From Crisis to Conservation: Katherine Connor’s Story of Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary

Portugal Vegan Tour: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://veggiesabroad.com/portugal-vegan-tour-2025/⁠In this episode of the Veggies Abroad Vegan Travel Podcast, I sit down with Christina Beckmann from Tomorrow’s Airto talk about something that affects all of us—cleaning the air we breathe. 🌍We dive into the fascinating world of carbon removal and explore how innovative solutions like direct air capture, biochar, and enhanced rock weathering are helping to pull CO2 from the atmosphere and store it permanently. Christina explains why reducing emissions isn’t enough—we also need to clean up what’s already out there.We also chat about:✔️ The difference between carbon removal and carbon offsets✔️ How CO2 can literally be turned into rock 🪨✔️ What biochar is and how it’s been used for thousands of years✔️ How sustainable aviation fuel could change the way we fly ✈️✔️ Simple ways travelers and businesses can helpIt’s an eye-opening conversation about the future of sustainable travel, the power of small actions, and why there’s still hope for a cleaner planet.🔗 Learn more about Tomorrow’s Air → https://www.tomorrowsair.com💚 Support Carbon Removal Initiatives → https://www.tomorrowsair.com/contributeIf you enjoy the episode, don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review! 💚For more vegan travel help or to learn about exciting vegan-friendly tours, visit veggiesabroad.com  Small group veggie tours: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-tours-retreats/  Travel planning services: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-travel-agent/   Vegan travel guides: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-travel-guides/  Subscribe to the newsletter: https://shorturl.at/yDPSX Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music Unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bloody Vegans Productions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of the Veggies Abroad Vegan Travel Podcast, host Rebecca and her travel partner Matt take you on an in-depth journey through Puerto Rico, uncovering the island’s best vegan-friendly stays, must-try plant-based dishes, and incredible cultural experiences. 🌴✨If you’re a vegan traveler looking for eco-conscious accommodations, plant-based dining, and off-the-beaten-path adventures, this episode is for you! Rebecca and Matt break down their itinerary, including stays at vegan and vegetarian hotels, their favorite Puerto Rican dishes (like mofongo & tostones), and their experiences exploring San Juan, Luquillo, Ponce, Utuado, and more.📍 Topics Covered in This Episode:✔️ Top Vegan & Vegetarian Hotels – Including The Dreamcatcher, Casa Grande Mountain Retreat, and La Botánica 🌿✔️ Puerto Rican Cuisine, Veganized – Must-try dishes like mofongo, empanadillas, arroz con gandules & more! 🍛✔️ Exploring Puerto Rico’s Diverse Landscape – From rainforests to dry forests, bioluminescent bays, and stunning beaches 🌊✔️ Driving in Puerto Rico – Traffic, road conditions, and why you might want to rent a smaller car 🚗✔️ Best Vegan-Friendly Restaurants – Hidden gems like El Grifo, Berlingeri, and Degree 18 🥑Plus, hear their unexpected travel surprises, from friendly Puerto Rican drivers to the island’s rich Indigenous & African heritage, and why Puerto Rico is a must-visit for vegan and eco-conscious travelers.🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned:🌍 Read more about Puerto Rico’s best vegan hotels & eats → https://www.veggiesabroad.com🌍 Book a Vegan-Friendly Tour with Veggies Abroad → https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-tours-retreats/✨ Did you enjoy this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with your fellow vegan travelers! 💚

Portugal Vegan Tour: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://veggiesabroad.com/portugal-vegan-tour-2025/⁠ In the latest episode of the Veggies Abroad Vegan Travel Podcast, host Rebecca Gade Sawicki delves into the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in travel planning. Joined by freelance journalist Jen Murphy, known for her contributions to publications like The New York Times and Outside Magazine, they discuss Jen's recent article, "Can AIBe Trusted to Plan Your Next Trip?" Jen shares her firsthand experience using various AI-powered travel tools to plan a trip to Maui, highlighting the advantages and limitations she encountered. The conversation covers: 🌍 AI Travel Tools Evaluated – An overview of platforms like Layla, Mindtrip, and GuideGeek, discussing their features and user experiences. ✅ Accuracy and Reliability – Insights into the precision of AI-generated itineraries, including instances of outdated or incorrect information. ⚖️ Ethical Considerations – A discussion on the implications of AI in travel, such as the potential for misinformation and the importance of human oversight. 🔮 Future of Travel Planning – Speculations on how AI might shape the future of travel, balancing technological advancements with the irreplaceable value of human expertise. Tune in to explore the intersection of technology and travel, and gain valuable insights into  how AI can assist—and where it may fall short—in crafting memorable travel experiences. 