As more and more international travelers are being drawn towards low-income countries, ethical tourism has found an important place in the world of travel and tourism. Being a responsible tourist is one of the key aspects of ethical travel. Although, it is important to be a responsible tourist irrespective of the destination, traveling to a culturally contrastive country is definitely not the same as being on Los Angeles Tours or Washington D.C. Tours. While visiting developing countries that primarily depend on tourism to support and sustain their economy, it is important to be culturally sensitive and blend in with their quotidian lifestyle. Here are a few simple ways in which you can maximize the benefits that these countries can derive from tourism and minimize the negative impacts faced by them due to the international influx.

Spend your money within the local economy

Stay in locally managed hotels, instead of international chains. If you choose to stay in all-inclusive resort, most of the money you pay probably bypasses the local economy and goes to an overseas conglomerate. The food is probably shipped in and the higher-paid employees may not even be locals. Try eating the local food served in local restaurants, and avoid eating in restaurants or eateries that are run by the overseas companies, like McDonalds. Ensure that the locally made souvenirs and handicrafts that you buy are not made from endangered plants or animals. Make sure your tourist dollars aren’t just making multinationals rich. Engage in pro-poor-tourism that allows your money to stay in the local community, thus helping to fight poverty that prevails in the country.

Be sensitive, but fair when you spend

Don’t let the art of haggling get the better of you; it may be a few pennies to you, but a day’s food to someone else. At the same time, don’t overpay for something just because it seems too low a price. When tourists overpay for basic services, it changes the economy. Due to this trend observed in tourists, high prices are tagged to those services and locals can’t afford them anymore. If you really want to help a failing economy, consider making a donation to a trustworthy NGO or charity in the local community.

Don’t give money to street beggars, especially children

Children are often exploited by local gangs to beg on the streets. They are deprived of their childhood and education. Giving money on the streets to these unfortunate children will be detrimental for their future and is certainly not a wise thing to do.

Study their culture

Learn a few appreciative expressions in your host country’s language. You don’t have to be fluent in the local language, but learning a few simple phrases like ‘please’ or ‘thank you’ will go a long way. Be open-minded and aware of the history and current happenings associated with your destination. Be conscious about visiting countries with dictatorships and destinations that are affiliated with dark tourism or disaster tourism. You will also encounter examples of dark tourism during a New York Tour – Ground Zero, site of the former World Trade Center twin buildings or Europe Tour – Nazi death camps.

Be a responsible and an ethical tourist, that way your vacation will have a positive impact – on both you and those you are visiting.