How to become a world-class world traveler!
A note from Scott: I’m proud to introduce my friend Traveling Chad. I met Chad back in Wisconsin when he was leading the yoga part of a 3-day retreat. I was drawn to his charismatic, inspirational character, and we became instant friends through our love of travel. Back then, travel was just a dream for Chad. Now, a decade later, he has traveled the world.
This is a chapter from his free ebook From Zero to Adventure: A Brief Guide to Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone and Planning for World Travel. It’s only 32 pages long but packed with actionable advice. (See the link below to get the book.)
By the way, there are two types of responsible travel. Chad’s article is about being socially responsible. The other kind is about being environmentally responsible. About a year ago, I applied for a job in Antarctica and I had to write an essay about how my travels to Antarctica would be justified in light of the environmental cost. My idea was to ride my bicycle down to South America and then take a boat. I also wanted to recruit a team of volunteers back home to bicycle to work and help offset my carbon footprint. Needless to say, my potential employer didn’t think this was a great idea, or I would be writing this article from Antarctica.
Anyway, enough words from me, let’s hear what Chad has to say about how to become a world-class world traveler!
From Zero to Adventure
Chapter 9: Responsible Travel
In my experience, many overworked North Americans travel or go on vacation as a way to escape. They often choose destinations where they can indulge excessively in activities like eating, drinking, laughing, swearing, partying, and sometimes behaving in ways that disregard the social or environmental impact of their vacation style. This might explain why, for most tourists, the only interaction with locals is through blended margaritas or fresh towels.
When it comes to socially conscious and responsible tourism, I encourage any traveler visiting a foreign country to ask themselves a few questions of integrity before taking off. Have you tried to learn the language of the country you’re visiting? What do you know about its child labor laws? Is there a water or energy shortage that might require you to shorten your usual 10-minute showers? Who owns the hotel or resort where you’ll be staying—local families or a large international chain? Are you entering this vacation well-rested and open to truly exploring a new culture? Is your heart and mind open to new people and experiences? Have you researched ways to travel responsibly and sustainably in this unique place? Will you be leaving the country in better shape than you found it?
Responsible tourism also includes being respectful with photography. Many travelers snap hundreds of photos, often without considering how it affects the locals. This approach can unintentionally turn members of the community into subjects of a “human zoo.” Always ask permission before you take a photo, and never photograph children without their parents’ consent. Remember that the person who interests you is a human being, not a curiosity. You may be the 35th tourist that day to get the same “wild idea” for an Instagram post.
A tourist doesn’t know where he’s been. A traveler doesn’t know where he’s going.
Paul Theroux
Socially conscious tourism is about remembering that wherever you travel, you are stepping into someone’s community and home. Every destination has its own unique foods, faiths, workers, celebrations, and people with families and stories. Be respectful, show gratitude, and aim to leave the country in a better condition than you found it.
Visit Chad online and get a copy of his free ebook and follow his adventures:
https://travelingchad.com/
PS. Turns out Chad and I are both fans of the travel author Paul Theroux. More about Theroux’s books here.
