… a Socially Conscious Traveler in 5 Different Ways
Originally published on the Lost Girls blog as a Mindful Tourist guest post, this piece explains a little more what we mean when we say socially conscious tourism.
Socially conscious tourism is an umbrella term that encompasses parts of ecotourism, cultural tourism, and sustainable tourism. You can be a socially conscious traveler no matter where you go: Paris, the Amazonian rainforest, even Orlando, Florida. Here’s how:
1. Learn about and embrace the culture around you
With the rise of The Google, these days it’s not too difficult to learn about cultures in any corner of the world. Of course you can learn about the place through tourism board sites but check out local blogs also. They will give you the down and dirty truth, as well as clue you in to local haunts you might not hear about otherwise. Going a step further, I like to find novels or movies that feature my future destination – they really give you a sense of the people and landscape.
Different parts of your own country may have different cultures also. Accept, don’t criticize. Hell, if I’m going to Tennessee and embracing its culture means I’m eating biscuits and gravy for breakfast each morning, who am I to judge?
2. Contribute to the local economy
Stay at locally owned bed and breakfasts or other local lodging options (which also tend to be more eco-friendly than large resorts with heated pools); take tours with locals who can point out where they broke their leg back in 3rd grade or who will take you to their mom’s house for tea.
3. Steer clear of eco-unfriendly activities such as swimming with dolphins, four-wheeling through the rainforest, or helicopter tours. No explanation needed, right?
4. Become a temporary member of the community
Pretend you belong: walk the streets; talk with kids playing pick-up soccer (better yet, join in the game); and duck into the hole-in-the-wall cafe to have a drink with the neighborhood workers. After a few days of buying small items at the neighborhood deli in a small town in Italy, one day we walked in and tried to pay with a large denomination bill. When the owner said he didn’t have change but to just take our items and come back tomorrow with smaller bills to pay, we knew we were in!
Going back to those blogs you used for your research, get in touch with the bloggers – they’ll be happy to talk to you via email about your plans in their city. If you get lucky, you may even meet up in person at their favorite dive bar.
5. Leave the place in better shape than you found it.
This doesn’t mean you have to carry around a bag and an EZ Deluxe Litter Stick. Instead, strive to have a light footprint, don’t “love it to death,” give constructive advice if asked so that experiences are more authentic and even better for future tourists. Develop sustainable and mutually beneficial relationships with your guides or hosts. In short, instead of leaving behind your trash, leave behind some of your good will.
Remember, we’re all in this together. Not to get all “puppies and rainbows” on you but everyone you deal with in your travels is a human being and is doing the best he or she can. Your vacation is a part of your life – as such, it won’t be perfect in every way. Accept that fact and be kind to everyone you encounter, even the airline attendant who scowls when you request a blanket or the front desk clerk who objects to your switching rooms. If you do that, you’re well on your way to being a socially conscious traveler.
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