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Travel With a Conscience and “Experience”
So, you’ve bought your round-the-world tickets, or are jetting off to some exotic location that no-one you know has ever heard of (I can still tell people that I lived in Honduras for a year and they will reply with something like: “what state is that in?”). You have your slick new hiking boots and are out to do more than just travel; you want to “experience” your chosen destinations. At the same time, you are eager to give something back to the people and places that you will meet along the way as well as being sure that you leave no adverse impact. We would like to think we are reasonable proponents of this type of travel, and so have written a few pearls of wisdom on the subject.
We are big advocates of volunteering, of helping out those in need, whether in human or animal form. Apart from just doing your bit, it can give you an immense sense of self-reward. We have done (and will do more) numerous posts on different volunteer organisations we have worked at, from schools in Peru to animal shelters in Guatemala, so read the rest of our blog if you’re interested in that! But, giving back and “experiencing” can take many more forms than just volunteer work. Little day-to day things can add to your own growth, and may mean a lot to someone else too.
We love shopping at markets. Getting amongst the local stall owners and shoppers to buy fresh produce and knick-knacks as well as to just simply feel the vibe is a lot of what a trip is about to us. Be sure to learn a bit of the local lingo and have a chat with someone on your shopping adventure. I’ll never forget the lady in Oaxaca who was selling grass-hoppers from a giant bucket, who offered me half her lunch when I asked the best way to eat them. It was delicious. We had a good laugh and she won herself some business. Much better than visiting a foreign owned fast-food outlet charging way too much and leaving me feeling sick.
Spend a moment on thinking where your money is going. Is it benefiting those that really need it, or are you just feeding some mega-rich mogul the final few dollars he requires for his sixteenth hummer? Remember that in many third-world countries a ridiculously tiny percentage of people own a ridiculously massive percentage of wealth. Use some common sense and you will leave safe in the knowledge your hard-earned is now with someone deserving of it.
If you prefer to travel in tour groups, suss out one that offers more than just a ride in a bus where you see everything from your window and where the only local that you will meet is your tour guide. Adventure time? Consider responsibletravel.com who, as the name suggests, encourage responsible travel. We noticed that a particular Turkey Holidays included an Archaeological Sailing Cruise, something we would get excited about. (For those who don’t know Jess is an archaeologist and Jamie is just a nerd). For a belated Valentine’s Day theme, there is even a Honeymoons page.
As a final thought, Jess came across this quote from “rockstar” American travel writer Tim Cahill : “A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.” Despite never having read this quote before, it is our official travel motto! It’s often not the places you see that you will remember, but the people you meet. It is they who truly make the experience.
Got any more hot tips on “experiencing”, giving back and leaving without a hint of a negative trace? Hit us up on the comment section below.
Excellent post you guys. Obviously, our approach is very similar. We say it often, but it is always worth repeating. As people who are privileged enough to travel, it is incumbent upon us to make a positive impact.
Love your motto as well. I am sure the two of you find it easy to make friends wherever you are. You’re just so damn likable!
The NVR Guys recently posted..NVR Toolkit – Give Back
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One of the interesting things I’ve started thinking about is the “local” experience, a lot of people want to take tours and visit poor, indigenous people.
But I find you can also learn a lot of from students and young people in the middle class working to make the country better. It may not be as photogenic but also gives you really great insight into the issues of a country.
ayngelina recently posted..Peru seduces with pisco sours
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@Ayngelina i have a mate who lived in Costa Rica for a few years (he is married to a Tica). he was part of a group there that worked on the principal that the lower middle class to upper lower class were the key to improving unemployment rates. the thought behind it was that they have the necessary education to tackle small to medium sized businesses and would therefore employ people to work for them. they were able to apply for grants if they had a solid business plan. so i think you are right, they are super interesting and usually educated enough to have a solid grasp of the plight their people are in.
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Like the NVR guys, this will be a huge focus of my new blog. When you spend time traveling, you can’t help but be open and moved by the world you see around. Helping others, in a variety of ways, is a way that we can give back. In my new blog, I will have a section called “Travel Gives Back” which focuses on different ways people can help people close to home and around the world, whether you are on the road or at home.
Definitely agree with the volunteering and local aspect of reaching out in your post. I am definitely on board with this!
Jeremy B recently posted..Travel Tuesday question of the week – what’s your most embarrassing travel moment
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@NVRguys i know you are always putting out posts that bring out the good in travelers! i was three quarters through this one when i read your last one, which kinda feels like a cousin. oh well, can’t encourage people enough to think about the way they roll when on the road.
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Wonderful post and I agree with you 100%. We learned quickly that our “exploration” of another country meant getting to know the people and getting involved in the community. So much more meaningful then just getting photos of our mugs in front of famous sights….always happy to read of others who feel the same way.
