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Infinity wrote (edited )

I have a bit of experience traveling. I lived in communities, as well as in the nature, and in squats. I've done help x, and lived in a cave. I did these things for various reasons. I value authentic and unique life experiences.

Can you please explain what ecotourism is? As well as servitude of locals?

In Europe there is a culture of people who busk and travel as well as making and selling artisan products in the winter, and selling them in the summer to tourists. A lot of people live like this until they are old.

Do you live in America? America seems to have an entirely different view about travel than most of the world. Even many Americans who have traveled are still sheltered and fearful to venture far away from the hostels. During my travels outside the hostels I met people from many different countries and only two Americans who chose to live outside of the bubble.

Then again, I definitely would not have had the same experiences had I traveled with money, vs without money. The adventure really began after I was robbed. :-)

A lot of people live without money in the world. Not having a home and money is kind of like traveling in a lot of ways. It depends on where you are in the world what kind of experiences you can have living outside. Living in the nature is cool as long as there are resources and you feel protected.

Where do you want to travel to, and what sorts of experiences are you looking to have? People have many different intentions when they "travel," and there are many different ways and experiences to be had.

Also, what is it to "travel?"

I've lived and worked in a few different countries. I consider this travel because it's not my home country, and I feel like an ambassador whenever I step out.

I have lived and worked outside of my home town, and I consider this traveling, also.

I rarely have been a tourist.

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leftous OP wrote (edited )

Can you please explain what ecotourism is? As well as servitude of locals?

Ecotourism is supposed to be the non-harmful and sustainable way people travel to untouched places. Unfortunately this turns out to be self-deception, e.g. this article that u/red_pepper posted the other day. It's hard to limit and measure ecological impact when it comes to travelling to certain places.

As well as servitude of locals?

Growing up, I visited a couple poor countries, and we would basically get served by the locals to the point we were treated like royalty. Ive just always found this disturbing, and being a tourist enables that.

Do you live in America?

No, but that doesnt surprise me about Americans.

Where do you want to travel to, and what sorts of experiences are you looking to have? People have many different intentions when they "travel," and there are many different ways and experiences to be had.

Part of the sudden motivation for me to travel was a sort of pilgrimage after a recent death. So I did want to go connect with and learn from the people and cultures that they experienced as a refugee. So I guess you could say it is partially spiritual. But I also generally want a better understanding of the world, and to enjoy nature and cultures without being harmful or insensitive.

Hope that helps seeing where I'm coming from.

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ziq wrote

we would basically get served by the locals to the point we were treated like royalty.

As someone who waited on tourists from the ages of 10 - 17, this is very true. If we were at all rude to the tourists, we got punished.

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