When it comes to the amount of cash we drop on travel each year, most of us are very particular. After all, travel is never cheap. (If you know something I don't, please do share.) Take for instance, my 2010 travel fund, which should have been started in 2009 and is just now beginning its slow growth in a safe, (and this is key) not-easily-accessed online savings account.
The point that I'm trying to make is this: considering the large sums of money we invest in travel, we should be pretty darn particular about where that money goes. ESPECIALLY when our dollars are associated with cause-related travel. The current crisis in Haiti has me thinking about voluntourism more than ever (if you want to find out more about how you can contribute--mostly, by staying at home--take a look at Peter Greenberg's latest post).
The point that I'm trying to make is this: considering the large sums of money we invest in travel, we should be pretty darn particular about where that money goes. ESPECIALLY when our dollars are associated with cause-related travel. The current crisis in Haiti has me thinking about voluntourism more than ever (if you want to find out more about how you can contribute--mostly, by staying at home--take a look at Peter Greenberg's latest post).
In line with this thinking is the recent release of Ethical Traveler's 2010 report, "The Developing World's 10 Best Ethical Destinations." (I covered it briefly over at Alternative Consumer, too.) According to the organization, mindful travel is playing an increasingly important role in the tourism industry, one of the planet's largest money-makers. And because it makes sense, they're asking the question: Where should we go - and where should we spend our money when we get there? Because at the end of the day, "the way we travel has a measurable impact on the environment, human rights, and the way our home country is viewed by people."
Having given plenty of time to the environmental protection, social welfare and human rights efforts in these countries, Ethical Traveler chose the following top 10 destinations:
Having given plenty of time to the environmental protection, social welfare and human rights efforts in these countries, Ethical Traveler chose the following top 10 destinations:
- Argentina
- Belize
- Chile
- Ghana
- Lithuania
- Namibia
- Poland
- Seychelles
- South Africa
- Suriname
This year, while some folks cut back on "want" spending and try to keep frugal as the recession rides out, countries like these will suffer a swift cease in progression--slowed significantly from a lack of travel-stimulated money that typically goes toward sustainability and eco efforts.
Did you notice though, that some big names didn't make the list? Costa Rica, for example, which is now considered one of the world's most notorious destinations for sexual predators. (More than 3,000 girls and women work in the 300 brothels of San Jose and the country is sadly at the top of the charts in child prostitution.) Bolivia and Bulgaria, also omitted, due to unusually high levels of child trafficking. And also no mention of Asian countries thanks to a lack of responsible development, abuse of human rights and close-to-no environmental policies.
Interesting stuff, right? Most of all, a great go-to list when you're mapping out this year's excursions, because even if you aren't volunteering time or energy while you're overseas, you can make a difference by simply choosing ethical vacation destinations. Tell me, have you booked a trip to any of these places? If so, I'd love to get the scoop on your experiences.
[Photo above is of the Cotton Tree Lodge in Belize, which offers one-day volunteer opportunities for visitors. See the details here.]
Did you notice though, that some big names didn't make the list? Costa Rica, for example, which is now considered one of the world's most notorious destinations for sexual predators. (More than 3,000 girls and women work in the 300 brothels of San Jose and the country is sadly at the top of the charts in child prostitution.) Bolivia and Bulgaria, also omitted, due to unusually high levels of child trafficking. And also no mention of Asian countries thanks to a lack of responsible development, abuse of human rights and close-to-no environmental policies.
Interesting stuff, right? Most of all, a great go-to list when you're mapping out this year's excursions, because even if you aren't volunteering time or energy while you're overseas, you can make a difference by simply choosing ethical vacation destinations. Tell me, have you booked a trip to any of these places? If so, I'd love to get the scoop on your experiences.
[Photo above is of the Cotton Tree Lodge in Belize, which offers one-day volunteer opportunities for visitors. See the details here.]
4 comments:
You've given me some new countries to research. I've volunteered as a baboon monitor outside of Cape Town, which gave me an opportunity to understand the conflict between baboons and people plus gain insight into South Africa, which was fascinating. I also volunteered at the Lion Park outside of Joburg, which is not a sanctuary, nothing has been rescued there. It is expensive, however, it is also a once in a lifetime opportunity to be with lions and feed bottles to the little ones. I learned a lot. I'm looking for some good projects in Argentina right now for this coming March. The trick is to find grassroots projects where the money goes directly to locals and their project.I just put up www.inexpensiveglobalvolunteering.com to help that cause. Thanks for your info. I'm sorry more Eastern European countries didn't make the list.
Thanks Joyce. And kudos to you for your efforts... sounds like you're one busy lady!
I was surprised to see that Costa Rica or Nicaragua were not on this list. I visited both countries recently and was really surprised how the sustainability efforts of the hotels where I stayed. A friend of mine referred me to this website: http://www.cayugaonline.com/ and it really proved to be an incredible resource not only for staying at incredible hotels but also for hooking us up with volunteering opportunities.
I'd especially recommend Lapa Rios Ecolodge in the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica, the Harmony Hotel in Nosara, Costa Rica and Jicaro Island in Nicaragua!
This is a great discussion topic and these are the all very famous and eco-friendly travel destinations with all the nature's best gifts and beautiful resources and sightseeing.
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