Recently not a day goes by without some article about over-tourism or bad tourism. Today an article in the Telegraph about huge over-bloated vehicles clogging some of Britain’s most beautiful villages.
However, many of still want to travel, but we want to travel wisely. So how do we do this and avoid becoming one of the ‘selfie stick narcissists’ who care little for the location, locals or even the experience itself?
So how do I become a ‘Good Tourist’?
At Mandala we specialise in sustainable travel away from the crowds and supporting our local suppliers. Our aim? To travel in a way which creates a symbiotic relationship and avoids resentment of tourism only taking and not giving.
Read on for top tips for ‘good’ tourism. And check out our other blog ‘Selfie Free Travel’.
Top Tips to Travel Responsibly
And so, here are some of our top 3 tips to avoid places over-run. Or already full of those who have very little joy for actual travel. Those who choose to just tick boxes off their travel list or become self-styled ‘influencers’.
- Ask an expert – someone who lives or has been there before where to go to find tranquillity and also where to avoid! Contact us.
- Go small – it goes without saying that a huge hotel with hundreds of rooms, pools and an international owner is going to be exploiting natural resources and a situation where you are not encouraged to spend money locally. So, choose smaller suppliers, lodges, hotels or guesthouses which are owned by and employ local people to ensure you give back to the local community and get to meet and engage with the locals.
- Give Back – choose suppliers which actively give back to the community through projects: wildlife support and re-introduction (eg community re-introduction of Rhino in Hwange), community support (women’s groups or schools), or employment such as training up female guides, or creating jobs for the locals.
Bearing this in mind here are some of our favourite sustainable destinations which allow you to support local business, meet the locals, give back and avoid pushy selfie-wielding hordes. And we’ve deliberately chosen some places where you can either get it wrong or spectacularly right!
Maasai Mara Private Reserves
Certainly, the Mara is not generally thought of as a place for Good Tourism! Because the Mara main national park is a favourite selfie spot where crowds of 4 x 4’s surround the poor local wildlife. Not interested in the culture or the animals – just in ticking off the ‘Big Five’ on their mobile phones.
However, for a genuine Mara experience then visit one of the private conservancy areas which surround the Mara. Here, visitor numbers are restricted and the money you spend goes straight back to the local Maasai communities. In addition, you will benefit from a far richer and intimate experience. For example: go out on foot with the Maasai guides, and experience the African dirt under your feet. This is something you can’t do in the main National Park area. And for families it’s better too! Kids can learn how to track and practice Masai spear throwing or dancing at one of the smaller child friendly lodges. Check out our Kenyan safaris here.
Zimbabwe – Rhino and Community Projects
Here, we urge you to forget the crowded Victoria Falls, Hwange Main Gate and Chobe National Park. Head instead for the remote parts of Hwange by air to view the impressive rhino relocation and community project, as well as incredible wildlife in the southern Hwange plains. In fact,travel away from the crowded main gate area and your stay directly contributes to the local school, clinic and rhino re-introduction project. Plus you get to view these endangered creatures on foot in their natural environment – a highlight in itself.
However, for something very different visit remote ‘Gonarezhou’ or the Place of the Elephants. Wild, remote and with some of Africa’s most spectacular scenery – the red Chilo Cliffs – this is a place for pure wilderness adventure in a deluxe tented camp or mobile safari deep inside the park.
Canadian Great Bear Rainforest Wilderness Adventure
And, for a pure wilderness adventure exploring the islets and heritage of British Colombia’s stunning coast we’d suggest getting away from it all via floatplane to one of the areas small bear lodges where you can view bears (and other wildlife) from your lodge, or on boat rides, walks or in hides. Your stay will help stop sport hunting in key wildlife areas – adding a feelgood factor to your trip.
Alternatively head out onto the water for a small boat cruise in search of whales and marine wildlife, coves and creeks inhabited by bear, wolves and other wildlife. And visit native villages, to learn about their culture and bond with the rich waters and lush land surrounding them.
Here, the lodges and boats we use are small – 8 – 30 pax maximum. So you are guaranteed small groups and an immersive personal wilderness experience.
Check out our Canadian trip suggestions here, and also don’t forget to check out the Atlantic Provinces – for a totally different flavour than Western Canada.
Galapagos Islands
Certainly you can travel on board a larger cruise vessel of say 40 to 100 passengers with luxury bedding etc. However, the Galapagos still (for now) remains one of the great wilderness and wildlife destinations. Luxury is not the point. In addition many landing sites restrict numbers to protect the wildlife and you may find yourself waiting for your turn as passengers are ferried to and from the landing areas, with your time limited due to the next group waiting their turn.
Instead use a smaller local operator with smaller vessels – ideally no larger than 16 people a time. This means longer ashore, and the ability to be flexible with your itinerary – perhaps an early morning pre-breakfast snorkel when the time is best for sightings, and a short walk with your guide who is able to stop and show everyone everything in a more intimate way. Check out our Galapagos small boat voyages here, or for those who prefer the land here.
Or…Go Somewhere Totally Different!
Or else go somewhere not yet ‘discovered’. Spread the tourism ‘love’ and visit somewhere new and exciting. Be a trail-blazer and ahead of the crowd!
For every destination bewailing the innundation of tourists, there are many more where sustainable tourism is welcomed for the benefits it can bring to the local economy.
New ‘undiscovered’ destinations to try…
Central Asia/Europe
Or, any of the Central Asian countries really. All have an incredible history and architecture as the Silk Route cities, and ancient civilisation will show. Not to mention that thousands of years of trading have made the region a fascinating melting pot of culture, craftwork and cuisine. This is a destination for the discerning traveller and still (remarkably) very much off the beaten track.
Indeed, beginners to the region should start with Uzbekistan, where modern meets ancient in an exciting blend of colours and spices. Or visit the breath-taking mountain countries of Kyrgyzstan, Armenia and Georgia. Trail blazers and the adventurous should try secretive Turkmenistan or the thrill of driving the Pamir Highway in Tajikistan.
Nicaragua
Still relatively undiscovered (apart from keen surfers in the know) this Central American country has now emerged from a period of instability to provide a get away from it all eco experience, much like that of Costa Rica 30 or so years ago.
In fact, this lush verdant country has astonishing soaring conical volcanoes (some active!), aquamarine lakes and jungle clad rivers filled with abundant wildlife. Not to mention castles, colonial architechure, yoga and mindfulness retreats and incredible tourist free beaches.
So, for the inquisitive traveller the time to go is now!
And check out our Nicaragua country information and Nicaragua trip ideas here.
Sri Lanka’s Secret North and East Coasts
Sri Lanka’s Civil War has ended, which means that the north and north east coasts are once more viable, even preferable destinations.
Escape from the crowded south west, bustling Colombo, Galle, Kandy and the touristy ‘Cultural Triangle’ to explore ancient Buddhist and Hindu sites, wildlife parks and Ramscar birding sites, with colonial and Christian remnants. Not to mention empty beaches, gorgeous low-key resorts and delicious seafood.
This is Sri Lanka at it’s most chilled and relaxed.
Check out our Sri Lanka’s Secret North Tour.
And check out our website to browse for more destinations. Our focus is always on the sustainable and responsible experience.
