About Arvis
A native of California, Arvis has resided in the San Francisco Bay Area for most of her life, with exception of 1992 to 2003 in Seattle, Washington.
For over ten years Arvis worked in the audio/visual industry for meeting and convention services in technical, management and consulting positions. In 2000, Arvis used her computer and office administration skills to create a home-based business supporting clients through email and the internet: a Virtual Assistant. Then, in 2006, it was a trip to Africa that changed her perception of travel and environmental conservation.
She traveled with 40 women to East Africa to participate in the Grassroots Women’s Conference in Kenya, coordinated with Global Partners for Development. Two weeks in Kenya and Tanzania still resonates deep in Arvis’ spirit. Seeing the vast, open beauty in Africa ignited a new awareness in Arvis to respect and support our planet. She hopes to travel throughout the world as much as possible, but with a commitment to travel responsibly, contributing to and supporting each destination she visits. As an advocate for ecotourism Arvis volunteers with her community’s environmental organizations to contribute to local efforts of eco-awareness and conservation.
Arvis Northrop writes articles and stories promoting eco travel to the Napa Valley Wine Country, California and the U.S. As a correspondent for ResponsibleTravelNews.com she gets the word out on ecotourism issues and destinations that are eco friendly. Her purpose is to raise awareness for people to enjoy what their own local environments have to offer; also highlighting destinations, activities and information so that eco travelers can find and match their values of responsible travel with their travel and leisure excursions.
Education
Bachelor of Science Degree in Management of Business Information Systems
Creative Writing Major – San Francisco State University
Client List
The Butterfly Project
Friends of the Napa River
Vivien Maier & Associates, Seattle, WA
Yates Chiropractic, Napa, CA
Body Balance Healthy Living, Napa, CA
Kibble & Prentice Holding Company, Seattle, WA
Photo & Sound Audio Visual, Seattle, WA and San Francisco, CA
FAQs:
Q: Are you a travel agent, tour guide or travel planner?
A: No, no, and no.
Q: Well then, what is Eco Travel Connections?
A: Eco Travel Connections is my website. The title describes my intention to connect people with the concept of "responsible" travel, aka, eco travel. Eco travel is not just climbing mountains, white-water rafting and bold adventures. It means responsible travel. People being aware and taking responsibility wherever they travel, even just on day-trips in their own countryside. For example: You may want to visit a winery in the Napa Valley. You may choose to rent a hybrid car, instead of a limo; or take a bike tour. And, wherever you visit, you'll be conscious of your impact on the environment.
Q: What about your travel writing?
A: First came writing. I have been a "closet" writer from the age of eleven; writing stories and poetry, but I kept them to myself; although I never actually wrote anything in a closet. Travel came much later; other than summer vacations around the U.S. My first trip to Europe was in 2006. I was officially bitten by the travel bug and I love it! And I had to break through some fears to do it. Now older, and hopefully wiser, writing about my travel experiences is how I can reach people, maybe influence and inspire.
Q: Do you write guide books?
A: Not exactly. I enjoy writing stories about my travel experience and I have created some simple excursions for the Napa Valley. I'm working on fiction too.
Q: What are your credentials for writing?
A: Formally, I majored in Creative Writing at San Francisco State University. Other than that it's just who I am and what I do.
