Your guide to the food and culture of the tropics

Category : Travel

5 of the Best Food Cities in the World

“Where do you want to eat?” is a common question for date night, but it can also help when determining where you take your next vacation. All over the world there are delicious dishes to be tasted and entirely new types of cuisine to explore. With all of the options, how does a world traveler decide? To help you find your next food adventure, we have listed 5 of the best food cities in the world.

5 of the Best Food Cities in the World

Bridgetown, Barbados

Find restaurants and street vendors with Bajan dishes comprised of fresh fish, grass-fed beef, plantains, rice, peas. The national dish is cou-cou and flying fish. Cou-cou is made of cornmeal and okra, and the flying fish is flavored with a special Bajan seasoning. For a great take on the dish, and other gourmet Caribbean fare, visit the Waterfront Cafe.

To experience a variety authentic Bajan cuisine, you can take a walking food tour. Lickrish Food Tours provides daily, 3-hour tours Monday through Friday. The tour is ranked #1 by TripAdvisor and boasts off-the-beaten-path experience with 8+ authentic tastings for only $59 USD. Not only will you learn about the food of Bridgetown, but you’ll also get a taste of the history and culture.

Rome, Italy

Some of the more obvious selections are the authentic pizza and pasta you’ll be able to find. However, the street food in Rome is some of the best in the world. Among the best foods to try include supplì classico, a ball of rice laced with ragù and stuffed with mozzarella, or get a trappizino, pizza dough stuffed with your choice of fillings, from Trappizino. Some of these delicious food items can be tasted if you opt to take a food tour. The Secret Food Tour offers daytime, evening, and Sunday tours and takes you on a journey of the history and culture of Rome while you eat your way through the city. On the tour, taste authentic Italian espresso, supplì, pizza, gelato and more.

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town has a wide variety of foods that include indigenous cuisine, and colonial and global influences. Find fish and chips from the country’s British influence, and bobotie, an Indonesian creation comprised of minced beef, custard spices, and dried fruit.

You can learn to make bobotie and other South African dishes like Cape Malay curry while you tour the Bo-Kaap through the Bo-Kaap Cooking Tour with Zainie Misbach. This tour allows you to learn South African cooking techniques, while also seeing historic and religious Islamic sites and exploring one of the oldest urban residential areas in Cape Town.  

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

This Mexican destination is a treasure trove of gourmet cuisine and hole-in-the-wall taquerias. Try the octopus tacos at Los Claros, or los mejores tacos from Tacos Marissa. Beyond an abundance of excellent options for taquerias, visitors should try chocolate clams, an array of seafood and the traditional Tamales Fadados (chicken tamales).

For a more hands-on experience, take a traditional Mexican cooking class at Casa de Colores with Donna Somerlott in either a small group or private setting. To get a big bite of Cabo San Lucas, purchase your tickets to Sabor a Cabo and sample from 50 Cabo San Lucas restaurants at Los Cabos International Food & Wine.

Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Find authentic Jamaican cuisine in Ocho Rios, such as the typical breakfast and national dish of ackee and saltfish. The dish is salt fish, or salt cod, sauteed with onion and the local fruit, ackee. Other popular dishes include jerk chicken, corned beef and curry goat.

Boasting “a taste of history” visitors can take the Nyam An Guh Weh Tour (eat and leave) from Falmouth the Ocho Rios. The five and a half hour tour has five tastings from streetside eats to elegant cuisine and takes participants on a cultural, architectural, and historical journey.

4 Jobs That Require Travel and Pay Well

So you want a successful career, but you also don’t want to spend the rest of your life in a cubicle without seeing the big amazing world out there?

The good news is that there are many jobs out there that will enable you to travel throughout your career – and will also pay you well. You don’t have to hitchhike your way around and perform cheap labor in order to see the world – you can have your cake and eat it too!

Here are some ideas for careers that will take you around the world.

Jobs That Require Travel and Pay Well

travel writer, copywriter, jobs that require travel and pay well, well paying travel jobs, digital nomad

Copywriter

A copywriter crafts promotional content for brands – such as brochures, press releases, website pages, email marketing, newsletters, blogs and more. They are responsible for capturing the right tone of voice, appealing to the company’s target audience and using persuasion techniques to make customers eager to buy.

Being a freelance copywriter can be very lucrative and the best thing is – you can do it remotely from anywhere. So, why not set up your laptop in that cafe in Paris or in a beachside bungalow in Thailand?

What does it pay?

Wages vary considerably, but professional copywriters can make between $50-$120 USD per hour.

Athletic Recruiter

An athletic recruiter is often employed by a professional sports organization or a college and they are responsible for traveling around scouting out new and upcoming talent. You’ll need to know the game inside and out – as well as the specific skills that each athlete will need for their position on the team. Of course, if you are a passionate sports fan this will be easy for you.

