What is Fair Trade Tourism?

The aim of Fair Trade Tourism is to make tourism more sustainable by ensuring that the people who contribute their land, resources, labour and knowledge to tourism are the ones who reap the benefits.

FAIR TRADE TOURISM PRINCIPLES

Defining Fair Trade in TourismFair Trade in Tourism is a key aspect of sustainable tourism. It aims to maximize the benefits from tourism for local destination stakeholders through mutually beneficial and equitable partnerships between national and international tourism stakeholders in the destination. It also supports the right of indigenous host communities, whether involved in tourism or not, to participate as equal stakeholders and beneficiaries in the tourism development process.

Fair Trade partnerships between tourism and hospitality investors and local communities

  • Equitable consultation and negotiation taking into account the interests of local     community stakeholders, including tourism enterprises, and indigenous residents not involved in tourism
  • Transparent and accountable business operations through environmental and social audits
  • Employment of local residents (including indigenous people) to provide opportunities for developing their human potential.
  • Training and development at local community level for managerial positions, if appropriate as part of a public, private and civil society partnership.
  • Investors aware of and adhering to relevant regulations, whether derived from local, national, or international regulation, including a regulation that would apply in the tourists’ countries of origin, e.g. on Health and Safety and environmental controls.
  • Anti-corrupt practices

 Fair Trade between tourists and local people

  • Informed and responsible tourists foster a mutually beneficial exchange with local people, respecting their culture
  • Tourists pay a fair market price.
  • Fair and sustainable use of natural resources
  • Investment and research in environmental protection
  • Implementation of measures which enhance the local environment
  • Consultation with the local community
  • Adherence to relevant national and international conventions, such as the
  • Convention on Biological Diversity and regulations, including a regulation that would apply in the tourists’ countries of origin.
  • People charge a fair market price

http://fairtrade.travel/content/page/what-is-fair-trade-tourism

Fair Trade Tourism Principles

The Myth of Authentic Travel

For the 21st century traveller, authenticity has become the goal and measure of travel. “Real” travellers avoid expensive attractions, preferring to wander off the “beaten track”. They avoid the “touristy”, wanting to see how the “locals” live. They bemoan tourism and commoditization as “polluting” the culture of a place. “Don’t sell us stuff”, they say, “Give us the ‘real’ thing, the ‘authentic’ experience.”

But what is “authenticity” exactly? As we excavate the term, we find that it is founded on particular ideas of what “culture” is, and should be. And these ideas are shaky.

Robert Shepard, an anthropologist at George Washington University, writes, “What is most commonly referred to as the tourist impact on Others is grounded in the unspoken presumption that these Others at some point in the past have lived in enclosed spaces of cultural purity, protected from outside contamination.” In other words, if tourism is contaminating, there must be something pure to contaminate.

But in reality, there are no untouched and unchanging cultures. The world has always been in interaction. In ancient and medieval times, the Silk Road and sprawling empires (the Romans, the Mongols, the Han). Starting from the 16th century, imperialism, industrialization and globalization. Conquerors, traders, missionaries, adventurers. To say tourism corrupts local culture ignores all the changes that have come before.

CULTURES ARE INTERMESHED, AND EVER-CHANGING. THERE EXIST NEITHER A SPATIAL NOR TEMPORAL BOUNDARY AROUND A CULTURE.

Culture not only changes with time, it also varies within itself in the present. That is to say, culture is heterogeneous, diverse, and hybrid. A country varies hugely within its borders. The city is different from the countryside. The lifestyles of the rich are different from the lifestyles of the poor. The beach-towns are different from the mountain villages. The experiences of one ethnicity are different from the experiences of the other. What authority is able to say what or who gets to exemplify a country?

IT IS BY KNOWING ALL THE DIVERSE THREADS OF THE COUNTRY, NOT SHUNNING ONE FOR THE OTHER, THAT WE GET TO UNDERSTAND IT.

Searching for escape, authenticity and identity: Experiences of ‘lifestyle travelers’

If individuals are seeking „experiences‟ through the vehicles of leisure and tourism, how can researchers begin to understand experiences from a participant perspective? Certainly, this is a complex question that is not satisfied with the simple assumption that individuals seek to escape to authentic experiences. Nonetheless, the theories surrounding escapism and authenticity have been historically relied upon in various attempts to understand participant experiences in leisure and tourism. However, recent post structural approaches have questioned both the possibility of escape and the grounds for authenticity, hoping to bury both of these concepts on the basis of their relativity.

