Don’t spoil the destination
Photo by Robin Noguier on Unsplash
In this three-part series about travel, I am re-examining the impact my travel choices have on the environment by asking these three questions:
How am I getting there?
What do I do once I’m there?
Why am I going?
In parts one and two of the series, I covered how we get there and what we do once we arrive. In this final installment, get ready to examine the (somewhat) tricky question of “why am I going there?”
This question required a bit of introspection for me. There is a thrill associated with going somewhere “untouched”. However, is it a good thing for the places we (one could argue selfishly) want to experience? The government of Bhutan restricts access for tourists to help protect their sensitive ecosystems and unique culture from the damage of uncontrolled, mass tourism. Similarly, due to the millions of visitors that have flooded the site for the past several decades, Machu Picchu limits visitors in order to preserve the site for future generations.
For many places, being “discovered” (a complicated term I won’t be digging into here), seems like a miracle. Tourism brings a surge to the local economy and a new source of income for locals looking for opportunities. Paradoxically, when destinations suddenly become the “it” spot, it can be disastrous for the local environment. Mega resorts buy properties and clear out the seagrass or other “debris” to make the oceanfront more ‘pristine;’ chain restaurants and shops flood the local economy; the pollution and waste generated from the increased number of visitors eventually ruin the magic that the place had in the first place.
When I’m going to visit a new, faraway place, I’ve started to think about not just what I can take from it but also what I can (or shouldn’t) bring to it.
What you can do:
Consider where you’re staying. Check out the sustainability practices of your hotel. Consider an “eco-friendly” option if it’s available.
Be respectful. If you’ve “discovered” a new spot that feels *so authentic*, consider keeping the address to yourself. I remember watching an Anthony Bourdain program where he refused to name a restaurant he was dining at in Rome, anticipating what would happen once he did. Supporting local businesses when you travel and infusing additional money into communities can be important and helpful. But consider the impact that your presence and “discovery” may have on that place. Plus, not broadcasting the address to the world means another person can experience the same magic of stumbling upon a hidden gem.
Ask why you’re going. There is no right answer to this question. Maybe you want to see a rare species that only exists in one location. Or maybe you want a vacation far away from other tourists and select a destination where you can connect with the culture and people. Either way, before you go, get clear on your intentions, and then make sure you’re doing more good than harm once you arrive.
As I eye the latest flights to faraway places, I’m going to be putting these tips into practice. Once again, it’s not about being a perfect visitor or tourist but how we can all act a little more like respectful guests and less like unruly intruders to whom the rules no longer apply because we’re on vacation.
