Where to next? - Unit 7

C2 Proficiency · Gapped Text · Close-up C2, National Geographic Learning

You are going to read a blog post. Seven paragraphs have been removed from the post. Choose from the paragraphs A – H the one which fits each gap (1–7). There is one extra paragraph which you do not need to use.

Where to next?

a unique perspective on all things travel

Maybe you're not the kind of traveller who thinks hell is other people. Maybe you're happy to discover and share the world with others. That's commendable. But while you're roaming the planet, think about your personal impact on the people and the places around you. Are you contributing in positive ways that can be of benefit to others, or are you exacerbating problems? Are you causing harm to satisfy selfish needs?

You get to an exotic destination expecting to find an untouched and unspoilt paradise, a secluded fantasyland just for you, far from the well-worn tourist path ... and the place is crawling with other travellers. There are loud and obnoxious backpackers, huge speakers thumping out the most awful dance music, and tour buses spewing their human cargo.

One last thing before I get off my soapbox: voluntourism. It's a novel concept, and, to those whose idea of travel is a secluded resort and a day spa, a somewhat frightening one. The idea is simple: as a traveller from the first world, you're usually in a far more privileged position than those who live in the countries you're visiting. But, rather than just comfort yourself with the knowledge that your money is helping their economy, why not do something tangible to help out, even for just a few days?

There is also something imperialistic about not allowing – or wanting – less developed countries to develop along the lines of our own cultures. After a recent trip to Nepal, a member of our group was complaining about locals in a village, and how the place was spoilt because there was an internet cafe. I couldn't believe my ears. Why can't these Nepalese people enjoy the web if they so choose?

Stay calm and don't get angry if you think you've been charged a bit more for your transport, hotel or food. Perhaps it's just an honest mistake. Try to point out the discrepancy in a polite and respectful way, and don't accuse anyone of dishonesty. Yes, it's your hard-earned cash, but don't assume people want to rob you of it just because they have less.

Be careful about what you're buying, too. In countries with lax environmental regulations, or where authorities turn a blind eye to illegal trade, it's not difficult to find products made from endangered species such as shell, coral and certain woods. It never fails to shock me when I hear of anyone buying ivory products, like carvings or jewellery. And then there's medicine made from parts of endangered animals. Don't even think about it! The tiger population in Asia has been drastically reduced, and for what? Some crackpot cure that doesn't work.

Isn't this concept of an exclusive paradise selfish? Not only that, but the arrogance implicit in it is astonishing, too. Without wishing to state the obvious, the second you decide to go to a place because it is paradise, you are part of the problem. The blaring speakers, international sport on big screen TVs, karaoke, fish and chips – it's all there because it's what the tourists want.

Yes, that's right – you pay the organisation to go and work for free. The money is supposed to go into the community, but often, shady operators pocket the profits. As if that wasn't bad enough, volunteers could be taking jobs from locals. Think about it. If there's free labour, i.e. you, why would anyone employ a local? That's probably what I find most disturbing about the whole concept. It's not ethical or responsible, and in my humble opinion, best avoided.

Are travellers selfish? Travel, when you think about it, is a largely selfish pursuit. It's all about me, me, me. Places I can go to, people I can meet, things I can see, food I can try, my bucket list, my experiences. Are you a self-absorbed traveller? Let's look at some common scenarios, starting with the plight of the traveller seeking to discover something unique.

Your first reaction is to blame the guide book, regardless of the fact that it's probably the way you found out about it, too. And it's true, that book in your hand has a bit to answer for. But that's a simplistic notion. In an age of mass tourism, of backpacker grapevines, of internet and travel blogs, its inevitable that what was once a pristine paradise will be seething with tourists before long.

You can direct a little blame at the locals, too. Without their efforts, that which seems to offend you would not exist. They like the money and they want more – although it's a bit hard to blame them for that. If tourist cash spent at beach bars and souvenir shops can ease poverty and raise living standards, it would be selfish to begrudge the locals their chance at a better life.

Honestly, either accept a place as it is, even if it doesn't live up to your expectations, or go elsewhere if the trappings of progress are too offensive for your sensibilities. Don't blame the guide books, the internet, or Trip Advisor. Don't blame your fellow tourists. And definitely don't blame the locals for trying to improve their lives – that would be the height of selfishness.

They say money makes the world go round. So how do you spend your hard-earned cash on holiday? Do you shop locally? If you stay, eat and shop in places owned by locals, your money will stay in the community and help generate jobs. Foreign-owned resorts or hotel chains may offer a higher level of comfort and extra facilities, but very little of what you pay actually trickles down into the local economy. If there's a beach nearby, do you really need a swimming pool?

And last but not least where money's concerned, bargain fairly. Saving an extra dollar on that T-shirt or souvenir will hardly make a dent in your budget, but it can make a huge difference to the seller. Once, I was disgusted to witness a shameful exchange in which a well-fed foreigner haggled hard to get a novelty toy for less than half price. The saving? Fifty measly cents. Adding insult to injury, he boasted about it to his companions. He felt great because he'd put one over on the locals. Don't be that person!

Available as a free printable PDF worksheet with an optional answer key.

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