As I wrote in one of my recent travel stories, people are keen to see bears. Now there's an app for that. Where's the Bear app tells you where bears have been spotted in Yellowstone. Bears are popular sightings with tourists It makes it easier for wildlife watchers to see bears but it can also lead to bear jams and cause habituation of bears to people. This can ultimately lead to bear deaths. I also wonder if such an app could help poachers find wildlife. Currently it is used in a protected area but Parks are facing budget challengs which means there isn't a ranger behind every tree. And what is to stop technology to be used in this way outside of protected areas? Sometimes technology has effects we hadn't counted on. What's your feelings on Where's the Bear app? You can post here or join a discussion on Flickr...

  I just finished a week at filmmakers school and made a short film on nature deficit disorder – its basically a PSA exhorting young people to connect with nature and find inspiration outdoors in unconventional ways (dance, art, etc). It is just under 3 minutes and you can see it at http://www.youtube.com/reinventure#p/a/u/0/4M95ni7SVdo ...

Want to find out why Maho Bay Camps, one of the world's best ecoresorts is closing? Or why Mongolian culture is a great fit for ecotourism? Head over to our website to read the autumn newsletter http://bit.ly/ri8iZ3  for these answers and more in the world of tourism for emerging destinations...

Don't let a lack of time or money stop your summer vacation. You can find lots of great sights by heading for the back roads. I just got back from a great trip in central and southern Alberta and my only regret was that I didn't have more time to see all the unique and wonderful attractions along the way. To check it out for yourself go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMRvPGuIDN0...

  One of the best examples of tourism comfort and environmental sensitivity I’ve seen is found at Maho Bay Camps in the US Virgin Islands. I had the change to visit this great place recently and I thought you might enjoy this video and its story. http://tinyurl.com/3sjc5ml It is a unique place although it looks like land inflation is going to drive it out of business in the next year. Its a real shame so if you want to see Maho Bay before it’s gone, start making plans... Carol...

It’s not just the Spice Girls who recognized Girl Power; marketers everywhere are realizing females have serious buying power. Women make or influence over 80% of consumer decisions. In the next ten years, they will control two-thirds of the U.S. consumer wealth; some of that will come from gains in the workplace but they are also expected to inherit from their parents and their spouses. So do you recognize the influence women have in making travel decisions? While some businesses offer women-only trips, we need to think in broader terms (excuse the pun). Women are often the person making trip arrangements for the whole family and friends. This she-xplorer makes purchasing decisions differently than men. To learn how, check out our spring newsletter at http://www.kalahari-online.com/spring11.pdf or our video version at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qpk-x7gKGpE...

  You'll enjoy this October conference with the world's leading bear researchers http://www.bearcaregroup.org/  Situated in Banff National Park, you'll also get the chance to see bears in their natural environment. I'll be speaking too!...

  After 20 years in business, it seemed time to try another format for our popular EcoTourism Management newsletter. It isn't exactly NBC News but I thought a video version might be more engaging; it seems people are reading less and watching more. While you won't have time to get through a whole bowl of popcorn (maybe a handful) while you watch this, I'm hoping it still conveys some food for thought. http://www.youtube.com/user/Reinventure?feature=mhum#p/a/u/0/WwUiyLQsKNU You can still read the written version at http://www.kalahari-online.com/winter11.pdf Let me know which version you prefer! Happy 2011 Carol...

Tourism businesses on Vancouver Island have turned winter storms into a major tourism attraction. Each fall and winter people drive to the windy road to Tofino on the west coast to watch the big storms roll in from the Pacific. Keys to a great storm watching experience are a comfortable room to while the time away. Good eats and a wide selection of reading material help as well! To see more watch http://www.youtube.com/user/Reinventure?feature=mhum#p/a/u/0/D0LA9Tqcos4...

I just returned from a two week trip on the Alaska highway with my 80 year old mother. I was pleasantly surprised at how much adventure we were able to squeeze in; tour companies are doing a great job with mobility issues. We found bus and boat tours were very willing to accommodate a wheelchair and took extra care to make sure my mom saw the special sights. I've summarized a few of the experiences on this videohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOAH1I6tAF0I'd be curious to know what other people have experienced when traveling with people with limited mobility.Carol...