 

Deconstruction has threatened the validity of the meanings and rewards that individuals may perceive in experiences by favoring discourse over subjectivities. The resultant backlash has re-emphasized „self‟, as individual worldviews have been relied upon to re-justify escape as a state of mind and shift the focus of authenticity away from „objectivity‟ and instead towards the authenticity of subjective experiences. With this, movement has come a wealth of research on identity as the notion of searching for a stronger sense of self has gained momentum as a useful tool in understanding leisure and tourism experiences.

 

Existential authenticity

 

Is described as a process of „being in touch with one “sinner self, knowing one’s self, having a sense of one’s own identity and then living in accord with one’s sense of oneself‟

 

Conclusion

 

Modern theories on seeking escapism, authenticity and identity point to each of these concepts as critical in understanding dimensions of tourism and leisure experiences. Although the actual possibility of escape, an objective basis for authenticity and the concept of self have all been subject to deconstruction, the lifestyle travelers in this study seemed to have taken little heed of the supposed „illusion‟ at the basis of their searching efforts. Indeed, the case study has demonstrated that some individuals still seek experiences that allow for feelings of escape and a stronger sense of identity, and that meaning and value may be attached to experiences that provide for these perceptions.

 

Sources:

Cohen, E. (1988) Authenticity and commoditization in tourism. Annals of Tourism Research                  15,371– 386.

 

Cohen, E. (1995) Contemporary tourism  trends and challenges: Sustainable authenticity or contrived post-modernity? In R. Butler and D. Pearce Change in Tourism: People, Places, Processes

(pp. 12-29). London: Rout ledge.

 

Why Consider a Self-Drive Holiday

The benefits of a self-drive holiday are multiple and should be considered before choosing your holiday.  One of the most important benefits of such a holiday is that it is the most cost-effective way to travel in Southern Africa.  Not only is it more cost effective, but you get to see a side of Southern Africa that will keep you coming back for more.  South Africa especially is known for its vast different landscapes and activities across the provinces.  Even more so, South Africa is known for its hidden treasures.  Beautiful quaint places that one do not see as part of an organised tour. 

As mentioned (by www.audleytravel.com) “one of the drawbacks of an organised tour is being shunted along with lots of other people to tourist attractions but then only having a limited amount of time to appreciate them, or spending time in the confined quarters of a coach, bus or train with people you have little or nothing in common with.”

Here are some more reasons why you should consider a self-drive holiday
  • You decide the overall pace of the holiday.
  • Regardless of the car type you choose, you have the total freedom and flexibility to get to places off the beaten track, and then spend as much time as you want there.
  • You can enjoy greater comfort and privacy.  This is especially appropriate for if you have a young family.
  • You get to experience the different cultures,people

    and facilities in their everyday lives.

  • You have to option to choose where you want to spend more or less time, depending on your own interests and experiences.
  • If you enjoy photography, a self-drive holiday is recommended.  You might, for instance, return to the same destination, but at a different time of day to catch the sunset or sunrise.
  • You get to choose your own type of accommodation.  Some people prefer staying in the hub of things, whilst others prefer a more secluded or scenic stop-over.

These are some of the benefits of choosing a self-drive holiday.  You can now enjoy the flexibility to decide for yourself to what degree this will suit your needs.

Sources

https://www.audleytravel.com

https://www.africantravel.com

http://www.thetravelparadise.net

Snacks on your Self-Drive Holiday

Packing the right kind and amount of food on your self-drive holiday is very important.  Not only can it save you unnecessary expenses, it also prevents your time being taken up by long queues in big cities.  Snacks must be easy to eat, but must also add to your road trip experience.  Having a picnic on the right spot with the right food will help to make your trip memorable.  Don’t forget that as a precaution it is also always advised that you have the necessary food and drinks with you in the case of an emergency.  Here are some tips to help you plan for your self-drive holiday snacks.

Preparing the Snacks

It is suggested that you start your trip with a tasty sandwich which you prepared the night before.  After all, you don’t want to start your holiday on an empty stomach.  A chicken mayo or tuna sandwich with fresh salad leaves are some favourites.  Remember to store the sandwiches overnight in the fridge.  It is suggested that you keep an allocated space in your fridge for all your snacks and sandwiches so that there is little chance that you forget some stuff in the fridge.   Here are some examples of what could be in your cooler box:

Ideas for your Cooler Box
  • Carrot and celery sticks & cucumber slices
  • Cherry tomatoes, pea pods, and olives
  • Water, sodas, and juice
  • Sandwiches and wraps
  • Cheese
  • Different fruits, like grapes, strawberries, bananas, oranges, apples, and cherries.
  • Cold slices meat
  • Chicken wings
  • Meatballs, sausage rolls, cocktail wieners
  • Potato salad or macaroni salad
  • Condiments like butter or margarine, tomato sauce, mayo, and chutney.
Snack Box

After you’ve made sure that you’ve got everything you need for your cooler box, you must pack you snack box or crate.  Here are some examples of what you can add:

  • Salt & Pepper and other spices
  • Bread, buns, crackers and tortillas
  • Muffins
  • Nuts, raisins, trail mix and pretzels
  • Chips
  • Granola bars and energy bars
Other Necessary Items
  • Paper towels, serviettes
  • Paper plates, forks, spoons
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Thermos
  • Wet wipes
  • Garbage bags
  • Foil or zip lock bags
  • Never forget your wine glass!