What does it pay?

According to Glassdoor, the average base pay for an athletic recruiter is $55,860 yr.

airline pilot, jobs that require travel and pay well, well paying travel jobs, pilot, travel jobs

Airline Pilot

Learn to fly a plane and you can spend your career jetting all over the globe. It’s an exciting job that requires a lot of training, but it’s worth it for the thrill you feel during every take-off. Plus, when you’re not working you’ll be able to use the airlines to travel for free – so there’s no limit to the amount of exploring you can do in your career.

What does it pay?

The salary will vary according to the type of aircraft you fly and your experience. However, the typical starting pay is $20,000 – $40,000 per year and the median annual salary for experienced pilots of large jets is $121,408.

diplomat, UN, flags, jobs that require travel and pay well, well paying travel jobs, travel jobs, digital nomad

Diplomat

Being a foreign diplomat can be a dream job for you – it can offer you lots of prestige, a decent salary, invites to lots of swanky events and a posting overseas. A diplomat can be any officer posted to one of your country’s many consulates and embassies around the world. Your specific job duties can vary and can be anything from economic related to political or humanitarian.

What does it pay?

The average salary for a diplomat is $93,000 per year. Competition is stiff, but a degree in political science or international relations is a great place to start.

 

Do you have a job that requires travel and pays well?

Let us know about it in the comments below!

5 of the Best Volunteer Abroad Programs

Adding a volunteer component to travel abroad offers participants the opportunity for affordable travel that will make a positive impact in communities all over the world. We have pulled together five of the best volunteer abroad programs that will allow you to learn about other cultures while giving back.

5 of the Best Volunteer Abroad Programs

1. GVI USA

GVI USA provides people starting at 14 years of age (with a guardian) and up with the opportunity to volunteer abroad for more than 150 volunteer projects. Causes for projects include wildlife conservation, women’s empowerment, teaching, healthcare, youth sports coaching, construction, and more. Since 1998, GVI has been coordinating volunteering travel programs in 21 locations in 13 countries on five continents.

What makes GVI stand out are its 10 ethical commitments that focus on sustainability and empowering communities. All programs are locally driven and created in collaboration with the communities, so volunteers can rest assured that the communities get what they need when they need it.

2. Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity Travel and Build builds homes for those in need globally. Programs include an itinerary that also allows for a day to explore the local food and culture during the trip. Program costs are inclusive of all expenses except for airfare, and they accept applicants 16 and older. There are projects in nearly 70 countries, including Argentina, Kenya, Portugal, and Thailand. Programs are all physically strenuous, so volunteers will need to be prepared to work up a sweat.

best volunteer abroad programs, volunteer programs, volunteer travel, volunteer abroad, habitat for humanity

3. International Volunteer HQ

International Volunteer HQ has helped nearly 93,000 people volunteer abroad since 2007. With their reputation as the most affordable traveling volunteer organization, people who have a thirst for seeing the world have nearly 40 programs to choose from, even if they are on a budget. Programs in locations such as Africa, Asia, Europe, Central America, South America, the Caribbean and Pacific start at just $295 plus fees, airfare and expenses, and volunteers can do a wide range of projects, such as childcare, teaching, wildlife conservation, construction, and more.

4. Love Volunteers

Love Volunteers promises life-changing cultural experiences for an affordable price, with the opportunity to do family and group volunteer projects, everyone will find a volunteering travel experience to meet their expectations. With more than 40 programs in Africa, Asia, Australasia, Central America, Europe, the Middle East, South America, and the Caribbean, Love Volunteers offers programs for people with a variety of experiences.

Some programs may require credentials or a resume, such as medical volunteer opportunities, but many offer training on-site. Love Volunteers offers a comprehensive help section and clear breakdowns of all fees and other costs associated with all of their programs. Programs start as low as $279, plus fees, airfare, and expenses, and volunteers can fundraise to help with their costs through fundmytravel.

5. Projects Abroad

Projects Abroad offers 28 volunteer abroad locations and 19 program types to traveling volunteers who want to experience a new culture while changing the world. One major differentiator of Projects Abroad is that the volunteer chooses the dates of their program, rather than selecting programs with set dates. Costs of each program are all-inclusive minus airfare and Visa costs (where applicable).

Projects Abroad has volunteer and internship programs for those ranging from age 4-14 (with parental supervision) to high school age to professionals in areas such as teaching, care, conservation & environment, medicine & healthcare, journalism, law & human rights, international development, business, and more.

 

If you would like to volunteer abroad, any of these organizations would be a reputable place to get in touch and ask questions to make sure you find the right program for you. All programs offer support to volunteers so they can get the volunteering travel experience they are looking for.

