| HOW TO AVOID THE GUILT TRIPS |
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Travel & Tourism is the world’s largest service industry, employing around 200 million people across the world. It can be a huge force for fighting human and environmental exploitation. Anyone can be a responsible tourist and Avoid Guilt Trips. There are big things you can do and small things you can do, but they all make a difference to someone’s life Take action and have a better holiday! 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? 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, even children, and respect their wishes. Talk to local people. What do they think about our lifestyle, clothes and customs? Find out about theirs. 4) “One school pen” Giving 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) Be adventurous Use your guide book or hotel as a starting point, not the only source of information. Find out what’s going on by talking to locals, then have your own adventures… 7) Ask questions Write a letter to your tour operator about their responsible tourism policy. We will give a FREE copy of our Ethical Travel Guide to the sender of the best (or worst) operator reply. 8) Think before you fly Use alternative forms of transport where possible. The more and further you fly, the more you contribute to global warming and environmental destruction. Consider flying long-haul less often but staying longer when you’re there. Tourism Concern is actively campaigning to fight exploitation in tourism. Please contact the organization if there is something you think we should know about. Stapleton House, 277-281 Holloway Road, London N7 8HN. Tel: +44 (0) 20 7133 3330 Fax: +44 (0) 20 7133 3331 Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites          |
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