Ted Martens

Ted Martenshttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/about/contributors/ted-martensTed Martenshttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/africa/tanzania/tanzania-two-hills-one-goalFind out about the Rhotia Valley Tented Lodge, a community development project with a tourism component.2011-04-13T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/africa/tanzania/tanzania-two-hills-one-goalhttps://www.worldnomads.comOnly a piece of canvas and screen separate you and the great outdoors (which in <a href="/travel-safety/southern-africa/south-africa/wild-weather-wild-animals-south-africa" target="_blank">Africa may mean wild and dangerous animals</a>). I've had the opportunity to visit nearly a dozen such camps during my travels on on this continent, and I've seen some pretty impressive eco-initiatives associated with these properties. But nothing impressed me more than my final tented camp experience, the first to use a community development project as the basis for their tented lodge.  <ul> <li><a href="#rhotia-valley"> Rhotia Valley </a></li> <li><a href="#lodge"> Rhotia Valley Tented Lodge </a></li> <li><a href="#community-development"> Community Development Projects </a></li> <li><a href="#serengeti"> Heading to the Serengeti? </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="rhotia-valley">Rhotia Valley</h2> Rhotia Valley is a property perched atop two adjacent hills, overlooking the rural village of Rhotia, along Tanzania's famed Northern Safari Circuit. On one hill sits the Rhotia Valley Children's Home, a safe home and school for local children in need. Due to a very high rate of HIV/AIDS in the region, many children are orphans, and along with issues such as malnourishment and family breakdown, the Children's Home has become a key piece of the village's social support network.  <h2 id="lodge">Rhotia Valley Tented Lodge</h2> Atop the second hill is the Rhotia Valley Tented Lodge, an eco-focused property with 15 spacious tents. Environmental initiatives abound – from solar thermal and photo-voltaic installations to an organic garden providing most of the veggies for the on-site restaurant. Most importantly though, the lodge exists primarily as a funding mechanism for the Children's Home, with a minimum of 20% of lodge revenues going towards operating costs for the home.  <h2 id="community-development">Community Development Projects</h2> What impressed me the most about Rhotia Valley is that the owners set out to create a community development project, with a tourism component. Most of the time, the opposite is true. As a result, the focus on all aspects of Rhotia Valley's operation are geared toward the Children's Home and the local community. It is the community's support for the project that has made it a success. Children chosen to stay at the Home – those most in need – are determined by the community council and village elders.  All staff for operations on both hills come from the surrounding communities, and all of the children boarded at the school are only from Rhotia. Village elders participate on the board of the Children's home, and the owners are actively engaged in community discussions and decisions. In their words: Our aim is to give support to the people - and especially the children - of the Rhotia area - in such a way that the entire village is committed and the villagers feel part of the project and embrace it. Two Hills, One Goal.  <h2 id="serengeti">Heading to the Serengeti?</h2> You can be part of the Rhotia project - guests to the lodge are encouraged to interact with the community on guided walks, as well as visit or volunteer in the Children's Home.  Even a night's stay at the lodge provides direct financial benefits to the children. Learn more at <a href="http://www.rhotiavalley.com/" target="_blank">www.rhotiavalley.com</a>. iStock/Onnes 0485704450 iStock Luxury Tented safari camp Serengeti during sunset

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/southern-africa/botswana/the-second-government-of-botswana-wilderness-safarisA large safari company is changing South African tourism through sustainable conservation. Ted Martens tells us how.2011-03-22T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/southern-africa/botswana/the-second-government-of-botswana-wilderness-safarishttps://www.worldnomads.comBotswana is home to some of the best safari camps (and wildlife viewing) on the planet. Famed for the Okavango Delta and the elephant-filled Chobe National Park, Botswana is a top destination on any safari-buff's bucket list. And no company knows more about running successful camps in Botswana than <a href="http://www.wilderness-safaris.com/">Wilderness Safaris</a>. Since 1983, when the company started with just a couple of rangers and a single Land Cruiser, Wilderness has grown to operate 60+ camps across southern Africa, with over 25 in Botswana alone. The company's active role in politics, conservation, tourism, and community development has earned them the nickname, the Second Government of Botswana. The company's commitment to sustainability has earned them the reputation of a world leader in responsible tourism. “Wildness Safaris is first and foremost a conservation organization. The reason we exist is to protect pristine wilderness areas and the biodiversity they support.” Not too many for-profit companies have conservation as their core mandate.  