A few simple gestures can make a big difference in the impact that travelers have in poorer, developing nations. While these gestures are not obligatory, they are worth considering by anyone planning travel to a developing nation.
Tips for Socially Responsible Travel
Buy souvenirs close to the source. If the option is available, buying souvenirs from the producers or craft-makers directly provides more of an impact to them than buying from a retailer in a city market. Most city retailers squeeze local craft producers — they can actually be quite ruthless. If time and budget allow, travel to the location or village where the crafts are made and buy from the producers themselves. They will certainly appreciate this.
Small tips help. Tipping is not a part of some cultures. However, leaving the equivalent of five or ten cents (“hey, keep the change” kind of gesture) with vendors in local markets who eke a living of one or two dollars equivalent a day will make a difference to them. Perhaps it could mean an extra scoop of rice for the family at the end of the day. Of course, there is no obligation to leave change when buying in the local market, it’s just a simple gesture that will spread a little love wherever travelers tread. It’s akin to leaving a few bucks in the USA or Canada.
Responding to Begging While Traveling Abroad
Responding to beggars is a contentious issue which often divides travelers into opposing camps. Some guides will advise ignoring beggars or that by handing over money travelers encourage begging. This is one point of view and there is an element of truth in that. The reality, however, is that most developing nations have no social security system.
People with disabilities or disfigurements usually receive no financial support from government institutions and are discriminated against in already competitive job markets, which is why they may be begging on streets. While it’s not the responsibility of a traveler to foot the bill for inadequate state support for people living on the streets in impoverished nations, a few coins can be the difference between a meal and not eating for those surviving on the street of the nation travelers are fortunate enough to be able to visit.
Mindful Actions While Traveling Around the World
Don’t promise anything that cannot be delivered. Travelers, especially new travelers, often become excited or impassioned about helping someone after hearing their story of struggle or poverty, particularly in developing nations. On a whim, travelers may promise to give or do something that, with a day or two’s reflection, may not seem so possible or realistic. It’s better to keep ideas or plans a secret until they’re ready to be realized so as to surprise the person or people so when ready to deliver on the idea or plan.
Show someone how to do something simple. This may sound silly, but if someone is struggling to do something that travelers know how to do, offer them a helping hand. It’s best to approach this situation in a no-nonsense, understated way as some cultures can take offers of help as meaning they are inadequate. So, size up the situation and then offer, if appropriate. For example, if a child is struggling to do their shoelaces up, and no one else is helping, try doing it for them. They’ll be grateful and probably excited that “the visitor” tied their shoelaces, such is the reaction of children to visitors in developing nations.
Smile and greet people. This may be the greatest single thing that travelers can do traveling anywhere. Remember the saying, “When you smile, the whole world smiles with you.” If travel is to bridge cultures, bring peace and understanding, smiling is surely one of the simplest ways to achieve this. Try it. Watch what happens.
There are many ways to make a positive difference traveling, and they need not be lavish or expensive gestures. All it takes is a few moments thought, a few steps forward, and perhaps a smile too. Better Green Travel Around the World explains how to reduce environmental impact and travel greener.
Gayle Pescud - Co-founder of G-lish Foundation in Ghana, an award winning non-profit that welcomes volunteers in Africa.
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