Comments on: Travel and Your Values: The Power of Deliberate Spending

By: Daniel Noll

Daniel Noll — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 08:02:18 +0000

@Shannon: Thanks so much for the thoughtful comment. We should have run this by you earlier!

I think buzz-wording (or in the responsible and sustainable tourism terms, “greenwashing”) is the cause of the upside-down marketing logic of having to charge more for these experiences. There are so many experiences, and voluntourism has to be one of the worst offenders based on our reading. As you point out however, there are good, conscientious approaches and examples of voluntourism out there. Just a matter of tuning the BS detector when you go looking for them. And also asking why — why am I doing this? Why does it cost me money? More money? And ask who — who is benefitting? who gets the money, etc? Sometimes consumers don’t know to ask these questions, or perhaps sometimes they are afraid they don’t know enough to ask these questions. By asking the right questions, we put the onus on the seller and in the end, improve the market for these types of experiences.

@Tom: That’s the thing about systems and ecosystems, it’s basically all “one” in the end. Connection, indeed.

By: Tom Miller

Tom Miller — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 13:19:04 +0000

I agree with you! It is actually heartwarming to see the smiles and appreciation of locals when you purchase from them or avail of their services. Plus, connecting with them would make the trip much worth it.

By: Shannon O'Donnell

Shannon O'Donnell — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 03:23:54 +0000

You articulate your ideas so well, and I am sorry I missed this post until right now! I love your suggestion to think of the actual exchange of food and money, to the person who was behind that earning the wage and serving you–yes, to that person your meal purchase made a difference. It’s really difficult though when you mention the different ways people use the buzz words. Just today someone asked me how I counter the sometimes scoffing that happens when you say the word voluntoursim, and it’s tough to explain that there are countless instances of it done wrong, but just as many of places where a conscientious approach, and informed, can be positive. Will be finding a way to link to this one

By: Daniel Noll

Daniel Noll — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 10:29:50 +0000

@andrew: The depth of around-the-world travel experience helps. At least it helps with our confidence to support the statements we make.

@Jamie: We’re glad to have covered some new territory. That was one of the motivations for writing this article. Cost and value are important in making travel choices, but if more people were aware of some of the other considerations, they would be able to buy according to some of their other values at the same time.

By: Jamie

Jamie — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 13:47:11 +0000

What an interesting article and what an interesting point. It is something that I had never thought about extensively. I agree that it is important to think about where our money is going (although sometimes it is difficult because we are looking for the cheapest price). It is also an important issue to think about where our money goes when at home as well as abroad.

By: andrew

andrew — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 21:02:04 +0000

interesting article. it is great how you have experiences from all corners of the earth to turn to for your content.

By: Daniel Noll

Daniel Noll — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 15:10:30 +0000

@Anita: Absolutely, if we do it right, tourism can definitely be a force for the positive. Your point regarding all-inclusives is a good one. If a traveler wishes to actually see and experience a destination, your garden-variety buffet-style, keep-you-trapped all-inclusive resort is really not the way to go.

“If the resort takes all the money off shore, what do they give back?” That’s the magic question.

Thank you for your thoughtful comment.

By: Anita Mac

Anita Mac — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 15:47:52 +0000

Travel choices and spending locally – so important. Great insight into something that we can all affect. I love that trips like climbing Kilimanjaro make it such that you have to hire local guides….tourism dollars are so vital, especially in places like this! I remember reading an article recently about how all-inclusive resorts were so bad for an area. It really made me think. If the resort takes all the money off shore….what do they give back? What about the mom&pop shops that sell post cards and trinkets? The local restaurants and cultures? We only really experience a place when we get out and experience it!
Great food for thought…love your article!

By: Travel, Etc. Links of the Week - 11/30/12 - Travel Junkette

Travel, Etc. Links of the Week - 11/30/12 - Travel Junkette — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 12:31:35 +0000

[...] putting it first. Dan & Audrey at Uncornered Market always write well, but this post about sustainable travel and responsible tourism is exceptionally wonderful and insightful. If you only read one of these links, make it this one. [...]

By: Daniel Noll

Daniel Noll — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 14:52:50 +0000

@Katie: Sometimes making a difference makes all the difference. Certainly, there are ways to blend one’s budget limitations with one’s interest in doing right by the places and people they visit.