Travel tips, cultural insights, best gear, and inspiring stories from across the Americas — for travelers who want to go deeper and tread more thoughtfully while also getting the most from their travel budget. Created by Angie and Scott Drake, cofounders of Not Your Average American.
Your Guide to Responsible Giving
THE RAMBLERResponsible 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 TravelersHave 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. New Stories on the BlogFresh reads from the Americas that’ll make you want to pack your bags: 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 MeLet’s Connect in 2026:Come find us at:
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 UsWhether 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. — 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 & Scott of Not Your Average American
Travel tips, cultural insights, best gear, and inspiring stories from across the Americas — for travelers who want to go deeper and tread more thoughtfully while also getting the most from their travel budget. Created by Angie and Scott Drake, cofounders of Not Your Average American.
THE RAMBLER Responsible Travel. Creating Community. 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! I’ll be honest — I’ve been feeling a little guilty lately. As the current administration continues to escalate tensions in communities across the country, I catch myself wondering: how do I dare plan a vacation? How do I talk about birding trips and rafting plans when people are...
THE RAMBLER For travelers who value people, place, and purpose. If you make a purchase using our affiliate links, we will get a small commission at NO extra cost to you. This helps us keep our travel blog and newsletter running and free to all users — thank you SO much for the support. Hi Reader! It’s a new year—and we’re trying something new. Our goal? Shorter newsletters, twice a month. Just enough to keep the connection alive, share stories that matter, and spark inspiration for wherever...
THE RAMBLER Responsible Travel. Creating Community. 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 New Year fast approaches, I find myself pondering over what worked well last year. And what didn't. My most successful project was a trip we planned for someone else, an 80-year-old client with a simple request: to see as many Ecuadorian hummingbirds as possible in 8 days. It...