I'm thinking about a vacation next year. First one in 3 years. Someone suggested to me an all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic and it was all I could do not to muster up a hearty, "Ewwwwwwww, yuck!" I can't imagine anything more unappealing to this traveler.
I am not a resort gal. I like reality. Real people, real food, figuring out how to communicate in a non-English language, and real life in places where people don't have as much money as I do. If I go to a foreign country, I don't want to be with a bunch of Americans in a protected enclave.
One thing that really got me thinking about all this in 2005 was Hurricane Katrina and hearing the news reports about how it "uncovered" the reality of poverty in our country. Hello?! It's ALWAYS been this way in New Orleans and it took a hurricane for people to notice. People choose to ignore it because it's uncomfortable for them. New Orleans isn't just the French Quarter where all the tourists go. It's so much more. And parts of it aren't pretty. That's life. I remember working as a teacher there in inner city schools 20 years ago. I got mugged several times. The children had nothing. Drugs, violence, and even murder were on my classroom doorstep daily. As I watched the news footage of the hurricane this summer, I wondered how many of my former students were the ones left behind in the convention center during Katrina. That's the real New Orleans that I know and love in all its beauty and distress.
Of course, my feelings about vacation are mine and many people do not share them. Wherever you vacation, I would like to urge you think about the following. Please consider what real life might be like in your destination spot. Consider checking out the world outside the confines of the resort if you choose the resort route. Think about what you can do to directly support people who have less than you do in the area you're visiting. Think about the messages you want to give your kids. Think about what responsible tourism might mean for you.
I resolve to take a vacation in the new year. I resolve to observe the not-so-pretty with as much wonder and compassion as I observe that which pleases me. I resolve to step out of my comfort zone in all my 2006 (literally and in my mind) destinations.
I couldn't help but identify with your criteria used to select your destinations for vacations. One of the greatest vacations we have had was to Rosarito Beach Mexico and it fits your idea of an fun place to a T.
It is not a tourist town and the people are friendly and open. Most live far below the poverty level but many are industrious and seek to better themselves. I had a lot more fun than going someplace like the Yucatan Peninsula or the Mexican Riviera where all the tourists go.
I have some photos at:
http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=4162054&uid=2138390
Posted by: Warren Contreras | December 13, 2005 at 05:18 PM
I applaud your efforts to reach out to others while on a vacation. I don't think that would work for me b/c then I would forget that I'm supposed to be on vacation. I'd start to feel guilty about having more than the local people. One thing I may consider is to take some nonvacation time to visit the non touristy areas. I personally would need a resort type area because I am directionally challenged and would get lost if I ventured outside the confines of the resort.
DeAnna Spencer
http://learnsmallbusiness.typepad.com
Posted by: deannaspencer | December 13, 2005 at 10:15 PM
Have you considered Port au Prince or Manchester, NH?
Posted by: Pumpkin | December 15, 2005 at 08:46 AM