Instagram Puzzle

Spring is emerging in London, and it’s a delight, especially as the UK’s lockdown starts to ease.

Even if we're not wandering far these days, spending time in a park, garden, woodland, or any green space can be restorative in many ways.

The simple joy of watching the neighborhood trees grow fuller with each passing day of spring lifts my spirits. Let us know what you’re appreciating on Instagram.

Epic views from Mount Rainier, June 2011, another fond memory for National Park Week.

Do you know anyone who loves to travel the world by wandering? I'm looking for fellow travelers to chat with about their unique approach to their vacation time. Email me with anyone you know who might be up for being the next Compass & Key Wanderer (or DM me)!

To all my fellow directionally-challenged peeps, we know the feeling of losing our way all too well. But it can lead to amazing places, especially while exploring the world! #TravelbyWandering

9 years ago this month we visited our first U.S. National Park, the Grand Canyon. 💚It was love at first sight, really. Experiencing new parks has inspired our vacations every year since.

How can we support Australia after the bushfires have been contained? Click here for the full story.

1) Help build and restore lost habitat for wildlife. The fires have had a significant impact on koalas, but all animals need support. Click here for a list of organizations that could use donations as they support wildlife now and in the future.

2) Practice sustainable travel habits as much as you can. A great place to start is to seek out tour providers and lodging committed to driving sustainability through alliances like The Long Run, NOW, and Bouteco. One example - Long Run member Arkaba Conservancy (pictured here), a Wild Bush Luxury property in Australia's Flinders Range, focuses on restoring the biodiversity of the land and conserving the wildlife and birds that guests experience during safari expeditions.

3) Keep traveling to Australia! There are so many wondrous places to experience. Tourism Australia's website is a fantastic starting point to plan a holiday.

Another impactful way to help Australia is to book a vacation! Like so many other places hit by natural disasters, tourism can play a significant role in helping communities bounce back. If you've been thinking of visiting, this is the year to go. Start with Tourism Australia’s vacation itineraries ranging from a few days to a few weeks. We've listed a few of the itineraries we love - just click here to learn more.

One of the best ways we can support Australia is to KEEP GOING. Remember, Australia is massive! Many vacation destinations remain safe and continue to welcome visitors. Check out Tourism Australia's website for the latest map of the destinations not impacted by the fires (the green dots from this view on January 14), which is a great place to start. If canceling your vacation is the only option, try to reschedule your visit for later in the year. And to help support the victims, firefighters, and wildlife in areas impacted by the bushfires, click here.

The rural bushfires in parts of Australia are having a devastating impact on all life. An estimated 1 billion animals have died, but we can support the groups on the ground doing all they can to help survivors. Organizations like Animals Australia send wildlife vets and emergency supplies to help animals in affected areas, while WIRES rescues and cares for sick, injured, and orphaned animals. Please donate if you can. Crafty folks can knit a pouch for young wombats, wallabies, kangaroos, and more. Click here for more information on how you can help.

While recent rain has provided some relief to the brave firefighters and community workers battling the bushfires in Australia, there is still more work to be done before full containment. Donate, if you can, to organizations like NSW Rural Fire Service and CFS Foundation to help these warriors and their families. Click here for a list of organizations making a difference in Australia.

People around the world are coming together to help Australia during this devastating bushfire season. Donations to organizations like the Red Cross and fundraising campaigns like the Victorian Bush Fire Appeal make a major difference to current and ongoing assistance efforts. Click here for a list of charities and more information.