Wilderness' sustainability focus goes well beyond the environment – their commitment to the people and communities in their areas of operation has brought about unparalleled opportunity, education, skills, and jobs, with the vision of making “a difference in all people's lives, by enabling them to find new paths, and leaving a legacy of conservation for our children.”  Okay, so we've established that the company is committed in their mission and vision. But what are they actually doing on the ground in Botswana? Too much to tell in this single post. I'm going to completely ignore the operational sustainability aspect of their lodge and camp operation (responsible management of waste, energy, water, etc). Here, we'll focus on the conservation and community initiatives of the company's non-profit arm, the Wildlife Trust. <a href="http://www.wildernesstrust.com/trust/main.jsp">Wilderness Safaris Wildlife Trust</a> currently supports 43 projects across six Southern African countries. The projects fall into one of three project areas: Research and conservation, community empowerment and education, and anti-poaching and management. A few project examples: <ul> <li><a href="#rhino"> Botswana Rhino Relocation and Reintroduction Project </a></li> <li><a href="#children"> Children in the Wilderness </a></li> <li><a href="#victoriafalls"> Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="rhino">Botswana Rhino Relocation and Reintroduction Project</h2> Due to poaching, rhinos were all but extinct in Botswana until the Trust, in conjunction with Botswana's Wildlife and National Parks Department, began an anti-poaching and relocation project to bring rhino numbers back up in the region. In addition to relocating animals, researchers closely monitor the rhinos, their adaptation to the new environments, and their breeding patterns.  Similar reintroduction projects are also being carried out by the Trust in Zimbabwe and Malawi. <h2 id="children">Children in the Wilderness</h2> Wilderness Safaris' flagship community education program brings groups of rural kids from surrounding villages to Wilderness camps (which have been closed to the public) for a 5-night stay, where they participate in a life skills and environmental education program. Topics include wildlife, conservation, health, HIV/AIDS awareness, nutrition, life skills, geology, and arts and crafts. Through leadership development, Children in the Wilderness aims to facilitate sustainable conservation throughout the local communities. Over 3,000 children have participated to date. <h2 id="victoriafalls">Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit</h2> This team of individuals have been fighting poachers in the Vic Falls region since 1999. Still a rampant problem in the area, the crew fights back though removal of animal snares (devices used to catch animals), treatment of animals injured by snares, and through direct arrest of poachers (436 were apprehended in 2009 alone) within the region.  And there are some 40 other projects funded, monitored, or executed by the Wildlife Trust. The scope of positive impact is astounding, and these efforts are funded almost entirely by Wilderness Safaris and their guests.  With over 2,500 employees, over 2.8 million hectares of wilderness under their watch, over 40 Trust projects operating simultaneously, all while running over 60 safari camps and a bush airline, Wilderness Safaris' infrastructure may just rival that of a small country. It's a good thing that these people are putting conservation at the heart of their economy.iStock/PeopleImages 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/southern-africa/south-africa/eco-successes-in-the-african-bushBalancing a sustainable tourism plan in the African bush is no easy feat, especially in hard-to-access locations that have dangerous wild animals roaming around.2011-02-16T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/southern-africa/south-africa/eco-successes-in-the-african-bushhttps://www.worldnomads.comRunning a safari camp can't be easy. In fact, it may be just about the most difficult hospitality gig on the planet. In addition to all of the nuances of running any high-quality hotel, you have to do it <a href="/explore/southern-africa/botswana/the-second-government-of-botswana-wilderness-safaris" target="_blank">off-the-grid</a>, in a very remote and <a href="/explore/southern-africa/south-africa/south-africas-train-of-thought" target="_blank">hard-to-access location</a>, within a <a href="/explore/africa/kenya/volunteer-africa-what-to-consider-before-choosing-a-project" target="_blank">wildlife reserve</a> or park, with highly specialized on-site staff, while running a successful game-drive business that ensures guests see all of the 'Big 5' animals and more. Balancing a sustainable tourism plan in this already difficult operating environment can be a tall order for any camp owner. Some argue that there simply is not enough time (or money) to implement sustainability projects under such