Peering through a bus window at dusty roads filled with a hint of hope.
Walking through rice fields scattered with nimble workers.
Browsing inexpensive hand-made crafts made with hundreds of years of tradition.
These are just some of the things that a new crop of tourists is experiencing when they engage in what is known as 'poverty tourism.' Critics turn their noses at the concept – deeming this travel choice exploitive. However, a great deal of people believes that the added interest in some of the largest slums and meager villages across the world can help a community in more ways than one.
Let's face it – tropical resorts and adventure getaways dominate the travel market with promises of ritzy hotels, luxury spas, and romps on white sand beaches. The money funnels into the rich communities and many less-fortunate areas are left out of the tourism loop. Tourists are always looking for "just the right" slice of sentimental memory to take back home after a vacation. With poverty tourism, local markets and shops benefit from curious travelers wanting to sample native fruits, nuts, and sweet treats. Art crafts are also popular – gritty, heartfelt, authentic treasures that commercial factories could never duplicate.
When it comes to raising awareness about poverty, tour organizers stand by their belief that this type of tourism will help fight stereotypes and call attention to the growing problem of diminished quality of life. All too many times, poverty-stricken communities are disconnected from the understanding, compassion, and recognition of outsiders.
However, participants of a poverty tour often overcome ingrained notions, realizing that despite living in conditions worse off than popular tourist destinations – these regions also provide travel delights, friendly faces, and vacation memories to last a lifetime. After their experience, many travelers wish to give back and upon returning home – locate and send donations to corresponding charities and other organizations.
My take on the subject of poverty and travel – how can you truly embrace a travel destination without experiencing its full capacity of history and culture (no matter where the location)?
The Ugly Side
However, while experiencing all facets of a destination, it cannot be stressed enough how important it is to find legitimate tour operators. Just this year, Prince Tours in Rio de Janeiro came under legal fire for offering vacationers a chance to explore the life of a drug lord – going as far as meeting up with key movers and shakers, and allowing photographs.
How did they get caught? An undercover reporter paid $55 to undergo a 4-hour tour of the largest slum in the city (Rocinha), which included a Q & A session with drug traffickers. You must engage in careful research of companies, as there are numerous opportunities thought to offer questionable services in the more than 600 slums located in the region.
Still Interested?
Travelers interested in learning more about the culture, history, and inner-workings of a travel destination may find 'poverty tourism' an intriguing possibility. In order to get (and give) the most out of this type of experience, consider the following points:
Thoroughly Research Tour Organizers – Some tour companies donate up to 80% of their profits to the communities they're involved with. Researching companies before committing to a tour is a must. Make sure to find out how long they've been running tours. Will you have a local guide? What sort of online criticism or praise have they received from previous tourists?
Prepare Yourself – Depending on the level of poverty of your travel destination, you must prepare yourself for all aspects of the tour. Beyond the sights of children running barefoot or rail-thin pets, tourists often encounter overwhelming smells, sounds, and local encounters. Some towns and villages have open sewage line, where piles of garbage may line the neighborhood streets. On the other hand, many communities hustle and bustle with lively commerce despite surrounding conditions.
Safety – If you have researched and chosen a responsible tour operator, then they are already well aware of the communities that welcome the interest of travelers. Usually, companies will seek the approval of residents before establishing a tour that brings tourists into their community. Traveling in small groups and leaving your belongings, jewelry, and expensive possessions at the hotel will additionally deter crime in areas with high levels.
Interaction – Some people look at poverty tourists as visitors of a zoo or circus – "watching the attractions in their natural habitat." However, if you interact with the residents, strike up a conversation when possible, visit the schools, tour the community centers, and have a drink at a local eatery – the experience begins to feel less like a tour and more 'real.' 
Cameras? – Many tour companies forbid taking photos of residents, as it moves closer and closer to that 'visiting a zoo' concept. However, if taking pictures is allowed and acceptable by the locals, always ask permission first.
Resist the Temptation – While on a tour, many travelers are overcome with the urge to 'give handouts' – money, candy, and other small items. This practice is not allowed, as it can cause unrest throughout the community and immediately cast a light on tourists that their presence equals receiving presents.
Privacy – Don't sneak a peek into the windows and doors of the locals. Respect their privacy. Once again, a poverty tour is not a free-for-all for travelers. Just because you've paid to explore a different part of a country or city, doesn’t mean you have the run of the place.
Want to learn more? Check out the following tour companies operating all over the world:
Imbizo Tours (Johannesburg, South Africa)
Half day $57, full day $117
Reality Tours and Travel (Mumbai, India)
Half day $8, full day $15
Victoria Safaris (Nairobi, Kenya)
Half day $50, full day $100
Vineyard Ministries (Mazatlán, Mexico)
Free
Nomvuyo's Tours (Cape Town, South Africa)
Half day $97, $48 per person for groups of three or more
Favela Tour (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
Half day $37
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