📖 Read Jen Murphy’s full article on Outside Magazine: https://www.outsideonline.com/adventure-travel/advice/ai-trip-planning/ 🔎 Check out more of Jen Murphy’s work: https://www.outsideonline.com/byline/jen-murphy/ 💡 Pro Tip: Always cross-verify AI-generated travel recommendations with up-to-date sources to ensure accuracy and reliability. For more vegan travel help or to learn about exciting vegan-friendly tours, visit veggiesabroad.com  Small group veggie tours: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-tours-retreats/  Travel planning services: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-travel-agent/   Vegan travel guides: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-travel-guides/  Subscribe to the newsletter: https://shorturl.at/yDPSX Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music Unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bloody Vegans Productions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Portugal Vegan Tour: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://veggiesabroad.com/portugal-vegan-tour-2025/⁠ In this episode, we’re diving into the world of sustainable, plant-based hospitality with Farah Shammas, Managing Director of the award-winning St Raphael Resort & Marina in Cyprus. Farah shares how she transformed a traditional resort into a vegan-friendly paradise, making plant-based dining a key focus across all its restaurants. We chat about the challenges of introducing vegan menus, the power of customer advocacy in shaping change, and how hotels can lead the way in sustainability. Plus, get an insider’s guide to Cyprus—its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and why it should be on your travel radar! Contact Farah and the team at https://www.straphael.com/ mention Veggies Abroad for an exclusive discount. Hear Farah's podcast at https://www.hoteltalkwithfarah.com/ ✈️ Whether you're a vegan traveler looking for your next getaway or just curious about how resorts can embrace plant-based hospitality, this episode is packed with inspiration. For more vegan travel help or to learn about exciting vegan-friendly tours, visit veggiesabroad.com  Small group veggie tours: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-tours-retreats/  Travel planning services: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-travel-agent/   Vegan travel guides: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-travel-guides/  Subscribe to the newsletter: https://shorturl.at/yDPSX Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music Unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bloody Vegans Productions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Portugal Vegan Tour: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://veggiesabroad.com/portugal-vegan-tour-2025/⁠ In this episode, Rebecca and Matt explore the top vegan-friendly cities to inspire your 2025 adventures. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the cozy charm of Brighton, they share favorite foodie finds, unforgettable travel moments, and the magic of exploring vegan-friendly spots around the globe. Along the way, you’ll get updates on upcoming Veggies Abroad tours, tips for making the most of your travels, and plenty of laughs as Matt gives his own spin on the best vegan destinations. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting your journey into vegan travel, this episode is packed with ideas, inspiration, and maybe even a few donut cravings. For more vegan travel help or to learn about exciting vegan-friendly tours, visit veggiesabroad.com  Small group veggie tours: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-tours-retreats/  Travel planning services: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-travel-agent/   Vegan travel guides: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-travel-guides/  Subscribe to the newsletter: https://shorturl.at/yDPSX Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music Unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bloody Vegans Productions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Portugal Vegan Tour: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://veggiesabroad.com/portugal-vegan-tour-2025/⁠ In this episode of The Veggies Abroad Vegan Travel Podcast, host Rebecca Gade Sawicki is joined by two special guests, Christa and Lawrence, to relive the highlights of their recent vegan group tour to Costa Rica. From the lush cloud forests of Monteverde to the beaches of Manuel Antonio and the stunning Arenal Volcano, they share their favorite moments, including wildlife encounters, unforgettable meals (hello, chiffon pie!), and paddle boarding against breathtaking backdrops. Rebecca and her guests also delve into the unique experience of group travel, the joys of connecting with like-minded vegans, and the unexpected moments of activism sparked along the way. Plus, they offer practical tips for future travelers, from navigating Costa Rican roads to packing the right gear. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or dreaming of your next adventure, this episode is packed with inspiration, insights, and a look at why Costa Rica is a must-visit destination for vegan and eco-conscious explorers alike. For more vegan travel help or to learn about exciting vegan-friendly tours, visit veggiesabroad.com  Small group veggie tours: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-tours-retreats/  Travel planning services: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-travel-agent/   Vegan travel guides: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-travel-guides/  Subscribe to the newsletter: https://shorturl.at/yDPSX Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music Unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bloody Vegans Productions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Portugal Vegan Tour: ⁠⁠⁠https://veggiesabroad.com/portugal-vegan-tour-2025/⁠ In this special year-end episode of The Veggies Abroad Vegan Travel Podcast, Rebecca is joined by Matt, to peel back the curtain and share an honest look at the ups and downs of running a vegan travel business. From the exciting growth in custom travel planning and sold-out tours to the challenges of Google’s algorithm changes and managing expectations, Rebecca discusses the wins, the setbacks, and the sacrifices that come with building a mission-driven business. They also chat about Rebecca's favorite destinations of the year (hello, Japan!), her most surprising moments, and the lessons she plans to carry into 2025. Tune in for a candid and heartfelt conversation about the realities of entrepreneurship, the joy of connection, and the journey of growing a small vegan travel company. For more vegan travel help or to learn about