If you have above mentioned, you should be able to make your trip memorable.  Now it’s time to enjoy your self-drive holiday!

Source

http://www.vacation-lists.com

 

Planning your Self-Drive Holiday

A self-drive holiday, could not only save you money, but it can be much more enjoyable.  You are able to enjoy the flexibility that other tours do not offer and experience small places and things that make your holiday memorable.  Unfortunately, a self-drive holiday can also go wrong if not well planned.  Here are some tips to help you with planning:

Begin your planning early

Start asking yourself questions like “what do you want to see?” And “where do you want to stay and what type of accommodation will you prefer?”  You can either make use of a travel agency or the internet to help you answer these questions.  Remember to look at customer reviews before booking your accommodation.

Plan your driving route

You need to think of not only the road you will be taking but also the places that you want to see.  Don’t forget to look at points of interest like museums, shopping, road stalls and amusement parks.  In small quaint towns, you might find special historic sights.

Book your accommodation

Although you want to remain flexible it is recommended that you make reservations for especially the beginning of your trip.  Make a folder that contains all the contact details, correspondence, and dates of arrival and departures.

Service your vehicle

On a self-drive holiday, you are very dependent on your vehicle, so make sure that your car has been serviced recently.  If it has been serviced, it is always a good idea to have the oil, tires, and fluids checked and filled.  Remember to always have a tire jack, spare tire, jumper cables, simple tools, a flashlight, and flares.  Make sure you have to contact numbers of emergency numbers with you.

Travel supplies

Double check that you have everything your family needs.  That will depend largely on the ages and interests of the family members.  For small children, you need to think of diapers, snacks, milk, bottles etc.  For older children, you need to think of things to keep them busy in the car.  The most important of all is to stack up on enough snacks and water for if you have an emergency.

Self-Drive Vacation in South Africa

Self-drive travelling in South Africa ensures that you see a unique side of the country that you haven’t seen before.  It can, however, prove to be challenging with the unpredictable elements of Africa.  Here are some tips for when you attempt a self-drive vacation in South Africa:

General tips
  • Keep to the prescribed speed limits.  “The general speed limit on South Africa’s national highways, urban freeways, and other major routes is 120km/h (75mph). On secondary (rural) roads it is 100km/h (60mph). In built-up areas, it is usually 60km/h (35mph) unless otherwise indicated.”  It is advisable that you always check the road signs.
  • It is advisable to switch on the headlights of your vehicle to be more visible to other drivers, especially in dusty or rainy conditions.
  • Many of the national roads between the major centres in South Africa are toll roads. Confirm the toll fees before you leave, and make sure that you have either a credit card or cash to pay.
    Toll fares may vary from R2.50 to R61.00 per toll plaza – you may pass through three or four of these before you reach your destination.
  • Make sure that you have a trustworthy and updated GPS.
Choose the best route

In South Africa, there are multiple routes to get to your destination.  Make sure you know what routes have road works and what routes have become difficult to drive on.  Also, make sure how far the gas stations are situated from each other.

What not to do when you self-drive

Rural areas can be particularly poorly lit and not all roads have proper fencing for animals and life stock.  You need to be mindful of drunk drivers, pedestrians and even life stock at night.  South Africans also know that Kudu’s tend to jump in front of cars at night, so it might be a good idea to avoid driving long distances at night.  Never leave your vehicle unlocked, even if it is for a short period.  Also never pick up strangers or hitchhikers.

Source

www.drivesouthafrica.co.za

Preparing for Your First Time on Safari

Going on a safari can be challenging for a first timer – even if you are a South African.  No one wants to look misplaced or be accused of frightening the animals away with their red shirts.  Here is some practical advice for your first safari experience:

What clothes do I need to wear?

Most camps encourage that guests wear clothing that fits in right with their bush environment.  That includes clothes of colours of beige, khaki, green or brown.  Make sure you know the temperatures of the place you are going to.  In winter in the Northern Cape, one can expect anything from very cold early morning and evenings to warm weather during mid-day.  Some basics one needs to have is T-shirts, a long sleeve shirt (one that can roll up preferably), vest, zip-off pants, hiking boots, warm jacket and a safari hat.

What necessities do you need to pack?

