travel trap tourism

Too often we are presented with the same tourism photos showing off spectacular views of popular wonders of the world. 

Many do not even look for a different perspective - one that presents the true reality, which often is never as perfect or pretty. 

Taj Majal & its surroundings - Agra, India

Global tourism, as currently practiced, is underperforming, highly vulnerable and heading towards breakdown. Its operating model is no longer fit for purpose and needs to be replaced. ~ Managing Sustainable Tourism Growth, 2019

balanced & sustainable

It seems like I have been spending the majority of 2025 and 2026 ranting against the transactionality and commodification, decolonization and better care of human beings - whether we are on home ground or abroad. 

Touristification is a phenomenon that is happening worldwide - in both in the north and the south hemispheres or in both high traffic or far flung areas. 

a working balance between local & tourist needs

Born and raised in the Philippines, I moved to the US right after 9/11, and have returned for almost two years now - after being abroad for 20 years. 

This is a reflection on how touristification can transform a place you love and where once possessed a strong sense of belonging - when you are priced out of it. 

being human

“We are not people anymore. We have been products for a long time, and these are our labels” 

In a world of therapy-speak, Freya India argues we’ve lost the language of character - replacing quirks with conditions. But are we mentally ill, or just human? 

authentic & unapologetic

This is part of a deeper instinct in modern life to explain everything - psychologically, scientifically, evolutionarily. Everything about us is caused, categorized, and can be corrected.