Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Ethical travel
Thinking about the best way to get to and from your destination is one thing, but ethical
travel means much more than that.
We asked Tourism Concern to explain further: “Tourism is an enormous industry and affects
the lives of millions of people. Environments can be wrecked by irresponsible and unregu-
lated diving, climbing and other outdoor activities.
“Communities have been forcibly removed from their land to make way for tourism devel-
opments across the world, from Africa to Australia. Water used for swimming pools, golf
courses and twice daily power showers can dwindle supplies for the local populations. Ex-
ploitation of local workers is a problem usually invisible to a visitor's eyes. When you start
to look more closely, the issues can seem overwhelming, but the good news is that with the
decisions you make today and while you're away, you are taking big steps to ensure that
your trip benefits everyone.”
Here are Tourism Concern's ten tips for ethical travelling:
1.
Be aware: start enjoying your travels before you leave. Think about what sort of
clothing is appropriate for both men and women. If the locals are covered up, what
sort of messages may you be sending out by exposing acres of flesh? But use your
guidebook as a starting point, not the only source of information. Once you've ar-
rived, find out what's going on by talking to locals, then have your own adventures.
2.
Be open: something may seem bizarre or odd to you, but it may be normal and just
the way things are done to 'them'. Try not to assume that the western way is right
or best.
3.
Our holidays - their homes: Ask before taking pictures of people, especially chil-
dren, and respect their wishes. Talk to local people. What do they think about our
lifestyle, clothes and customs? Find out about theirs.
4.
Giving constructively: giving sweets or pens to children encourages begging. A
donation to a project, health centre or school is more constructive.
5.
Be fair: try to put money into local hands. If you haggle for the lowest price, your
bargain may be at the seller's expense. Even if you pay a little over the odds, does
it really matter?
6.
Buy local, behave local: look at the environment you're in, try to eat locally sourced
foods and buy locally produced goods. Think about resources, don't shower for 20
minutes at a time in an arid zone, just because you might at home.
