January 22, 2020

You want to be a responsible tourist. But what does that even mean?


The year is 2013, and the (hypothetical) trip is a mix of virtue and fun: Fly to a Caribbean island, stay in an Airbnb, help build a classroom at a school, visit an orphanage and then finish off by flying to a second island and kicking back at an all-inclusive resort. Highlight: a 45-minute swim with dolphins. See the world! Help locals make rent! Give back! Contribute to the economy! What a responsible traveler! Today, that kind of getaway might elicit a horrified gasp, followed by questions and commentary