, further mitigate car traffic and fossil fuels. Kamaishi is also a leader in renewable energy, relying on solar power and biomass fuel to power residential areas. Environmental organizations have commended Kamaishi for rebuilding a cleaner community in the wake of such a devastating natural disaster.

Shannon Moran

is a Journalism major at the University of Georgia, minoring in English and Spanish. As a fluent Spanish speaker, she is passionate about languages, cultural immersion, and human rights activism. She has visited seven countries and thirty states and hopes to continue traveling the world in pursuit of compelling stories.

How Solar Energy Is Bringing Power Back to Puerto Rico

After watching Hurricane Maria devastate his native Puerto Rico, New York City-based architect Jonathan Marvel knew he needed to do anything he could to give back. He banded together a group of friends to launch Resilient Power Puerto Rico, hoping to use the strength of renewable, solar energy to provide a steady source of electricity back to the island.

Just two weeks after the ambitious initiative was born, Marvel was back in Puerto Rico installing solar panels and batteries on the rooftops of community centers. The storm had wiped out power lines and had left people without electricity. Solar-powered energy would allow them to live and operate off the grid, without reliance on fossil fuel-burning power plants. Suddenly, these solar-powered community centers were able to provide spaces where people could refrigerate medication, filter water and gather together to rely on one another in the midst of a humanitarian crisis.

At last count, Marvel and Resilient Power Puerto Rico were able to bring solar power to 20 community centers across the island—helping over 100,000 people in the process.

Still, Marvel’s work is far from over. It took nearly a year before the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority restored power to most of the island’s residents, and, according to reports, the electricity system is in not in a much better state than it was before Maria wiped out the island.

Longer term, Marvel dreams of a day when Puerto Rico is able to shift to 100-percent renewable energy sources. He believes it is an achievable goal, and Resilient Power Puerto Rico is working to make it a reality.

“We can no longer rely on large fossil fuel burning power plants distributing energy and wires that are going to get blown down every year,” Marvel says. “We have all this power from the sun that needs to be harnessed.”

Take a Gap Year to Learn about Yourself and the Environment

Gap years are on the rise. More and more, young adults are being encouraged to defer their acceptance to college to take a break from the grind of school, mature, and learn more about themselves. For some, taking a gap year serves as an introduction to living away from home. For others, a gap year provides work experience, and the opportunity to make extra cash to pay for college and other expenses. Articles and opinion pieces are frequently being published, attesting to a gap year’s ability to provide crucial preparation for college.

But gap years can serve a purpose other than bettering oneself. Some gap year programs have been created with the goal of fostering a generation of environmentally aware young adults. These programs have an eco-focus, encouraging their participants to live socially and environmentally conscious lifestyles.

International School for Earth Studies

The Cushing family runs the International School for Earth Studies in Southern Alberta. According to Co-Founder, CEO, and Director of Operations Geoffrey Cushing, he and his family were, and remain, “Eco-tourism pioneers.” The International School for Earth Studies run programs that educate and connect people to the environment. They accepted their first gap year student in 2005, and they have maintained a vibrant program ever since.

At the core of their gap year program are four pillars:

1. Environmental Literacy

2. Self Defense

3. (Non Motorized) Outdoor Recreation

4. Animal connection

The International School for Earth Studies runs two sessions of gap year programs: an Autumn and a Winter session. In addition to living and learning on the institution’s immense property that includes a private lake, diverse animals, and a stable, participants travel to other important places such as the Great Lakes, and the largest concentration of power plants in North America. The gap year students will learn from knowledgeable and experienced staff and speakers, including first nation biologists.

Geoffrey explained that students experience an “immersion into an outdoor lifestyle,” as students spend six to eight hours a day working outdoors. A typical day is split up into morning, afternoon, and evening sessions. In the morning and afternoon, participants will learn how to work and connect with animals, or develop outdoor survival techniques. Evening sessions are more discussion based. Sometimes, participants will stargaze. Other times, a participant will lead a discussion. Geoffrey said that the discussions can get particularly deep and emotional.

Geoffrey hopes that participants will leave this program as more educated global citizens, and will feel the urgency of Earth’s environmental situation. “We feel that the world is in crisis environmentally,” Geoffrey said. “We try to use animals, the voiceless, as the platform for our students to realize how desperate the situation is.”

Eco-Gap at EcoVillage at Ithaca

Ecovillage at Ithaca, NY is comprised of three neighborhoods organized as housing cooperatives. Learn@ecovillage’s gap year program is brand new, they just initiated their first cohort last year.

Liz Walker, Director and Co-Founder of EcoVillage explained that Eco-Gap is unique, as it is set in the Ecovillage, a community that is completely environmentally oriented. Participants live with families in the communities.

There are two opportunities for gap year students:

1. The Eco-Gap immersion program

2. The Eco-Gap internship program

The Eco-Gap immersion program is an eight-week structured program in the fall, for a small cohort of eight participants. Liz outlined the major, and varied, components of the Eco-Gap immersion program:

1. Agriculture: local food and farming. Participants will work on the Ecovillage’s four organic farms, and learn to prepare food for themselves and for the needy.

2. Health and Wellness: Participants will learn yoga and meditation skills, as well as tap into their own artistic creativity,

3. Building Skills: Participants will learn about green building, and learn carpentry skills to build their own small shed.

4. Living and leadership skills: Participants will learn how to express themselves fully, and how to deal with conflict through non-violence.

For those that want more work experience, or a more flexible timeline, the Eco-Gap internship program offers individual mentoring.

Through Eco-Gap’s programming, Liz aims to teach from a “context of environmental and social sustainability and social justice.”  Her goal is that her participants “obtain practical skills for transforming oneself and the world.”

These are just two examples of environmentally focused gap year programs. There are more out there, all around the world. Additionally, gap year students can volunteer for the environment independently, without an organized program.

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Eliana Doft

Eliana Doft loves to write, travel, and volunteer. She is especially excited by opportunities to combine these three passions through writing about social action travel experiences. She is an avid reader, a licensed scuba diver, and a self-proclaimed cold brew connoisseur.