Your Guide to Responsible Giving


THE RAMBLER

Responsible Travel. Mindful Giving. The two go hand in hand.

Some links in this newsletter are affiliate links. Your clicks and purchases help us keep sharing stories and tips. Thank you for supporting our work!

Hi Reader!
As the holiday season rolls in, we’re embracing the spirit of mindful giving—and we’ve got just the list for those who travel with purpose.
We’ve curated a selection of items that are both practical and planet-friendly. From our go-to Darn Tough Socks (because nothing says love like blister-free hikes) to the compact Silver Shadow Mini Hiking Umbrella by Six Moon Designs (yes, an umbrella can be a game changer on the trail).
We’ve also included exclusive coupon codes and holiday specials in the article itself—well worth checking out!

Affordable Gifts for Responsible Travelers

Have more room in your budget this year?

For the adventurous woman in your life, gift something unforgettable—a transformational trip to Ecuador with Not Your Average American. We're headed to the Andes next October with a small group of women who seek more than sightseeing — women ready to connect with nature, culture, and themselves.

Travel with Heart: Crossing the Andes, Finding Ourselves

New Stories on the Blog

Fresh reads from the Americas that’ll make you want to pack your bags:

Cueva de los Tayos: A Sacred Place at Risk of Mass Tourism

Jacquie revisits her time with the Shuar and questions the viability of tourism in one of Ecuador's most popular caves.

Celebrate Fiestas de Quito

The first week in December is a festive time in Ecuador’s capital! Learn how locals celebrate and how visitors can join respectfully.

Rooted at La Dicha: A Regenerative Journey in Cali, Colombia

Jacquie invites you to replicate her personalized trip outside of Cali, Colombia where birds and culture live hand in hand.

Before heading out to the holiday parties this season...

Scott shares his honest review of Zaca Recovery Chewables—the little supplement that made a big difference at high elevation. It also is great for any dehydration moment, including when you've had a little too much to drink this holiday season.

Altitude Sickness Relief That Actually Worked For Me

Let’s Connect in 2026:

Come find us at:

  • Harney County Migratory Bird Festival, Southern Oregon – April 16–19, 2026
  • Travel Con, Salt Lake City – June 23–25, 2026
  • Women's Only Journey Across the Andes, October 4-15, 2026

Also, we're considering live meetups in Portland, Oregon. Are you interested? Simply reply to this email. We’d love to meet fellow curious travelers like you.

Thanks for Rambling With Us

Whether you’re gift-hunting or planning your next responsible adventure, we’re grateful you’re part of this journey.

We’d love to hear from you! Got questions about responsible travel? Suggestions for future articles? Or maybe a destination you'd like us to cover? Just hit reply and let us know—your thoughts help guide our next steps.


With heart,

Angie & Scott

P.S. If you’ve read this far, you’re amazing! Want to support our work at no extra cost to you? If you plan to shop on Amazon, click ⇒ this link ⇐ first. We earn a small commission, and it helps us keep writing, reviewing, and traveling. Thank you! ❤️

Or maybe you're in the market for a cheap flight... a Going membership (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights) is especially good if you are looking to grabbing a deal to travel in the next 3 months or so. Scott and I will save the annual fee by booking just one flight this year. Multiple flights? Well worth the investment.

Angie of Not Your Average American, LLC

Are you a curious traveler seeking deeper connections? Then I invite you to learn more about transformative travel in the Americas. As cofounder of Not Your Average American, I bridge North and South America through storytelling and heartfelt advice on being a better traveler. Subscribe to our newsletter for cultural insights, travel tips, and inspiring journeys.

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