Entries in Destinations (8)
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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Transylvania – where whispers of mystery and magic taunt the imagination. Ever since Bram Stoker chose the region as the setting for his 1897 gothic horror novel, Dracula – those who dwelled outside of the beautiful countryside and intriguing culture of Romania got into the habit of linking this historical destination with vampires. So, as we prepare for an upcoming Halloween season, what better location to explore than Transylvania!
Surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains, Transylvania is situated in the central part of Romania, where you'll encounter an interesting history filled with Roman Empire conquerors, Visigoths, Huns, as well as rich deposits of gold and salt. No need to get spooked over a little ol' vampire tale when it comes to Romanian provinces – Transylvania is considered one of the most romantic. Just try to imagine deeply wooded valleys, mesmerizing blue skies, and legendary castles at every turn.
Beyond the obvious allure of culture, nature, and history – Transylvania offers vacationing tourists a wealth of attractions and activities to enjoy, including ski resorts, rejuvenating health spas, rugged hiking trails, and charming medieval points of interest. Additionally, the beauty of Romanian and Hungarian traditions and folk culture provides a learning experience you'll never forget.
To get an idea of what the Transylvania region has to offer, consider the following attractions:
Brasov and Romanian Mountain Resorts: Located close to the major mountain resort region of Transylvania, you will find this medieval city, glistening with luxury accommodations. The Old Saxon architecture of Brasov is usually a popular draw, which includes the 14th century Black Church and the ruins of the citadel. 
Bran Castle: On a hunt to solve the legend of Dracula? No exploration is complete until you visit the Bran Castle, cited as the home of the man who inspired the larger-than-life character of Dracula – Prince Vlad Tepes.
Medieval Sighisoara: Once known as a Roman town, Sighisoara has become one of the best cities to come in contact with a medieval past. A clock tower dating back to the 14th century, secret passages, and a walled citadel positioned on top of a hill are just some of the delights to absorb.
Sibiu: Here, museum lovers will cherish a visit to the open air Museum of Folk Technology (found surrounded by woods and a lake), as well as the Brukenthal Art Museum – one of six museums located in the Brukenthal National Museum complex. You may also further discover Romanian culture by traveling to a nearby mountain village.
Situated in the southeastern part of the Pacific Ocean is Easter Island, where Polynesian myths and legends surround the existence of monumental statues that decorate the land called moai. From god-like powers to devastating epidemics to volatile clan wars, the people of Easter Island have endured their fair share of historical ups and downs. Today, the remnants of the mythological Birdman clan and guardians of sacred family caves found on the island allow researchers to paint a picture of native beliefs and better understand the past. 
Contrary to popular belief, the moai are often incorrectly referred to as "heads," when in fact – many statues possess complete torsos – some seen in a kneeling position, while others have arms crossed over their stomachs. Since some moai have been buried up to their neck in sand, this common assumption is easy to make. Hoarded away in museum collections, tucked away in caves, and scattered out in the open, a total of 887 of these monolithic stone statues have been recorded.
As a World Heritage Site, the majority of Easter Island is protected within the Rapa Nui National Park, which is divided up into seven different sections, including Puna Pau, Costa Norte, and:
Rano Raraku – To capture a peek at the technological wonder of Easter Island, the 397 Moai that call this section its home still remain in their place to this day. Here, the most unique of the bunch (called Tukuturi) shows distinct features, such as a beard, reddish stone, and kneeling position.
Anakena – Home to a white coral sand beach and palm grove.
Ahu Akivi – A stone platform with seven moai facing the ocean greets visitors.
Hanga Roa – Easter Island's main town, harbor, and capital offers national football games; touristy hotels and guesthouses; the Mataveri International Airport; and some of the most famous moai on the island.
Calling all speed demons and racecar enthusiasts – northwestern Utah is home to an ancient glacial lake turned speedway that holds quite a history. Located west of the Great Salt Lake, the Bonneville Salt Flats is one of the largest of its kind, measuring 159 square miles. Accessible by Interstate 80, locals and tourists alike come to take pictures, test out their vehicles, as well as enjoy the sights and sounds of the Bonneville Speedway.
