You’ve decided you need a vacation. You want to go somewhere “exotic” or “tropical”. Somewhere that requires a few hours on a plane and some brightly coloured clothes. The music is hypnotic, the heat is all-consuming and the food is different.
Things may not be what you’re used to. For example, things move at a different pace. Electricity and water can be a bit sketchy at times. But the alcohol is flowing and the hospitality almost flawless.
Your destination may be a third world country where tourism is a vital industry. Where the economy will never be as healthy as where you’re from…
But with every minute that passes, you find more flaws with the way things are done. You begin to insult the locals, sometimes to their face; assuming they are not intelligent enough to recognize the slight. You and your traveling companions make derogatory remarks and laugh out loud. You either don’t see or care to see the pride in their stature or resentment in their eyes at your rude behavior. You may never hear a comeback because their jobs are vital to their families’ well-being, more than you can even imagine, and they cannot afford to lose this job. You don’t see them at 4AM, 5AM or 6AM as they arrive at work to ensure your stay is everything the brochure said it would be. Smiling as you throw money around to get special service above everyone else.
They may smile when you’re there, but so glad when you leave. Only to encounter another one like you as they arrive to take your place.
I write this, because I’m seeing this right now and have seen it so many times. The people that live in these countries have feelings, have families, have to work to make ends meet like most of us do. Nothing is perfect. We certainly aren’t. Do your research and try to be as prepared as possible. But don’t be that person.
Every Day Vacation 