Shannon O'Donnell
Articles by Shannon O'Donnell
1980 articles · Page 32 of 165
B Corp Certification for Outdoor Brands: What It Really Means for Gear, Ethics, and Your Backpack
A rigorous, data-driven analysis of B Corp certification among outdoor gear brands—covering verification standards, material transparency, supply chain audits, real-world impact metrics, and how certified status affects product durability, pricing, and environmental footprint.
New Hampshire: Where Maple, Mountains, and Maritime Flavors Shape a Distinctive Culinary Identity
A deep-dive culinary travel article exploring New Hampshire’s farm-to-table ethos, maple syrup heritage, coastal seafood traditions, and regional specialties—from Franconia’s apple orchards to Portsmouth’s historic waterfront dining—featuring real producers, measurable data, and authentic food experiences.
The Walker That Goes Where You Go: How Personal Mobility Devices Are Redefining Travel Independence
An in-depth analysis of compact, intelligent personal mobility devices—especially self-balancing scooters, electric unicycles, and foldable e-bikes—that empower travelers to navigate cities, trails, and transit systems with unprecedented flexibility, efficiency, and autonomy.
More Solo Travel With Jessica Nabongo: Practical Insights, Safety Strategies, and Accommodation Wisdom for Independent Travelers
A detailed, evidence-based review of solo travel best practices inspired by Jessica Nabongo’s global journey—covering verified safety protocols, hostel-to-boutique hotel comparisons, real-world pricing data, and actionable advice for women and BIPOC travelers.
Cherry Blossom Night Illumination at Kiyomizudera Temple: Kyoto’s Sacred Light and Petal Ritual
An immersive account of Kiyomizudera Temple’s annual Sakura Night Illumination—detailing timing, logistics, cultural significance, lighting technology, visitor statistics, and historical context—with verified data from Kyoto City Tourism, the temple administration, and Japan Meteorological Agency records.
How Does The United Excursionist Perk Work? A Practical Breakdown for Travelers and Hospitality Professionals
A detailed, data-driven analysis of United Airlines’ Excursionist Perk — how it functions, eligibility requirements, routing rules, real-world examples, and implications for hotels, hostels, and boutique properties targeting award travelers.
You Can Now Make Video Calls On British Airways Flights — I Beg That You Don’t
British Airways has rolled out in-flight Wi-Fi capable of supporting real-time video calls on select aircraft. This technical capability, while impressive, threatens the last remaining sanctuary of quiet, shared humanity in commercial air travel. Here’s why enabling video calls inflames cabin dynamics, violates unspoken social contracts, and undermines decades of thoughtful aviation etiquette.
Bali Wants Tourists — But It Wants Them To Behave
Bali faces mounting environmental strain, cultural commodification, and infrastructure stress from unchecked tourism. This article details concrete policies, community-led initiatives, and measurable impacts — from the 2024 ban on single-use plastics in Ubud to the 15,000+ daily visitor cap at Tegallalang Rice Terrace — revealing how Bali is enforcing responsible travel through regulation, education, and local agency.
Day 8 Eagles Nest Duikar: A Rigorous Review of Bali’s Most Controversial Dive Resort
A detailed, evidence-based assessment of Eagles Nest Duikar in Nusa Penida — covering safety protocols, marine ecology impact, guest accommodations, dive operations, and value metrics against global benchmarks like PADI Five Star IDC status, NAUI standards, and ISO 21435 certification requirements.
In New Orleans: The Sweet Art of Stillness
A counterintuitive guide for budget travelers seeking deep presence—not just sights—in New Orleans. Learn how to slow down with $3 café au lait at Café du Monde, free second-line pauses in Louis Armstrong Park, and 90-minute silent walks along the Mississippi River levee, all while spending under $45/day.
The World’s Most Beautiful Hot Springs: Geothermal Wonders Beyond the Resort Brochure
A rigorously researched survey of 12 geothermally exceptional hot springs—from Japan’s volcanic highlands to Patagonia’s glacial valleys—featuring verified temperatures, mineral concentrations, accessibility metrics, and conservation status. Includes comparative water chemistry data and visitor impact assessments.
My Favorite New Destinations of 2022: Where Global Flavors Took Center Stage
A culinary travel writer’s firsthand account of five groundbreaking food destinations that redefined gastronomic tourism in 2022 — from Oaxaca’s mezcal revival to Kyoto’s kaiseki innovation, with precise metrics, producer names, and market insights.