Author: Lavanya

Lavanya Sunkara is a writer, animal lover, and globetrotter based in New York City. She has written for The New York Times, Fodor’s, Architectural Digest, Shermans Travel, The Dodo, and many more in a career spanning eight years. She covers travel, eco-lifestyle, culture, pets, and wildlife conservation.
Blog, Dogs

Sully H.W. Bush, America’s VetDog from the Prison Puppy Program

I am sure by now you’ve all see the heartwarming picture of the late President George H.W. Bush’s service dog Sully lying next to his casket. Washington Post reported that Sully is a two year old service dog from the Guide Dog Foundation’s VetDogs Program, which provides  trained dogs to veterans in need. These dogs are trained by prison inmates in their Prison Puppy Program. … Continue reading Sully H.W. Bush, America’s VetDog from the Prison Puppy Program

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Blog, Eco-friendly, Nature, Travel

10 Eco-Friendly Products for Your Next Vacation

The tide has finally turned and there are now more opportunities than ever to participate in sustainable and responsible tourism. Cruise lines, hotels, and tour operators are beginning to ban plastic straws to protect marine life, and companies like Intrepid Travel started offering vegan food adventures. Many argue that flying is bad for the environment, but did you know that eating a vegan diet can reduce … Continue reading 10 Eco-Friendly Products for Your Next Vacation

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featured, Thailand, Travel, Travel writing

This Thai Temple Was Built Using 1.5 Million Beer Bottles (Architectural Digest)

I am so excited to share my first article for Architectural Digest! Click on the link or picture below to check it out… This Thai Temple Was Built Using 1.5 Million Beer Bottles The Temple of a Million Bottles, which took two years to build, was spearheaded by local monks who had grown tired of seeing beer bottles littering their local community Photos courtesy of … Continue reading This Thai Temple Was Built Using 1.5 Million Beer Bottles (Architectural Digest)

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Cruise, River cruise, Travel, Travel writing

Cruising the Mississippi River on the American Duchess (JohnnyJet.com)

Award-winning American Queen Steamboat Company’s latest vessel is the only all-suite steamboat cruising the Mississippi River. It was a dream to be on, and I fulfilled my desire to visit the Deep South. Learn all about it by clicking the link below.  Continue reading Cruising the Mississippi River on the American Duchess (JohnnyJet.com)

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Adventure, Blog, Europe, Horses, Travel, Travel writing, Wildlife

To Iceland With Love

Dear Iceland, I know you are loved by many, and rightfully so. You are beyond beautiful, with all your natural splendor and opportunities for mere mortals to experience your otherworldly wonders. It has been two weeks since I returned, and I cannot stop thinking about you. I close my eyes and envision driving along the two lane highway hugging the southern coast. I see the … Continue reading To Iceland With Love

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Day Trips, Eco-friendly, featured, road trip, Travel, Travel writing

Smart Luxury: Tuscany Road Trip + Castellina for 75 Euro a Day (ShermansTravel.com)

Long before Anushka and Virat (Bollywood leading lady and India’s cricket team captain) tied the knot in a luxury ceremony in Tuscany, my husband and I went on a road trip to explore the wine region of Chianti. We started our trip in Castellina, and drove to nearby hill top medieval villages and wineries in our fancy Benz rental (which was booked with ease through … Continue reading Smart Luxury: Tuscany Road Trip + Castellina for 75 Euro a Day (ShermansTravel.com)

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Animals, Travel

Camping in Ngorongoro Crater (Quoted in Forbes)

It was such a pleasure to do a short write up about one of my favorite camping experiences EVER! When I was just 24, I camped with a few of my girlfriends by Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania, which is teeming with wildlife. Read about my wild experience here in this article written by the amazing Breanna Wilson: 11 Off-The-Beaten-Path Places To Put On Your Camping … Continue reading Camping in Ngorongoro Crater (Quoted in Forbes)

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Travel

Santorini & Crete (ABN Travel)

No matter which country I visit, I always seem to want to reminisce about my wonderful trip to Greece, where I was treated like family by locals, had sumptuous meals, and saw some incredible sights. Here is a collection of articles I wrote for ABN Travel blog: 5 Must- See Places in Crete   10 Do’s and Don’ts of Santorini  Top 10 Reasons to Visit Greece … Continue reading Santorini & Crete (ABN Travel)

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Animals, Conservation

Protecting Whales & Dolphins in Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica (Green Global Travel)

It was truly a dream come true for me to visit Golfo Dulce in Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica. I had envisioned it for nearly a decade before I was approached by Earthwatch to be their Communications Fellow on their volunteer expedition to one of the three tropical fjords in the world- Golfo Dulce. Read about my trip and the threats that the dolphins and … Continue reading Protecting Whales & Dolphins in Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica (Green Global Travel)

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