demanding circumstances. Fortunately, many others have taken the opposite approach, believing that operating responsibly is a necessity for survival in the safari business. After all, visits to the bush are all about viewing animals in their natural environment – shouldn't a safari camp's goal be to protect that very environment? Thanks to the many challenges of running a safari operation, camp owners have been forced to develop some of the leading eco-innovation and efficiency techniques found in the tourism industry today. Here are some projects that impressed me in the bush: <ul> <li><a href="#energy"> Energy </a></li> <li><a href="#solid-waste"> Solid Waste </a></li> <li><a href="#water-waste"> Water Waste </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="energy">Energy</h2> Remote bush camps have two options when it comes to electricity – diesel generators or renewables. Both systems are used to power battery units to provide power during off-peak times. While most camps have historically used diesel fuel, those that have switched to renewables are reaping the benefits – reduced energy costs over time, no expensive diesel delivery costs, no noise pollution in the bush, no fuel-burning pollution in the bush, etc. Solar is the new diesel, both through solar electricity and solar thermal devices.  Cutting edge camps have cut their operational diesel burn to nearly zero, using the old generators only for back-up during maintenance. <h2 id="solid-waste">Solid Waste</h2> With no routine trash pick-up (some camps only have vehicle access for less than 3 months a year!), storing waste and recycling can prove to be a challenge. Add to that the hungry and aggressive animals in these regions, and you have a waste management problem on your hands. Composting has become a big trend, eliminating over 50% of solid waste volume. Compost pits, however, must be heavily secured and closely monitored – hyenas in particular love to dig their way in. Recycling is separated at some of the more eco-focused camps, but most parts of Africa lack a location for processing these materials. Material re-use is woven into every aspect of operations, from food-prep to housekeeping, to camp decoration. Leading camps have developed systems for eliminating packaging and excess materials prior to camp delivery, reducing the load on the back end. Remaining waste is stored in secure cages until it can be transported back to town. <h2 id="water-waste">Water Waste</h2> Water is a precious commodity in the often arid desert environments. Watersheds are very susceptible to disease and pollution, so it is imperative that camp water is properly treated before being released back into the ground. Old-school septic tanks are rapidly being replaced with cutting-edge bio-digester units that use natural bacteria instead of harsh chemicals to treat wastewater. Any single initiative listed here wouldn't constitute a news-worthy sustainability effort. However, when these projects are combined in a single property, and these properties are dotted across much of the African bush, we've got some pretty impressive and wide-spread eco-innovation. To me, there's something darn cool about a lodge that sources, uses, and disposes of all of its own energy, water, and most of its waste in a responsible manner. Regardless of whether the motivation is out of operational necessity or environmental consciousness, I call these off-the-grid camps an eco-success. Want to know more about South Africa? Check out our <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/southern-africa/south-africa/the-world-nomads-podcast-episode-5-south-africa">podcast</a>. We talk shark culling to conservation, the photographer who survived a deadly snake bite, plus how World Nomads swings into action when something goes wrong.iStock/adogslifephoto 0639500158 iStock Mpumalanga, South Africa - November 6, 2016: Tourists taking photos on a safari drive through Kruger National Park at sunset

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/southern-africa/botswana/african-access-too-limited-to-the-rich-and-famousTed Martens takes a look at the pros and cons of Botswana's tourism strategy.2011-02-01T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/southern-africa/botswana/african-access-too-limited-to-the-rich-and-famoushttps://www.worldnomads.comIt's diamonds that have brought stability, infrastructure, government services, and capital to <g class="gr_ gr_83 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_disable_anim_appear ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="83" data-gr-id="83">Botwana's</g> growing economy. Rich diamond deposits were discovered only a few years after the country gained independence in 1966, and revenue earned from their extraction has funded near-first-world healthcare, <a href="/explore/southern-africa/botswana/a-smart-travellers-guide-to-hitchhiking">roads</a>, schools, and social services. But the diamonds can only last so long, and with less than three decades of reserves left in the mines, Botswana is working hard to diversify its economy. After diamonds, tourism is <a href="/explore/southern-africa/botswana/botswana-tough-travel">Botswana's</a> ticket to prolonged