This week I was reminiscing with some friends about our time living in China.
Earlier in my career, I spent two years working in Beijing, the capital 🇨🇳

My biggest regret from my time there was not taking the opportunity to explore
more of the country.

Over the past few years, China has really been having a moment on the international travel stage and it's left me with a deep sense of regret that I didn't make the most of the opportunity I had. It's now very high on my agenda.

Who else is interested in exploring China? Reply to this email and maybe we can go on a trip together! I speak fluent Chinese, so I might actually be useful 🤓

xoxo,
Gabby & The TRAppe. Team

If you're curious about where tourism is heading, Rebecca Woolford speaks with academics, entrepreneurs and industry leaders to explore the ideas, challenges and opportunities shaping a better future for travel.

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📍Madagascar
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Madagascar may be famous for its lemurs and extraordinary landscapes but Miremby makes sure the people who call the island home are just as much a part of your travel experience in Madagascar.

Their tailor-made trips bring together wildlife, culture and community, from exploring rainforests and volcanic lakes to visiting locally led projects, learning about Malagasy traditions and spending time with communities beyond the country’s best-known attractions.

Miremby was founded by Tsiraiky and Bethany, who bring two complementary perspectives to the business. Born and raised in a small village in Madagascar, Tsiraiky grew up immersed in Malagasy culture and community life, while Bethany brings more than a decade of experience in wildlife conservation.

Together, they work alongside local communities, guides and locally owned businesses to create journeys where communities have a say in how tourism happens and more of its benefits remain in the places travellers visit.

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In this week’s What’s Hot & What’s Not, meet Ruth, the founder of Secret Paradise Maldives.

Secret Paradise Maldives creates locally led journeys that introduce travellers to a different side of the Maldives through island communities, marine conservation, and experiences designed to benefit local people and protect the fragile environment they call home.

🔥 What’s Hot

Conservation snorkelling cruises, guided by marine experts, explore coral reefs while learning about marine ecosystems, reef restoration and responsible wildlife interactions. Citizen science with travellers contributing photographs and observations of manta rays, whale sharks, turtles and coral health that support ongoing research and conservation efforts. Purposeful travel beach clean ups, tree planting, coral rehabilitation. Travel beyond the atolls closest to Male - discover history, biodiversity, and authentic Maldives islands away from the central tourist hub in atolls such as Noonu, Huvadhoo, Meemu, Thaa and Dhaalu. Rashu Plastic Project, Felidhoo, turning single use plastic into souvenirs. Atoll Marine Centre, Naifaru, turtle rescue and release medical centre. Dhiraagu Malé Open Water Swim (Rasfannu, Malé) large community swimming event encouraging people to connect with the ocean while promoting marine environmental awareness.

❄️ What’s Not

Believing the Maldives is just a resort holiday for beach lovers or romantic couples. The idea of “guaranteed sightings” for iconic species like whale sharks or manta rays - creatures in their natural habitat have their own rhythem! Nurse shark snorkeling at sites where feeding has been practised just to capture the shot for the gram. Feeding stingrays on the beach. Coral and shell souvenirs. Crab racing events. NOT exploring the capital city Male as part of your visit.

🤫 Hidden Spot

Hitha Maldives (@hithamaldives)
📍Maldives

Nestled in the heart of Ari Atoll is the island of Omadhoo, an island, unlike many of the bustling tourist hub islands. Omadhoo offers a laid-back atmosphere where life moves at a relaxed pace, yet the island remains full of activity as residents go about their daily work and livelihoods.

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Curated stays and experiences around the world that are
kind to the planet and good to it’s people ✌🏻