Comments on: The 7 Deadly Sins of Travel

By: TheNaysayer

TheNaysayer — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 02:28:53 +0000

Number 7. A million times number 7. I seriously despise those people and you have put it well.

By: LucyC

LucyC — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 04:44:58 +0000

Thanks Paris92 – really appreciate the comment!!

By: Paris92

Paris92 — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:51:10 +0000

Great article! Really smart and unsnarky.

By: laurenquinn

laurenquinn — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:47:19 +0000

Great post! I especially liked your treatment of travel snobbery, and the travelers vs. tourists issue.

By: Craze_b0i

Craze_b0i — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:20:51 +0000

I def agree about #2. I would even go further and say that if you are in a western country giving to beggars there is not wise either, you are funding the alcohol or drug related problem that made them beggars in the first place. Thus encouraging them to continue in that lifestyle.

By: LucyC

LucyC — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:51:32 +0000

Kathryn -couldn’t agree more re acknowledging beggars as people. I love to interact with street kids, maybe play a game, let them be kids for a while. I’m just against the idea of giving cash (or candy for that matter) when you don’t know where the money will end up. I agree that some countries (India for example) have different customs regarding dishing out alms, but I think I’d have to do a lot of research to make sure my money was going to do something useful. I’d much rather buy some food or water for someone.

Thanks for all the comments!

By: KathrynD

KathrynD — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:53:59 +0000

I often give to beggars at home. I also acknowledge them as people when they talk to me, that to me is even more important than giving money. I think charity is a positive value, and respecting all mankind is even more important. Personally, I think one should follow local customs on what’s appropriate in terms of charity and follow their lead on who is appropriate to give alms to.

By: undefined

undefined — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 07:09:36 +0000

Great article!

By: LucyCorne

LucyCorne — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 03:16:19 +0000

Thanks for the positive comments guys.

Just for the record, I am definitely guilty of sins 3, 6 and 7. Am trying to get my travel snobbery under wraps!!

By: GoriGirl

GoriGirl — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:47:12 +0000

Great article! #2 is an important one that I wish more visitors to developing countries understood - interested people can read a more technical discussion on the matter can be found here. Regarding #4, I'd say that it's important to respect local customs, but you should also not feel that you must give up your values just to "go with the local flow." Depending on how much you interact with locals, you might find yourself being expected to follow, for example, gender segregation in socializing, or be told that it's impolite for women to drink alcohol (I've experienced both). If you're committed to gender equality, I think that you should continue to follow your values. I've blogged about this a few days ago, actually - here.