success, and the country has taken a very proactive approach to <g class="gr_ gr_115 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_disable_anim_appear Grammar multiReplace" id="115" data-gr-id="115">developing</g> a specific type of tourism – conservation-focused, high-revenue, low-volume travel. Ok, that's industry speak, but essentially what the country is trying to promote is luxury travel to the bush to the select few that can afford it. If promoted well and monitored closely, this type of tourism could soon overtake diamonds as the #1 industry in Botswana, and <g class="gr_ gr_142 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_disable_anim_appear Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="142" data-gr-id="142">hopefully</g> ensure ongoing success for the country's economy and citizens. While the conservation-focused luxury travel model certainly has its advantages, it also brings up an important debate – should access to the world's most amazing places be limited only to those with deep pockets? On one hand, this type of travel has its benefits for the environment and the economy; on the other hand, restricting access to those with extensive financial resources prevents most of the local population from experiencing their own backyard. Let's look at a few of the pros and cons of Botswana's tourism strategy. <ul> <li><a href="#pros"> Pros </a></li> <li><a href="#cons"> Cons </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="pros">Pros</h2> <h3>Controlling Environmental Impacts</h3> Focusing on low-volume visitation means fewer negative environmental impacts on the sensitive African bush and wildlife (fewer people, fewer jeeps, less water, less fuel, less waste, etc). <h3>Revenue for Conservation</h3> High taxes, fees, and levies are charged from luxury travelers, which are put towards further conservation efforts. <h3>Super Eco</h3> Luxury travel providers have the financial means to invest in cutting-edge eco and sustainable tourism projects. Some of the world's leading eco-lodges can be found in the Botswana bush. <h3>Efficient Conservation</h3> With only a handful of operators, less money is spent on monitoring and oversight, directing more money towards other important conservation initiatives. <h2 id="cons">Cons:</h2> <h3>No Access for the Masses</h3> Nature is meant to be shared by all, and everyone should have the opportunity to experience the African bush. First and foremost, the people of Botswana should have reasonably-priced access to their own natural wonders. <h3>Conservation Opportunities Lost </h3> If locals don't have the opportunity to enjoy the bush, how can they be expected to fight for its protection? <h3>Fewer Jobs</h3> Low-volume tourism means fewer employment opportunities for the people living near the parks and reserves. <h3>What do you think?</h3> Should the government restrict access to help curb environmental impacts? Or should conservation sacrifices be made in the name of making nature accessible to all? In Botswana's case, it's a complicated issue with many additional factors to consider. Whether you agree with the country's approach or not, one thing is for sure – Botswana's nature reserves and wildlife are worth a visit... if you can afford it.iStock/brytta 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/south-america/bolivia/bolivias-potential-and-pitfallsDoes Bolivia have a problem with trash? We take a look at the potentials and pitfalls of Bolivia's responsible travel opportunities.2010-11-07T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/south-america/bolivia/bolivias-potential-and-pitfallshttps://www.worldnomads.comAfter spending three weeks in Bolivia, I was both impressed and disappointed. Impressed by the perspective of a curious and intrepid traveler, seeing how much the country has to offer – amazing landscapes, <a href="/explore/south-america/bolivia/adventure-tourism" target="_blank">adventurous activities</a>, rich culture, and vibrant cities.  But disappointed when it comes to responsible travel, as Bolivia has a long road ahead. <ul> <li><a href="#pitfalls"> Pitfalls </a></li> <li><a href="#potential"> Potential </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="pitfalls">The Pitfalls</h2> Let's start with the negative.  <h3>Let's Talk About Trash</h3> You cannot visit Bolivia without immediately recognizing the country's trash problem. “We (Bolivians) prefer to throw our trash on the ground rather than in a bin – opening the bins gets our hands dirty,” according to my guide. Whether he was being sarcastic or serious, it appears as though the statement is true. Trash is everywhere – in the cities, in the country, along the streets, along trails, in the bathroom, on the bus, etc.  While some cities do have a municipal waste program, most citizens drive to the edge of town and drop their rubbish there. Nobody thinks twice about where they throw it. Sure, many developing nations have waste problems, but Bolivia takes it to another level – and the tourism industry is an active culprit. I watched guides toss traveler waste out the window in some of the country's most attractive landscapes. And the concept of sorting trash (organic vs inorganic, recycling, etc) found so prevalently in Bolivia's neighbors... no chance. <h3>The Issue With Popular Tourist Activities</h3> A few of Bolivia's most sought-after activities stray far from the responsible travel ethos. For instance, in central La Paz, travelers can <a href="/explore/south-america/bolivia/adventure-tourism" target="_blank">bribe guards to allow them access to a high security prison</a> to get a glimpse of “life on the inside.”  