Tourism has the power to heal—or to harm. From Spain’s protests to Southeast Asia’s closed beaches, we’ve seen what happens when travel isn’t managed well. But there’s another way. This post explores how we got here, what COVID revealed, and how Chicken Feet Travels helps you experience the world with care, connection, and curiosity.

What if healing the planet starts with healing ourselves? Discover how self-worth, everyday habits, and conscious travel can shift the future—without shame, guilt, or burnout.

Tourism in Southeast Asia isn’t always the paradise it’s marketed to be. From overcrowded beaches and plastic pollution to cultural erosion and tourism leakage, let’s explore the real problems—and discover what positive impact travel can do to change them.

What does “doing the right thing” in travel actually look like? Often, it’s not as simple as boycotting a place or only choosing what looks perfect. Sustainability, like healing, requires nuance, commitment, and the courage to stay in the relationship—even when it’s messy.

Most travellers don’t realise how much of their money leaks out of the places they visit. At Chicken Feet Travels, we work to change that. This post unpacks tourism leakage—what it is, why it matters, and how small shifts in spending can create a big impact for local people, ecosystems, and cultures.

From statistics to scuba tanks, Jin shares how a love for sharks and a disillusionment with science shaped the soul of ChickenFeet Travels.

A personal look at how the Banana Pancake Trail and travel blogs helped fuel a culture of sameness, surface-level experiences, and performative travel. And why we must write—and travel—with more care.

Not all elephant experiences are ethical — but that doesn’t mean we should turn away completely. This post explores the real cost of conservation, the signs of a responsible sanctuary, and why these gentle giants still give us a reason to hope.

Southeast Asia holds a rich tapestry of tribal cultures—but many are disappearing. Learn why these communities matter and how to visit with respect, reverence, and purpose.

It’s tempting to buy dive gear, but unless you’re diving often, it might be a waste. Here’s my honest advice on what to buy, what not to, and how to prioritise safety and sanity first.

Scuba diving in Southeast Asia is beautiful and budget-friendly—but there’s a vost to cheap dives, crowded sites, and shortcuts. Here’s what to know and how to dive better.

Living on a sailboat taught me more about sustainability than any textbook ever could. From limited water to unexpected privilege, this story captures what happens when adventure meets awareness.

Packing isn’t about aesthetics — it’s about function, comfort, and context. After ten years of living out of a backpack, I’ve learned what really matters: lightweight gear, respectful clothing, and space to support locals through what you wear and what you leave behind.

What began as a motorbike detour turned into one of my most surreal experiences: sharing rice wine with a village elder, crashing a Bahnar wedding, and witnessing a scared gong performance. This story is about time travel, community, and what we might lose if we don’t pay attention.

Trekking in Southeast Asia? You don’t need much—and definitely not a huge hiking pack. This guide breaks down exactly what to bring (and what to leave behind), based on years of experience across Indonesia, Vietnam, and beyond.

Ditch the plastic. This is how we pack for rubbish-free travel: with intention, preparation, and a little creativity. What you bring matters — and so does what you leave behind.

Wondering what gear is actually worth packing? Here’s Jin’s no-nonsense list of favourite low-waste, high-function travel essentials—tried, tested, and loved by travellers who’ve put them through the wringer