There are a few necessities that no person on safari should be without.  Sun block should definitely be your number one priority.  It doesn’t matter if it is in the middle of winter and icy cold, you should put sunblock on before you go out.  Also, put an extra sun block in your safari bag that must never leave that bag – you cannot afford to forget it at home.  Getting sunburnt and the sun sick on your first day is not something you want to report back home.  A hat and sunglasses will also be valuable in the African sun.

Mosquito and insect repellent is also an absolute must.  Before you go on safari, find out if you are in a malaria zone to get the appropriate medications.  There are lots of reading material about what to pack in your first aid bag and always remember your travel insurance!

A common mistake on your first safari

Buying hiking boots just before you go on safari and never walking in them before can really cause uncomfortable blisters.  Even if you think you are only going on a game drive, make sure that the boots you’ve got are comfortable.  Remember, you are still in Africa and unexpected things can happen – An unexpected walk in the bush will definitely not be a rare occurrence in Africa.

Other tips

It can become so hot over midday that most safari companies do not take their clients out over this time of day.  A book and swimsuit will really come in handy during your afternoon relaxation time.  Remember to rehydrate often and listen to what your guide are saying.  They are really knowledgeable on factors regarding the bush and create a valuable experience for you.

Now it’s time for you to go and enjoy your first African Safari!!

Common Travelling Mistakes

As a first-time traveller you may hear a lot of “what to do’s”, but rarely do you hear about the mistakes your friends made.  It would be a lot easier to travel if we also knew what those mistakes were and how to avoid them.  After all, those mistakes can lead to a lot of lost time, wasted money and above all, missed opportunities.  Isn’t one of the biggest reasons you travel after all for new experiences?  Here is a list of common things to avoid whilst travelling:

Do not eat near a tourist site

Although a major tourist site may be convenient, the restaurants there knows that you probably aren’t coming back.  Their focus is therefore on getting the most customers and not necessarily providing the best quality food.  A suggestion would be to rather travel four or five blocks away before you look for someplace to eat.  Asking at a hostel might also provide some great options.  In conclusion – its best to go to a place where you know that the food must be high quality, otherwise the locals won’t go back there.

Be money wise – Do not make use of traveller’s checks and do not exchange money at the airport

Using traveller’s checks are outdated and most banks don’t even accept them anymore.  It is best to use plastic as much as possible.  Especially if you make use of a bank card without fees.  In order to get the best exchange rates, make use of an ATM or credit card.  If you can, it’s best to never exchange cash.

Do not skip on travel insurance

It is always one of the most difficult expenses to make, but also one of the most important.  You cannot afford to travel without travel insurance.  It might just take one fall, one slip or an unexpected virus to spoil your whole holiday and whole savings account.

Above mentioned dos and don’ts won’t just save you time and money, but also add to the quality of your travels and some unforgettable memories.  Enjoy!

Source:

http://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/not-to-do/

 

 

 

 

 

 

5 Things to make travelling more memorable

 

Most people save up to go on a special holiday, whether locally or abroad.  It is important to make your trip memorable, so keep these things in mind when travelling:
1.  Meet the locals

You always get those guys that wherever they go, they have awesome experiences.  Experiences that are off the map and not within the usual day schedule of a traveller.  One way to have those experiences yourself is to meet the local people.  Locals usually know best – they know where you can find the best quality for your money, the best service and if you are looking for something different – they will know.  Basic English is spoken more widely than most people think and hand gestures also goes a long way.  It’s always good to know one or two basic words or greetings in the local language.

2.  It’s okay to laugh at yourself

Misunderstanding people and their customs happen quite often.  Instead of dropping your head in shame, laugh it off.  Making a fool of yourself, even unintentionally, is the perfect way to meet new people.  Locals and travellers will immediately identify you as someone who is fun to be with and seek out more opportunities to befriend.  People enrich your travels more than the everyday sights do.

3.  Take some photographs and then some more whilst travelling

Take lots of photographs – even if it is uncool to look like a tourist.  Memory might fade, but the photographs will always be there to remind you of the special places you’ve visited.  Before you travel, make sure that you are comfortable with the phone or camera you are using.

4.  Stash some extra cash

In some places, especially Africa, one can get far with cash.  ATM’s and banks aren’t always as easily accessible as one would like.  In Africa, cash tips also give you access to information and special services.  You can stash extra cash in your shoes, toiletry bag or special places inside your bags.  Always make sure that no-one knows that you have cash available.

5.  Dress the part

Make it easy on yourself at airport security and don’t dress like you are part of the mafia.  Also, wear comfortable clothes and comfortable shoes that make your time travelling easier.  Pack an extra pair of socks for if you are travelling long distances – even if it’s only for the comfort of your fellow passengers’ sense of smell.