These trips also double as purchasing opportunities for the Bolivian drug of choice, cocaine (oddly enough, this whole operation is run by inmates, who use the tourist entrance fee, over US $100 per person, and the drug sales to further bribe guards, allowing inmates to continue to orchestrate organized crime and drug trafficking from the inside).  In a famous mining town in the south, Potosi, the popular excursion is a visit to a working mine. These mines are notoriously dangerous (over 8 million miners have been killed over the last 500 years), and nearly all tour operators give visitors the chance to blow up some dynamite during the visit.  Traveler safety and environmental impacts aside, a visit to the mines is intended to demonstrate the medieval conditions faced by miners, who rarely live more than 15 years beyond their first day at work. While miners do reap well-deserved benefits from tourist visits, the voyeuristic nature of mine and prison tours is unsettling, and certainly not responsible tourism.  <h2 id="potential">The Potential</h2> Okay, so Bolivia has its share of tourism challenges, but what country doesn't? Bolivia is also one of the most stunning, gorgeous, and unique places I have ever been to. The vibrancy of the world's highest capital city, La Paz, is invigorating and contagious.  <h3>Sustainable Tourism Opportunities</h3> Popular and accessible sustainable tourism opportunities in the La Paz region include single or multi-day treks, technical climbing of 6,000+ meter peaks, and mountain biking the “world's most dangerous road”.  Bolivia's jungle region is a frequent stop on many itineraries, and can include a stay with a community tourism project or the award-winning Chalalan Ecolodge.  Of course, no visit to Bolivia would be complete without a 4x4 tour of the Uyuni Salt Flats and the surrounding Southwest Circuit. While this region struggles with it's own share of environmental challenges, many operators have adopted “leave no trace” ethics, and compared to the rest of the country, the region is surprisingly litter-free. Uyuni is like no other place on earth – where else can you get a photo of your wife stomping you like a spider?!?! The tourism potential for Bolivia is tremendous, and so far it is yet to be fully discovered. The country has the natural resources and friendly personality to become a leader in the responsible travel movement. But Bolivians need to get their act together if they hope to rival neighboring South American countries already capitalizing on eco-focused travelers.  Bolivia is still raw in many ways, so if you have an open mind and <a href="explore/south-america/bolivia/travel-and-transport" target="_blank">don't mind bumpy roads</a>, now is the time to check it out. Just remember that your travel choices (activities, operators, accommodations, etc) do make a difference, so be sure to choose responsibly.  And don't throw your trash out of the bus window, even if your guide does! iStock/1001nights 0458625113 iStock Woman portrait at the festival of Laja.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/south-america/peru/peru-empowering-women-through-tourismThe Yanapana Foundation is a local NGO dedicated to supporting the communities along the Salkantay Trek, and many of its projects are focused on small business development for women-run cooperatives.2010-10-07T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/south-america/peru/peru-empowering-women-through-tourismhttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#impact"> Women and the Impact of Tourism </a></li> <li><a href="#empowerment"> Women's Empowerment Project in Peru </a></li> <li><a href="#impact"> The Impact </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="impact">Women and the Impact of Tourism</h2> Women in developing countries have it pretty tough. Sometimes very tough. Often viewed as second-class citizens, commonly marginalized to very limited activities and privileges, some women struggle to earn even very basic rights. One of the biggest challenges preventing women from rising to equal status is <g class="gr_ gr_128 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling" id="128" data-gr-id="128">dependence</g> on their husbands, as men are the traditional breadwinners. Particularly in rural communities, the only paying work available is manual labor, leaving women unable to earn even the smallest wages. It's an unfair cycle – no work, no money, no power, no decision making, no work, no money...  