exciting vegan-friendly tours, visit veggiesabroad.com  Small group veggie tours: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-tours-retreats/  Travel planning services: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-travel-agent/   Vegan travel guides: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-travel-guides/  Subscribe to the newsletter: https://shorturl.at/yDPSX Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music Unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bloody Vegans Productions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Portugal Vegan Tour: ⁠⁠https://veggiesabroad.com/portugal-vegan-tour-2025/⁠ In this episode of The Veggies Abroad Vegan Travel Podcast, Rebecca Gade Sawicki chats with travel writer and nature photographer Matthew Kessi about a refreshing approach to exploring the world: grounded travel. Matthew shares how slowing down, connecting with nature, and being intentional can transform the way we travel and experience new places. From practicing mindfulness before a trip to making thoughtful choices about where and why we travel, Matthew offers practical advice for travelers who want to make deeper connections with their surroundings. They also discuss the importance of balancing our wanderlust with sustainability and how even small shifts in perspective can make travel more meaningful. Whether you're planning a city getaway or an escape into nature, this episode is full of ideas to help you create a more thoughtful and rewarding travel experience. Find out more about Matthew’s work at the following links: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kessiworld Website: https://kessiworld.com/ For more vegan travel help or to learn about exciting vegan-friendly tours, visit veggiesabroad.com  Small group veggie tours: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-tours-retreats/  Travel planning services: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-travel-agent/   Vegan travel guides: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-travel-guides/  Subscribe to the newsletter: https://shorturl.at/yDPSX Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music Unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bloody Vegans Productions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Portugal Vegan Tour: ⁠https://veggiesabroad.com/portugal-vegan-tour-2025/⁠ In this episode of The Veggies Abroad Vegan Travel Podcast, host Rebecca Gade Sawicki dives into the critical and sometimes misunderstood topic of carbon offsets. Joined by Henkel Smith from the Offset Alliance, they unravel the complexities of voluntary carbon offsets and their role in making travel more sustainable. Henkel breaks down what carbon offsets really mean, how they work, and how travelers and businesses can ensure they are supporting credible and impactful climate projects. They also discuss common red flags to watch for and share practical tips for assessing a company’s transparency in offset projects. Rebecca and Henkel’s conversation is enlightening, packed with insights into measuring carbon emissions, the evolution of the offset industry, and actionable steps travelers can take to be more climate-conscious. Whether you’re a seasoned eco-traveler or new to the idea of sustainable travel practices, this episode offers valuable information to help you make informed decisions on your next adventure. Offset Alliance: https://www.offsetalliance.co/ Carbon Footprint Calculator: https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/carbon-footprint-calculator/ Flight carbon calculator: https://applications.icao.int/icec For more vegan travel help or to learn about exciting vegan-friendly tours, visit veggiesabroad.com  Small group veggie tours: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-tours-retreats/  Travel planning services: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-travel-agent/   Vegan travel guides: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-travel-guides/  Subscribe to the newsletter: https://shorturl.at/yDPSX Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music Unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bloody Vegans Productions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, Rebecca Gade Sawicki welcomes Katherine Connor, founder of Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary in Thailand, to discuss her inspiring journey to create a truly ethical refuge for elephants. Katherine’s story began with a midlife crisis at just 21 years old, leading her to Thailand, where a connection with a young elephant named Boon Lott changed her life. Together, they built Thailand’s first elephant sanctuary focused entirely on the elephants’ needs, from their well-being to their freedom to just “be elephants.” Katherine and Rebecca dive into the challenges of ethical tourism, the complexities of animal welfare, and the often-overlooked impact of tourism on local communities. Katherine sheds light on what it really means to be an ethical sanctuary, the rigorous daily routines needed for elephant care, and how Boon Lott’s is committed to providing a forever home for elephants—and support for the community that helped make it possible. To find out more about Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary: https://www.blesele.org https://www.blesele.org/adopt https://veggiesabroad.com/ethical-elephant-sanctuaries-in-thailand/ For more vegan travel help or to learn about exciting vegan-friendly tours, visit veggiesabroad.com  Small group veggie tours: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-tours-retreats/  Travel planning services: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-travel-agent/   Vegan travel guides: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-travel-guides/  Subscribe to the newsletter: https://shorturl.at/yDPSX Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music Unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bloody Vegans Productions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