A Traveler’s Guide to Responsible Tourism
As countries like Afghanistan become accessible to the Western world, more travelers will venture across the borders and need to be mindful of the impact they make and take responsibility in preserving that particular country’s existing culture. My recent trip to Afghanistan prompted me to evaluate how Western tourists (defined as those originating from western Europe or North America) can reduce their negative impact while visiting these developing countries.
Pack It In, Pack It Out
Sure, those individually wrapped sanitizer packets or hotel-sized shampoo bottles are handy for traveling, but what is going to happen to those wrappers and bottles once you are finished with them? Or, Polaroid photos make a great gift to give to the locals, but, consider what will happen to the empty film cartridge upon being discarded. Will those chemicals in the empty cartridge seep into the water supply?
Developing countries traditionally produce biodegradable waste: they shop at local markets and buy fresh produce with minimal packaging. The infrastructure in these nations, like garbage disposal, recycling centers and water purification is close to non-existent.
While packing for your journey, consider what you are taking with you and what you plan to leave behind. Upon reaching your destination, re-use your water bottle, avoid plastic bags and consider bringing back your non-biodegradable trash.
Every Drop Counts
How much water does it really take to get your body clean? I learned in Kabul it takes me about two-and-a-half gallons of water to get that fresh, clean feeling, which is much less than what I consume at home. Water is a precious commodity, especially in those countries that have been struck with drought. Whether you are given a bucket and water spigot or full-sized shower to bathe, conserve water.
And, don’t forget you can wear those pants more than once before laundering them. Be aware how often you are washing your clothing.
Know Before You Go
Visiting a country and experiencing an unfamiliar culture can be both exciting and overwhelming. Research the destination and culture before your trip. Read guidebooks, fiction and non-fiction books and research on the Web. Tell people about your trip beforehand, they may have a “friend of a friend” who has traveled to that country and can share their experiences.
Be respectful of the host culture, always remember you are a guest in another land. Learn the local customs and abide them as much as possible, including dressing appropriately. Ignorance is not an excuse for being rude. Learn a few words in the native language, especially “hello” and “thank you.” Your efforts in knowing a little bit about the culture and language will be appreciated.
You’re Visiting Another Country, Not a Zoo
Children will delight you with their rehearsed English phrases. Shopkeepers and street vendors will be selling unfamiliar food and goods. It is tempting to take out the camera and begin snapping away to capture the experience, but always ask prior to taking someone’s picture. Never pay to take a person’s photograph, this will condition the locals to associate money with cameras and Westerners which can encourage begging. The same goes to giving money to children. In some poor countries, the parents will encourage children to beg where tourists frequent rather than attend school.
Be aware of the your surroundings and the attention you draw to yourself. Curious locals can quickly draw a small crowd when you are doing the simplest thing such as buying a newspaper. Stay alert. Unfortunately, kidnappings of Westerners by thugs is still common in hot zones.
Think Local
Western hotel chains are opening comfortable hotels in developing countries. It may be tempting to cash in those frequent visitor hotel points for a free night, but consider staying in a locally-owned guesthouse. In addition to keeping the money local, you will probably receive more personal attention and another perspective of the culture.
If you happen to be visiting a town that has the fast food chains you are accustom to, stick to the local flavor. Not only will the local restaurants be better for you, but you will be infusing the area’s economy while maintaining the culture.
Visit craft markets and patronize street vendors. One of a kind souvenirs and crafts can be picked up at reasonable prices. If it is customary to negotiate a price for an item, do so. What may seem like a small amount to you is fair to the shopkeeper. Do not purchase items made from endangered species, shells or ancient artifacts. Doing so will encourage animal poaching and looting of historical sites.
Get to know the neighborhoods and people by walking. It is a chance to meet the locals, engage them in conversation and learn about their everyday lives. Communication is more than the spoken language, it is a smile, hand gestures and open body posture. Keep your senses open while you walk. Take in the sounds and scents and contrast them to what is familiar to you.
What Will You Leave Behind?
You will quickly build friendships during your journey. Bring along small gifts from your community to share with your new friends. Postcards and pens are appreciated items. Contact your local tourism office (such as a convention and visitors bureau or chamber of commerce) to see if they can supply you with small gifts.
Clothing, sleeping bags, books and personal hygiene products are appreciated by non-government organizations. Check with your guesthouse to see if they can recommend a place where you can leave these items.
Developing countries always seem to be in short supply of medicine. If planning on leaving any type of medicine, whether prescription or over the counter, be sure to leave it with medical professionals. They will be able to distribute it appropriately, which will reduce allergic reactions and proper dose.
Don’t make promises you cannot keep. These may be sending money, sponsoring them in your country on a visa or simply keeping in touch. Long-standing cultures believe in a person’s word and finalize deals with a handshake, not contracts. If you cannot deliver on your promises, this will create a negative feeling of your home country.
Be proud of where you are from and educate people about your homeland and culture. You may find they have no concept of your country. Remember to share your ideas but do not put down their culture or country.
Spread the Word
Upon returning home, share your experience with others. This includes giving a presentation to your coworkers or local service organization, maintain a blog or talk to your local newspaper. It is not about sharing your vacation, it is about educating others about another culture.
There are several organizations that specialize in leading trips to developing countries. Two that I have used are Cross Cultural Solutions, a non-profit organization specializing in international volunteer programs and Global Exchange, a non-profit human rights organization. Both organizations practice the ideals of responsible tourism and offer programs throughout the world.
There are certain situations you can control while traveling. Make responsible choices for a positive and rewarding experience.