For all the negative impacts tourism is blamed for (environmental degradation, cultural exploitation, economic dependence, etc), the empowerment of women is one of the industry's most consistent and commendable positive influences. Granted, many of the most common jobs for women in tourism are low-skilled, low-paying positions that may actually reinforce existing gender stereotypes. But, when approached with cultural sensitivity and commitment to the community, responsible tourism can provide opportunities beyond some women's' wildest dreams.  <h2 id="empowerment">Women's Empowerment Project in Peru</h2> I recently visited with a phenomenal example of a women-supported tourism <a href="/explore/south-america/peru/adventures-of-a-voluntourist-peru" target="_blank">project in rural Peru</a>. The <a href="http://www.yanapana.org/" target="_blank">Yanapana Foundation</a> is a local NGO dedicated to supporting the communities along the Salkantay Trek through sustainable social programs and income-generating projects. While the empowerment of women is not cited as part of the organization's mission, many of its projects are focused on small business development for women-run cooperatives.  A bit of background: The Salkantay Trek is a stunning 4-6 day hike, beginning in the town of Mollepata, and culminating with a visit to Machu Picchu. With many travelers looking for an alternative to the heavily trekked and regulated <a href="/explore/south-america/peru/what-you-should-know-before-a-trip-to-cusco" target="_blank">Inca Trail</a>, the Salkantay has experienced a significant boom in recent years (and having recently finished a trip along the trek, I can personally vouch that you should absolutely choose the Salkantay over the Inca trail). While traditionally trekked with tented camp accommodations, the Mountain Lodges of Peru (MLP) has pioneered a lodge-to-lodge version of the trek. Before their first lodge was even built, MLP established the Yanapana Foundation, understanding that the well-being of their guests was tied directly to the well-being of the local communities.  <h2 id="impact">The Impact</h2> Okay, so what's really happening to support women along the Salkantay? Yanapana has helped to establish a cooperative of women weavers and garment makers. Previously only making garments for family members, these women are now earning fair wages for creating clothing and blankets that are being sold to MLP guests and other trekkers on the Salkantay. Yanapana has helped to create and build a women-owned and operated a jam-making business that supplies all of MLP's lodges as well as local grocery stores. Yanapana has also worked to provide language and professional training for women along the trek to assist them in obtaining jobs at MLP lodges. Oh yeah, and then there are all the other community projects facilitated by the organization, including providing free health care to local communities, gathering clothes for children in need, cleaning up the trail, providing health services and school supplies in rural schools, and teaching sustainable farming techniques.   So this is an impressive list of projects, and surely the organization's impact is substantial. But what really moved me about the work of Yanapana was talking to the women who have been supported by its projects. To look into Maria's eyes while she tells me that her husband now treats her with respect and dignity and that she feels empowered to be contributing to the family's finances is a moving experience. And to hear from Mercedes, the Yanapana Director (also a woman), that in 3 short years, they have transformed the lives of dozens of women along the Salkantay Trek, with grand plans to expand their impact, is inspiring to say the least. This is all possible thanks to a responsible travel company who recognizes that its success is tied directly to the success of those in the communities that support it. Whether MLP's guests are purchasing goods made by the Yanapana cooperatives or not, simply by using MLP's services, guests are supporting the empowerment of women and the well-being of local communities. As a traveler, your choices of operators or hosts truly make a difference. Do what you can to seek out providers that have a similar commitment to the people in your host communities, and if you can, give a little extra to support their work. Your choice may have a bigger impact than you realize.   Want to know more about Peru? Check out our <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/south-america/peru/the-world-nomads-podcast-episode-9-peru">podcast</a>. We chat about alternative treks to Machu Picchu, how Peru is the original home of surfing, and look at what vaccinations do you need when traveling to South America.iStock/hadynyah 0187572264 iStock Peruvian women in national clothing crossing field, The Sacred Valley

