So you want to come to New Zealand? Who doesn’t! We all know that so much more goes into planning your dream trip than what you see in those epic insta pics, and sometimes it is hard to know where to start.
Tag: Responsible tourism
5 Reasons Why Visiting Bhutan is a Life Changing Experience
Do you ever find yourself in a place, whether it is somewhere in nature or spiritual space, where you just take a deep breath, feel your heart fill with gratitude and smile at the wonder that is the earth we live on? Bhutan will give you that feeling. Every. Single. Day. Probably even several times […]
6 Reasons to put Borneo on your Bucket List
With Stray, we visit the Malaysian state of Sabah. Sabah is home to ancient rainforests, awe-inspiring hikes, and arguably the best scuba diving spots on the planet. Whatever inspires you to travel, you’ll find it off the beaten track in Borneo.
How safe is travel in Myanmar and should we support it with our tourist dollars?
“Should we continue to tour in Myanmar in light of the recent civil unrest?” This is the question that we at Stray have been wrestling with ever since the news broke last year of the escalating humanitarian crisis unfolding against the Rohingya people along the remote western coastal border of Myanmar.
Planting a seed of positivity with Kohutapu Lodge
The friendly whanau (family) of Kohutapu Lodge at Stray’s Lake Aniwhenua overnight stop recently launched a new ‘Plant a Seed’ initiative as a way to say ‘thank you’ to their international visitors and encourage them to carry a positive message further on their travels.
Stray achieves Qualmark Gold for best business practice
Stray has gone for gold again and been awarded the prestigious Gold Sustainable Tourism Business Award by Qualmark for the fifth year running!
Why ‘The Killing Fields’ & ‘S-21’ are a Must-See in Phnom Penh
Although not the lightest and brightest of conversation topics, the darker history of the Cambodian culture is extremely important. As a responsible traveller, it is crucial for you to understand the places and the cultures that you visit for what they were in the past and how that’s impacted what they are like today.
Making a difference at the Laos Homestay Village
Nestled on the banks of the mighty Mekong River in northern Laos sits the tiny village of Ban Pak Nguey, location of Stray’s Laos village homestay. Over the past 3 years, this rural community has hosted Stray travellers from all over the world.
The Most Important Info You Need to Know about Customs and Etiquette in Myanmar
“Different countries, different customs.” Before travelling in a new country it is always good to familiarise yourself with the local customs and etiquette. What we consider normal behaviour at home isn’t always perceived in the same fashion outside our borders.
Stray staff get their hands dirty!
One sunny spring morning, 15 of the Stray Head Office team ventured to the northern edge of Auckland to Atiu Creek Regional Park on a mission to plant as many native trees as possible with local non-profit organisation Conservation Volunteers.
What it’s really like to see a Ladyboy show in Thailand
“The Bangkok night heaved with the pumping noise of 90’s dance music, the oppressive heat caused my cheap cotton shirt to stick to my un-climatised body. My eyes danced back and forth from the overstimulation of crowds, bright neon lights, banging trance, young English men chanting and swilling cheap beer. Here I was on Soi […]
Stray cleans up with Sustainable Coastlines
Stray focuses on showing travellers the best parts of New Zealand, and part of that mission is encouraging all travellers to keep NZ clean and green while they visit. Don’t think for a second we don’t practice what we preach – here’s how we made a difference with Sustainable Coastlines.
Swimming in the Mekong River in Laos: a must-do on our amazing South-East Asia trip
Join Stray’s European Sales Rep Charles ‘Chucky’ Fryer as he prepares to swim in Southeast Asia’s mighty Mekong River at Ban Pak Nguey, Stray’s exclusive overnight homestay in northern Laos.
Together Stray & Kohutapu Lodge make a positive impact on local school
A little over a year ago Stray changed its North Island tour route to include an overnight stay at Kohutapu Lodge on the edge of Lake Aniwhenua.
No Pain, No Gain! Stray does the Ultimate Challenge for a Worthy Cause
Get… set… go! They issued the challenge and we accepted, even if that meant a whole lot of pain! Call us crazy, we even offered to pay them for it – but it was all to raise funds for a worthy cause…