Seriously? Travel Responsibly? What does that even mean?
I had no idea. It’s only after years of experience that I’m now gaining some insight. And all that wisdom has come from looking back on my mistakes.
Most of us are good people or at least try to be. Most of the mistakes I have made along the way have been due to either being gullible or blissfully ignorant. (I have held a degree in the latter sometimes). Over the years, I’ve grown and become more aware. I would like to share some of these insights with you.
Gullible’s Travels
Some of my mistakes came as I had a lack of awareness of potential issues. One that still haunts me is my experience with the elephants of South East Asia. I knew there had to be an issue with this. I am very pro-animal. I have a hard time even seeing animals in a zoo sometimes. I love when the opportunity to encounter animals in nature presents itself.
When I was approached with the opportunity to see and ride an elephant through the jungle, my wannabe, Indiana Jones, was thrilled. My cautious side did inquire about the treatment of the animals. I tried to be very observant, and I did not spot any potential abuse. At least none that was obvious to me. The encounter went well, and I left happy. It was explained to me how the elephants were rescues who were well cared for and could not make it in the wild.
Let me just tell you hindsight, and some internet research let me know the words that had been spoken to me were a bigger pile of crap than those coming from the elephants. I felt terrible and still do to this day. Now armed with some knowledge, I know that I will never see an elephant from on top again. Don’t get me wrong. There are some excellent elephant rescue programs and opportunities to interact with the beautiful animals. The difference is these programs will not have people riding the elephants.
I relish every opportunity to interact with the elephants appropriately and donate to their care and wellbeing. Perhaps it is a guilt-driven action, but I do feel like I’m trying to do whatever I can to make amends.
The Generous American
The culture I grew up in is a tipping culture. Some of my first jobs relied on tips to compensate for anemic pay. This left a permanent impression, and I am what would be considered a generous tipper.
I find it hard to refrain from tipping when visiting a non-tipping country. When locals are friendly and go out of their way to help, it is even more irresistible to tip and tip generously. Sometimes the local economy triggers that “guilt tipping” instinct. One of my first encounters with this happened on a trip to Thailand. I had hired a Tuk-Tuk driver for the day. This kind gentleman drove me all over town everywhere I asked for about 8 hours. He waited patiently for me at every stop. He did not steer me places I had not asked to go. (A common ploy among the drivers to earn kickbacks from the shops they guide you towards)
At the end of the day, I was asked for payment. My little math brain didn’t take long to realize the fare amounted to approximately $3 U.S. per hour. I was taken aback. I knew there was no way I could pay this gentleman so little and still sleep that night. My tip brought his compensation back up to something over U.S. minimum wage. He was reluctant to take such a big gratuity. I insisted.
Wow, that seems like a sweet little Tuk-Tuk story. What’s the problem? Everyone is happy, right? Well, not so fast. I had the opportunity to tell this story among a group of seasoned travelers wiser than myself. One of my fellow travelers had lived for a while in Southeast Asia as well as some other economies which are very inexpensive by American standards. I had been thinking about what a beautiful thing it was and how it let me sleep that night. (I mean I am a fantastic guy, right?). How wonderful a friendly traveler from a fortunate background would want to help support a local economy where he can. Well, not so beautiful if you live there. Say what? As we talked it through, I learned as a local living on the local wages the tourists being so generous made it hard for them to get transportation in their own city. The drivers would seek out the western tourists hoping for a much better fare. (Also a western tourist is easier to scam if you’re into that sort of thing)
My friend also relayed a story of a small town that had experienced a boom in tourism, mostly from American tourists. The few restaurants in town had gradually increased the prices of their food drastically increasing profits as the tourist trade would easily bear the higher prices. In the process, most locals were in a position of not being able to afford dinner out in their own town.
The Floating 7-11
Since I’m on a Southeast Asia roll here, let us keep it going with one more story. While on a day tour up and down the river in Bangkok, our boat was approached a couple times by locals on their own smaller longboats. These were almost always run by an older woman sometimes with a young girl assisting her. The selection was impressive. In addition to sundries (soda, snacks, etc. hence the floating 7-11) there were many small, inexpensive handcrafted souvenirs. While I admired their wares (I have less than zero craft ability), I did not purchase any. This is my normal. Besides being sworn to being a light packer, I am also somewhat of a minimalist. My souvenirs mostly consist of my memories.
After a while, I began to reflect on this part of the local economy and my impact on it. These people were trying to earn a living from the tourists who at the same time contribute to their country and cause issues for their country. Hey, wait maybe I’m on to something here. Maybe this responsible travel thing means helping more than the problems you are causing.
How to fix this problem? I really don’t want to drag a bunch of souvenirs home that I don’t even want. Yes, I could just give the floating 7-11 ladies a little cash but is that setting an expectation all tourists will simply give them handouts? Wait, I have the answer! Housekeeping at the hotel here is so fantastic. Every time I leave the room, it gets straightened out to the point my slippers are even arranged on a mat next to my bed. I’m talking above and beyond here. I know I’m going to tip them something even if small. I have to. But what if I was to add some small item from the floating 7-11 lady to leave for my housekeeper? It might be something she likes or certainly something she could use as a gift for someone. Problem solved. Win-win.
The Action Plan
So what’s my plan going forward? Research, research, research.
The internet is full of information. (Some of it even accurate)
Now I look ahead of time at any activities I might have planned. Are they ethical? If not, is there an alternative where I can be part of the solution instead of being part of the problem?
I look into the economy, wages, and tipping. Some places I was tipping generously previously it turns out the pay is high enough tipping is not necessary. (Hmmm that’s why the locals don’t do it). I don’t want to be part of the issue of Americans getting priority service in the restaurant because the waitstaff knows they are the ones who tip.
Thankfully I have started this before really stepping in it. There are countries where tipping is considered an insult. Workers pay without tipping is good. The only reason someone would tip is if your service was so poor they think you need help. (here’s a small tip since you’re so bad you’ll be unemployed soon)
Do you try to give back when you travel? Are you more a part of the problem or part of the solution? Oh, and there’s even a side benefit. Trying to be a responsible traveler forces you to open your eyes more to your surroundings, making your travels oh so much richer.