Ethical Travel - Affordable Pressie Ideas
The annual frenzy of sending and receiving is here ‐ but for the backpacker, this can be a strange time of mixed emotions. A look at the calendar tells us that maybe we should be at home with the family but here we are ‐ wandering foreign lands. Amazing as travel is, it’s at times like this that everyone misses their old school crew and you want them to know just how much you they mean to you. So why not send them a little something? You’re a seasoned backpacker so why shouldn’t you be a savvy shopper too? Now i’m not just talking cheap ‐ I’m talking about making an informed decision about what you give and how you give it so grab your gift lists because this month we’re wrapping up 2009 with ethical and affordable pressie ideas ‐ for all.
Story Highlights
- You Shouldn’t Have ‐ Really
- Sending Savvy
- Ethical Gifting ‐ Give It What You Got
You Shouldn’t Have ‐ Really
Before you buy remember your family knows you’re a backpacker and therefore by, definition, you’re tight on funds. Except for the occasional e‐mail, they probably don’t expect much from you so the bottom line is this ‐ gift only if you want to and only if you can afford it. Gift with goodwill ‐ otherwise you’ll only regret giving something that you don’t want to and something that you can’t afford.
Sending Savvy
So you’ve found a bonza buy. Next problem ‐ send it or carry it till you get home? If you’re nearly at the end of your trip, or your present is delicate, it may be worth hanging on to. But if you’re in the middle of your itinerary or the stuff is heavy, sending it could be a better bet. Posting? Consider making one pack to convey all your presents in one go. Simply arrange to send it to someone at home who’ll distribute the gifts to your crew. This saves cash and your carbon footprint.
Ethical Gifting ‐ Give It What You Got
And now ‐ gifts! You should look locally of course. This not only guarantees you something unique, but also benefits the local economy. Got foodie fanatics or fashionable folks for friends? Well a good option is Fairtrade. You might be surprised at the number of items ‐ especially those tried and tested favourite gifts of chocolate, biscuits, coffee and tea ‐ that are now Fairtrade certified. Also fashionistas will be excited to know that they can get in on the action too as more and more retailers become Fairtrade approved. For more ideas, check out The Fairtrade Foundation’s website ‐ fairtrade.org.uk
Want to send something on a smaller scale? Try a card. Many charities, Oxfam included produce their own and the proceeds go to ‐ what else ‐ a good cause! But be sure to check how much of your purchase will go to charity, because the amount varies from organisation to organisation.
Got spare change? Well donate it and if you’re a UK taxpayer, you can make your donation go further with GiftAid. If you qualify, the scheme allows a charity to reclaim the basic rate of tax on top of your donation. Now that’s generosity.
Totally skint? Then give your most precious possession ‐ time. Volunteer in a soup kitchen or support a local cause while you travel, but don’t just twiddle your thumbs.
Now you’re a good gifter and whether you’re a big spender or not, just remember size doesn’t matter. It’s the thought that counts ‐ even if that’s all you can afford. No matter what you give, you can be a smart shopper and more importantly, a more thoughtful traveller.
‐ Jackie Reddy
No comments were found
