One of the biggest things my trip to East Africa taught me this past winter was the importance of ethical travel. So often I hear horror stories depicting the ugly and ignorant acts of American tourists across the world, and I am deeply disappointed in the reputation we have given ourselves. For some reason unbeknownst to me, some Americans tend to assert their dominance and culture wherever they step foot, with very little regard as to the effects or consequences their behaviors might result in.
So here are just five quick tips that can make any trip abroad go a little more smoothly:
Dress appropriately.
What is appropriate in one place can be offensive and provocative in another. It is important to be aware of the styles and fashions of the place you are traveling. This often means covering shoulders, ankles, and other body parts that we are used to exposing in the United States. If you take the necessary steps to dress appropriately, I can guarantee that not only will you be more comfortable, but everyone else will be, too.
Learn the language.
Even if it is just a few words or phrases, this can make all the difference. I have found while traveling that there is nothing that people in a local town or city appreciate more than a tourist making the effort to speak their native language. Language barriers can create a huge disconnect between individuals, and just as others have taken the steps to learn English, it is important to reciprocate that effort.
Respect differences in culture.
We have succumbed to an epidemic in the United States, one I like to call ethnocentrism. This is the belief that your ethnic group or culture is superior to another. And this is destructive for so many reasons, but I think in the end, the person it hurts the most is you -- the traveler. Culture is visible in so many different ways across the world, and there are traditions that have been maintained in countries for thousands of years. If you are making the decision to enter another culture, you must leave your culture at the door, open your mind and respect the environment you are inhabiting.
Be aware of your privilege.
Being a first-world and highly developed country, we tend to forget that the standard of living we expect in the U.S. is vastly different than most other countries around the world. Privilege can be seen and interpreted in a number of ways. And while it is not always possible to avoid the blatant differences in privilege that are present in our world today, simply having the awareness of that privilege can change the interactions and experience within the given culture.
Step out of your comfort zone.
By completing steps one through four, you may already be far outside of your comfort zone. If so, good for you. You are on the right track!
But for those of you who have already mastered these first few steps, I encourage you to push these bounds even further. Explore food, culture and tradition. Immerse yourself in every way possible, for that is where we are offered the opportunity to learn the most.
