Don't be "that tourist"

Everyone knows "that tourist" they saw on a trip -- the one that was too loud, disregarded local customs, and was disrespectful to locals. Being obnoxious aside, travel can be extremely harmful to local communities.

Machu Picchu, Cusco, Peru

Tourism in general has been highly associated with colonialism and truthfully an intrusion on local land while exploiting all the country or city has to offer. It’s an extremely heartbreaking and dark history. There are countless articles and pieces discussing the negative impacts of tourism, including information from Yes! Solutions Journal, New York Times, and countless others. The New Yorker actually shared an article for a case against travel!

Now the beautiful thing about being human is that you have the power and autonomy to decide whether or not you want to travel in the first place! For me, I side with Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (2009), who gave a TedTalk in 2009 about “The Danger of a Single Story.” I highly recommend checking out this TedTalk if you have not seen it previously, it is one of my personal favorites! The main message I take away from this talk is that if you never learn, listen to, view, or experience different perspectives, cultures, and life paths than your own, you will be confined to a one-sided story or viewpoint on life. Travel is an amazing way to broaden your understanding of the world and challenge your preconceptions. 

Volunteer Excursion to Hike a Volcano in Guatemala

But if you decide travel is someting your heard and mind are called to do, there are absolutely was to be less of an intrusive a** while traveling. Here are some of my top non-negotiables while traveling:

• Learn a little bit of the local language - thank you, please, excuse me, hello, goodbye

• Research local customs and laws - what are some surprising customs that I need to learn to show respec to the locals? How can I come in as prepared as possible so I do not offend locals or the authorities?

• Understand photo/videography regulations - always, always, ALWAYS ask permission before taking photos of people. I personally usually never photograph children unless I get explicit consent from a parent or hosting organization (i.e., when I taught English in Guatemala).

• Know you are not entitled to ANYTHING - you are visiting someone's home! Why on earth would you come in and start making demands that put out your gracious hosts? Respect boundaries and if someone denies you something, show respect and let it go. Be patient. Be kind. Be curious (yes this is a nod to Ted Lasso lol)!

• Respect wildlife and nature - As a Coloradoan, we are raised with a motto "leave no trace" or even "leave things better than you found them." Throw away your trash, don't destroy property, respect hiking trails, and don't disrupt local habitats or wildlife.

Traveling is a privilege and a responsibility. There are many ethical considerations to take into account, including the impact you may have on the communities in which you visit. There are cross-cultural, environmental, and social ethics alongside countless others! Do your research! Learn a little of the local language! Strive to understand cultural norms, requirements, and have respect for local expectations, rules, and regulations. Don't be "that tourist."