Ethical Travel
What is Ethical Travel?
Ethical Travel, Ecotourism, Responsible/Sustainable Travel - these are just a few of the buzz words that exist to describe the socio-economic preservation, promotion and consideration that goes into travelling. Often times this term is misrepresented, as marketing teams attach it to any kind of travel that is related to nature. Ultimately they are cashing in on what they see as a buzz-word, as people move towards a more responsible outlook on the planet - travel companies will promote themselves as eco-tourists. When in fact there are no ethical considerations in place.
In a general sense ethical travel focuses on the conservation of local cultural and environmental diversity. You'll often hear the term "Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints" to describe the movement. For years people would visit the pyramids in Egypt or the Berlin Wall in Germany and chip away little pieces of it for souvenirs. This practice has diminished these sites, and robbing future generations of the experience. And robbing countries of part of their heritage and history.
You'll see articles like this one all over the internet. In coming months we'll be exploring other areas of ethical travel, beyond the basic introduction.
What you can do to join the ever increasing number of eco-warriors:
1. Buy Locally.
When choosing a tour guide, shop, restaurant or accommodation take a minute to think about where you're money is going. By buying locally you're helping to sustain the environment you're visiting and giving something in return to the people that live and work there. Going overseas and eating in McDonalds, besides being grossly unhealthy, you're also sending money back to wealthy Americans and away from the family restaurant serving local cuisine just around the corner.
2. Barter, But Be Fair.
You may have chosen your current locale because it gave you a great exchange rate at the bank. And that's fantastic. But it also means that your monthly salary probably exceeds the yearly income of the person you're bartering with. So when you're haggling over prices, don't expect to be paying the same as a local as they could never afford to pay the prices asked of you.
3. Leave Your Preconceptions At Home.
Go with a sense of awareness about the political, social and cultural issues that exist in the country where you're heading. This gives you an insight to the mind-frame of the locals and prepares you for any demonstrations or odd behaviour you might encounter. But at the same time you'll want to leave your media derived preconceptions at home. Just because you're socially aware doesn't mean that you know everything. Part of going to a new country is learning something new, go with an open mind, talk to the locals, you just might learn a thing or two.
4. Different Culture. Different Customs.
Before you go visit a bookstore or a library and browse a guide to see if there are any taboos that you need to be aware of. This includes appropriate dress for the ladies at all times and for both sexes when visiting religious or sacred sites. Beyond this there are little gestures like touching someone's head, showing the soles of your feet or even walking into a kitchen can all get you in serious trouble in different parts of the world. It's better to be prepared than make a huge blunder.
5. Learn a Few Key Phrases.
Taking the time to learn a few key phrases from the places you're going to visit will make things easier on you in the long run. It will also leave a lasting positive impression on the people you meet. Hello, Goodbye, Please and Thank-you are all a good start. And for your own piece of mind learning to say "Can you please help me," so that should the occasion arise you can get what you need.
