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Fall 2023

Travel

Tom Haig gives a surprised expression while rolling his wheelchair
Summer 2023

No obstacles for this global nomad

Tom Haig (’09 Comm.) loves adventure. From his high-flying diving days of youth to his recovery from a bicycling accident that left him paralyzed, Haig keeps on moving.

He chronicles his life, struggles, and triumphs in a new memoir from Basalt Books, Global Nomad: My Travels through Diving, Tragedy, and Rebirth. Haig writes with wit and candor about the ups and downs of adventure, culminating in his new career as a documentary filmmaker.

In this episode, Haig talks with Washington State Magazine editor Larry Clark about reinventing his life, writing his book, and where he’s going next.

 

Transcript

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silhouette woman sitting on mountain in morning and vintage filter
Summer 2023

Tips for slow and sustainable travel

Sustainable travel is all about choices of travelers. If you want to be more conscious of local and environmental impacts of your travel, there are resources and ideas aplenty.

Read about WSU research on slow and sustainable travel (WSM, Summer 2023)

 

Here are a few tips and ideas for your next sustainable voyage.

Look for eco-friendly seals at places you visit or on things you buy. When businesses and places have a certification such as the following, they show their commitment to sustainability:

EarthCheck
Certified B Corp
Green Globe
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Diane and Phil Ohl by a mountain lake in Patagonia carry a WSU Cougar flag
Winter 2021

Phil and Diane Ohl’s travel tips  

Coug couple Phil and Diane Ohl run Open Door Travelers and share their around-the-world adventures on a travel blog, Instagram, and Facebook.

As countries re-open and more and more Americans become comfortable with traveling again, Washington State Magazine asked the Ohls to offer their tips for successful trips—from what to bring to their favorite travel apps. Here are their suggestions and recommendations.

Lighten up

There are hundreds of cool travel gadgets and gimmicks out there, from multi-function voltage converters to high-tech water bottles and ultra-light carry-on bags. Our biggest travel tip is more of a philosophy than a series of gadgets: travel light, and buy or trade local clothes and accessories as we go. We typically start an eight-week adventure with half-empty carry-ons … » More …

Illustration of family looking through VR in a vintage style
Winter 2020

Travel the VR world

Interest in virtual reality tourism has shot up during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are a few opportunities for people to “visit” and experience the world.

Read more about WSU research into VR tourism.

WSU Alumni Association

The WSUAA will be adding VR travel experiences for members. They recently featured a visit to Bolivia to see llamas.

Visualise

The company makes commercial VR and augmented reality (AR) experiences, such as listening to a symphony and riding in an F1 race car.

National Geographic via Oculus

The stunning imagery of National Geographic takes … » More …

Pedro Castro point of view on a motorcycle riding on a highway
Winter 2020

Exploring Baja California

A longtime motorcycle enthusiast, Pedro Castro (’92, MS Arch.), owner of Magellan Architects in Redmond—who calls himself Magellan’s “Chief Explorer Officer”— enjoys planning long rides.

He recently rode from Tijuana through Baja California with his sons, Lucas and Peter, a videographer who documented the adventure in a YouTube series.

Watch the first six episodes here, and read about Castro’s support of women and underrepresented architects.

Baja Bound Day 1: Adios Amigos

Baja Bound Day 2: Ensenadaway

Baja Bound Day 3: Mike’s Sky Rancho

Baja Bound Day 4: Nada

Baja Bound Day 5: Coco’s Corner

Baja Bound Day 6: Otro Lado