Welcome back to Put the Guidebook Down, Kultura Travel’s immersive, authentic podcast, brought to you by me, Kiara, the creator and host.

Ever thought about treehouses and bamboo forests as something deeper when it comes to travel? Or maybe you’ve booked a trip labeled “eco-friendly” and later asked yourself: What does that actually mean? How is this sustainable? Am I really witnessing something beneficial to the environment or just a good marketing pitch?

In this episode, I’m unpacking eco-tourism: what it should mean, what it often becomes, and how to tell the difference. From calling out eco-theatrics (like resorts bulldozing a forest to build “eco villas”) to spotlighting real examples of sustainable, community-first travel, I’ll share the red flags, the success stories, and the practical ways you can travel greener without falling for the gimmicks.

Because “eco” shouldn’t just be a vibe. It should be a way to make sure your trip leaves a positive footprint where it matters most.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kulturatravel.substack.com