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/living-with-the-locals-through-community-based-tourismEver wanted to go deeper into a culture? See more than just the tourist hotspots? Then community tourism might be for you. 2018-07-05T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/living-with-the-locals-through-community-based-tourismhttps://www.worldnomads.com<div> When traveling, it’s easy to just see the veneer of culture without really getting to the heart of a community and understanding the local people. It’s also hard to know whether the money you’re spending on a tour or hotel is really going to benefit the locals. Community tourism offers a solution to this. Locally run organizations, usually based in rural locations, give travelers the opportunity to fully experience the culture of a community and connect with locals. Often, community tourism will involve you being hosted by a local in their home as they go about their day-to-day lives. It can give travelers an opportunity to see what’s beneath the surface of a community as well as support the local economy through <a href="/make-a-difference/responsible-travel/people/sustainable-travel-in-kerala-india">sustainable tourism</a>. </div> <ul> <li><a href="#community-tourism">Things to Consider Before You Choose Community Tourism </a></li> <li><a href="#homestay"> Tips on Community-Based Homestays</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="community-tourism">Things to consider before you choose community tourism</h2> <h3>What to expect </h3> Just like the people and cultures you’ll come across in your travels, the homes and facilities you’ll come across can wildly vary. Some homestay providers simply clear out a bedroom for your visit, add another portion to their food preparation, and treat you as one of the family. Others have built separate living quarters for visiting travelers and have a wider range of amenities than you might be used to finding in a hotel. It’s always a good idea to do a bit of research before a community visit and make sure you’re prepared for what environment you’ll be living in. It’s also valuable to look into the customs and traditions of the hosting society before arriving. Having a basic understanding of appropriate greetings, food etiquette and clothing can both prepare you for the experience and avoid any <a href="/explore/southeast-asia/indonesia/indonesia-etiquette-how-you-can-avoid-causing-offence">accidental offense</a>. <h3>A smile goes a long way </h3> English may not be widely spoken by many, if anyone, in rural communities. So unless you speak the local language, you're going to be miming your way through your request for more chicken or less rice. For many, this is a welcome challenge – it’s amazing how much can be communicated by pointing and a smile. <h3>Prepare to be immersed</h3> There are many challenges involved – eating unfamiliar foods, adjusting to the local schedule and living among the chickens and roosters (who, by the way, cock-a-doodle-doo WAY before dawn). However, the rewards can be rich, educational, and inspiring – it’s extremely rare to get a first-hand view of the lives of people so different from you, culturally, economically and personally. My hosts have been among the most generous, hard-working, and genuine people I've ever met.     <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/make-a-difference/index-responsible-travel/people/community-tourism-in-article.jpeg " alt="Community tour in Sapa O'Chau" /><figcaption><a href="/explore/southeast-asia/vietnam/trailblazing-education-through-tourism-in-sapa-vietnam">Community tour in Sapa, Vietnam</a> with community-run social enterprise, Sapa O'Chau. Photo credit: Brian Rapsey</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="homestay">The benefits of community-based tourism</h2> <h3>Be prepared to live on basics</h3> You might find a lot of homestays are a far cry from a 5-star hotel, but just remember, this push out of your comfort zone can be a way to challenge yourself and give you a better understanding of the people and culture around you. In my experience, homestay hosts were always happy to make sure I had all the necessities for my stay. <h3>Put yourself out there </h3> Diving into a new way of daily life and culture can be daunting and being surrounded by people who may not speak the same language as you can be challenging. Different cultures around the world approach new visitors differently, be aware that some cultures can be shyer at approaching people they don’t know than others. Humans are naturally curious about others, so put yourself out there and strike up a conversation. I know from my experience the most rewarding memories have been the connections I’ve made with people. So be open-minded, be respectful, and be curious. <h3>Participate </h3> You may not be visiting <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/south-america/peru/when-community-tourism-gets-too-popular">a community</a> to volunteer your time, but nothing builds a bridge, like helping with the daily work. Whether that means helping with meals or in the fields, do what you can to participate in the lives of the people you're visiting. You might see things you never would have imagined (read about this traveler’s wild experience with a <a href="/stories/discovery/haircut-for-horses">host family in Mongolia</a>), or even leave with a new skill. <h3>Share your stories</h3> You may be visiting to learn about the lives and cultures of the <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/africa/zambia/a-beneficial-but-uncomfortable-community-visit">host community</a>, but they are just as interested in learning about life in your home country. Think of it as a cross-cultural exchange, so show photos, tell stories, and share customs. Brian Rapsey 0 Traveler in a local market