Dalene recently posted..Living the Dream
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Great thoughts. I have never really done much volunteer work here at home in the U.S., but it is the only true thing I have on my bucket list: to help those less fortunate than I am. So, I plan on exploring options on this when I’m abroad next year. I am very much on the same page with you about the market experience and would almost make a case that any time you are interacting with locals in an authentic, kind, & warm way you are doing something great for the planet!
Scott recently posted..UNESCO Says Screw It- Names Everything A World Heritage Site
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You couldn’t have said it better: be aware of where and what you spend your travel money on. I need something in another country… market it is or mom and pop store or holes in the wall restaurants. That’s giving back on a daily basis (you need to eat and drink every day, don’t you). Some time ago, I have written a post about how I travel very light, getting summer clothes along the way instead of dragging them around with me. I give them to the maids when I leave, you wouldn’t believe how many happy faces I have seen.
inka recently posted..Going East – the second half of the year
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One thing that helps so much in these situations is learning the local language. I know that it’s impossible to become fluent in the local language of every place you visit, but if you’re making a real, concerted effort to learn at least the basics, you’ll be embraced so much more by locals. We had some great conversations with locals in touristy places in Thailand just because we would go in stores and greet and thank them in their language. So many people don’t even bother, and the shop owners/workers would always get a HUGE smile on their faces when we would greet them in Thai. It led to so many great experiences, simply by taking the time to learn a little bit about the language and culture you’re visiting.
Great and inspirational post guys!
Adam recently posted..Torres del Paine Pictures
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I totally agree. You should always try to see local life and interact with locals. I also avoid big chains and try to give business to those who need it.
Rease recently posted..Dealing With An Unruly Foreign Language Student
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I love that last quote- so true! And I love this post guys, so well written and so important for travellers to be aware of. Craig and I always enjoy shopping at local markets and local restaurants, it is such a great way to get to know the people of the country. Like you we have many experiences of laughter, even when neither of us could understand one another.
Volunteer work is really rewarding and we are moving more into a huge focus with this, especially now that we travel with our daughter. We really want her to learn from a very early age the importance of giving and helping our global brothers and sisters who are not as fortunate as us.
Always remember the shoes that the other person is walking in and if you may get ripped off once in awhile, let it go as it is probably someone trying to keep food on the table for their children. We would all do the same thing if in the same situation.
Caz Makepeace recently posted..Daily Travel Photo- Getting a Massage in Chiang Mai- Thailand
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Great post! And, as a related rule on markets and restaurants, we try our best to support organizations that train/teach street kids, rather than simply offering them handouts. In Cambodia, for example, we saw a lot of people giving money to street kids which, unfortunately, often goes into the hands of pimps/money collectors. There are several restaurants that specifically train street kids in the hospitality industry and, though, those restaurants are a bit more expensive, I think that they do a great deal of good for those communities and allowed us the opportunity to talk to those street kids in a non-confrontational/”must buy” setting.
Some of these non-profit groups are definitely scams but others are doing great things for the children (or women) in that area and we are happy to support them.
Lastly, and something we try to do everywhere we go, is to be nice regardless of the weirdness or awkwardness of a strange traveling situation. Kindness, smiles, and laughter goes a very long way toward breaking down barriers, whether we are dealing with pushy begging kids, irritable customs officials, or people who consider us oddities.
I love that last line in your post “leaving without a negative trace” —- now that should be the slogan of someone’s travel blog!
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This is such a nice post touching on such an important subject. I really admire you for the volunteer work you’ve done. Thanks for helping all of us to think more about responsible travel.
Cathy Sweeney recently posted..Travel Photo Thursday – Fit for a Queen
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Yes, yes, and yes!! One of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had was volunteering at an orphanage in Guatemala. We were tasked with translating letters written by kids to their sponsors back in the U.S. Such sad stories. Since then, I jump at the chance for experiences like this. Even though we are the ones who volunteer, in the end, it is us who reaps the reward.
manonthelam recently posted..Best Picture Oscar Location Showdown — Nominee 1- 127 Hours
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I agree with Adam that making the effort to learn the language can go a long way towards getting to know the people in a place and allowing them the opportunity to know you!
Andrea recently posted..Inspiring Travellers Turns One!
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The photo with the hats and local skirts is amazing
Never done volunteering but thinking of it … but definitely I agree that the best way to get to know the place is the local people and local habits!
crazy sexy fun traveler recently posted..LOST IN THE ALPS
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Wonderful and inspiring post. I love markets – mostly because I find them so fascinating and an insight into the lives of the locals, but you’re so right in that it also supports local livelihoods.
Rebecca recently posted..Asian transport adventures
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Great experience, you really get to know the local and helping those in need.
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Great post! One of my favorite things about traveling is experiencing the local culture … my best memories while on the road have come from the unique experience I’ve had and the people I’ve shared them with. I’ll definitely check out the responsible travel web site as well.
Cheryl Howard recently posted..Havana Nights And Cuban Delights
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