In 1896, it was W.D. Rishel, who first recognized the potential of the Bonneville Salt Flats, as he searched for suitable bike-racing grounds. The location showed promise for prime speed testing and continued to gain interest throughout the years. During the 1930's, an international spotlight blanketed the salt flats, as Malcolm Campbell (the first person to drive a car more than 300 miles per hour), set his final land speed record at Bonneville in 1935. There is even an old motorcycle named the Triumph Bonneville – after the salt flats that served as a site for many motorcycle speed records. 
Today, the Bonneville Speedway plays host to many different high-speed racecar competitions – some of which have reached speeds of 600 miles per hour. Each year, tourists and participants rally up for Speed Week, a festival that takes advantage of the best weather conditions for achieving top speeds. For example, the Ford Hydrogen Fusion 999 (a fuel cell car) hit 200 mph this month.
Interesting Fact: Portions of Hollywood hits, such as "Independence Day" and "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" have been filmed at the salt flats.
Caracas, Venezuela – 8 Things to Do and Places to See
Posted by
Yona Williams
in Attractions, Destinations, South America
Venezuela has recently revealed the discovery of an ancient tar pit that provides a glimpse into the world of the saber-toothed cat (amongst other interesting fossils). The kind of saber toothed cat fossil uncovered was a first for paleontologists working in South America and shows great promise in unlocking the answers to many questions regarding the past. You're probably wondering what that has to do with traveling…
Instead of traveling back into time, I'd like to take a look at eight things to do and places to see in Caracas, the capital and largest city in Venezuela, located in the northern part of the country. With a terrain that boasts a great deal of hills and mountains, you will also find that Caracas Valley on the coastal mountain range of Cordillera de la Costa is close to the Caribbean Sea.
The climate of Caracas varies between the central city and the mountains. The coldest temperatures come in January at 72 degrees, while May is the warmest with 75-degree days. A trip to Caracas during the months of December and January are sometimes filled with foggy days, where some nights bring a temperature drop of 55 degrees. On rare occasions, a hailstorm may erupt in the city, but electrical storms are more frequent, especially between June and October – a direct result of being situated in a closed valley.
1) Teresa Carreño Cultural Complex
Best known as the Teresa Carreño Theater, you will encounter one of the most important of theaters in Caracas – as a matter of fact – in all of Venezuela. This is the stage where popular concerts, operas, ballet, and theater unfold. This attraction gem is located in the cultural zone of the city, close to the Caobos Park and the Caracas Athenaeum.
2) Museo de los Ninos (Children's Museum)
Step inside this entertaining, interactive museum when you need a quick fix for restless children. The kiddies will appreciate an exploration of medicine, physics, biology, communication, and astronomy.
3) Parque del Este
For a great place to people-watch, consider Parque del Este, which fills with joggers, pick-up basketball games, soccer, and residents in deep meditation. Some come to investigate the paths or catch their breath on a nearby bench. A small zoo is located on the premises, as well as weekend shows at the Humbolt Planetarium. Keep in mind that the park is open from 5am to 5pm (Tuesday through Sunday) and from 5am to 9am on Mondays. Admission is 300Bs (15¢) – a small price to pay for fresh air and a change of scenery.
4) Parque Nacional El Avila
Hiking enthusiasts usually wind up discovering the nooks and crannies of this mountain-filled national park, which offers a multitude of trails. Remember that you should come prepared for sudden drops in the temperature. Additionally, rain is a common occurrence during the afternoons.
5) Museo de Arte Contemporaneo
A treasure trove of modern art awaits your presence, as the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo is a popular stop for tourists looking for high-quality art in South America. It is here that art lovers come face-to-face with the artistic expressions of Matisse, Picasso, and Joan Miro.
6) National Pantheon
Located five blocks north of Plaza Bolivar, one of the most recognized buildings in the city, the National Pantheon (a former church) is known to provide a final resting place for famous Venezuelans.
7) Parque Central
Step into a world filled with art and culture, where the latest museum exhibits, films, and other entertainment choices in Venezuela come to life. Don’t forget to check out the Mirador de la Torre Oeste, where the 52nd floor promises a 360-degree view of the city.
8) Centro Sambil
Dig deep into your pockets, dust off the credit cards, and trade in a few greenbacks for items offered at the more than 500 shops, restaurants, and other fun things to do at Centro Sambil – the largest shopping mall in South America.