What Your Sunscreen Could Be Doing to the Ocean

When you head to a tropical destination to go scuba diving, you might think you’re doing the right thing and being a responsible tourist by slathering yourself in sunscreen throughout the day. After all, it’s important to prevent burns that can increase the risk of skin cancer, right?

However, what you might not realize is the impact your sunscreen is having on the coral reef and the marine life beneath the ocean. The active ingredients that protect your skin from the sun, are also harmful to coral. Not only can these chemicals damage the coral reef, they will also be absorbed by all underwater life.

Dr. Craig A. Downs, Ph.D. told Travel & Leisure magazine about a working visit he took to the Bahamas, where he commented on the coconut flavor of the local fish they were dining on.

However, when he asked the chef about the preparation, he explained that the fish was cooked with only salt. The coconut was a residual chemical fragrance from sunscreen, which had accumulated within the local fish. Yikes!

sunscreen, safe sunscreen, coral safe sunscreen, scuba diving, diving, snorkeling, responsible tourist, tropics, ocean, ocean safe sunscreen

What Does Sunscreen Do To Coral and Marine Life?

The harmful ingredient is oxybenzone, which is found in most sunscreen brands. It is toxic to the algae that live within coral reefs and are essential to their health.

According to a 2008 European study, this chemical promotes infections within the coral which can lead to bleaching. Another study, by a group of international scientists, concluded that oxybenzone was “highly toxic” to developing corals and other marine life.

It disrupts reproduction and growth, which leaves young corals fatally deformed. The coral larvae becomes so deformed that it encloses itself in its own skeleton, which becomes its coffin.

While coral reefs all over the world are affected by this, it is the popular travel destination spots that are most at-risk. This includes the Great Barrier Reef, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Israel.

Lawmakers in Hawaii have already banned the sale of any sunscreens that contain these chemicals. They are on the cutting edge by doing this, but they hope it will make a difference in protecting the reef for years to come.

sunscreen, coral safe sunscreen, ocean safe sunscreen, snorkeling, diving, swimming, TropicsGourmet

How Can You Be a Responsible Tourist When Snorkeling?

If you plan on swimming near coral reefs during your travels, here are some tips to keep in mind.

  • Avoid any sunscreens which contain zinc oxide or titanium oxide.
  • Some brands have started to sell “reef friendly” sunscreen, but there is very little regulation over these claims. Look for sunscreen that bears the Protect Land + Sea Certification Seal, which ensures that it doesn’t contain any ingredients that could be harmful environmental pollutants.
  • Clothing is just as effective as sunscreen, so consider wearing a long sleeve shirt when snorkeling rather than using sunscreen.
  • Don’t use aerosol cans, as the spray mostly falls on the sand where it can be washed into sea turtle nests.

 

Just by switching your sunscreen, you can do your part to help protect coral reefs and keep our oceans healthier.

The Responsible Traveler Packing List

Being a responsible traveler starts before you even leave home — with your packing list. 

It’s important to remember how the items you pack affect the destination you are visiting. We’ve put together a responsible traveler packing list that is filled with eco-friendly and socially-conscious products.

The Responsible Traveler Packing List

solar powered phone charger, phone charger, responsible travel, responsible traveler, responsible tourists, positive tourism, packing list, TropicsGourmet, travel

Solar Powered Phone Charger

A charger that uses the power of the sun to keep your phone charged, this responsible travel accessory is better for the environment – and super convenient. Plus, it will allow you to charge up your phone even if you are far from the beaten track and don’t have electricity.

Canvas Tote

Plastic bags are terrible for the environment (and basically the enemy of any responsible traveler). When you travel with a canvas shopping tote, you can avoid using a plastic bag whenever you go to the supermarket or pick up any souvenirs on your travels. Canvas totes are small, fold up easily and are very portable. Plus, you can also use them to separate your dirty washing from the rest of your clothes.  

resuable water bottle, water bottle, responsible traveler, responsible tourist, responsible travel, packing list, TropicsGourmet, positive tourism

Reusable Water Bottle

It’s important to stay hydrated when you travel, especially if you are visiting hot climates. However, plastic bottles are terrible for the environment – be a responsible traveler and cut down on waste by using a reusable water bottle and filling it up as you go. For countries where it’s unsafe to drink the local water, you can bring along a water bottle with a built-in filter.

school supplies, responsible traveler, responsible travel, responsible tourist, positive tourism, packing list, TropicsGourmet

School Supplies

If you are visiting developing countries and will be interacting with local children living in poverty, whether you are teaching or volunteering, you’ll want to bring along some gifts. Avoid giving the children candy or chocolate, as they won’t likely have access to dental care. Instead, school supplies are a much more worthwhile gift and can give children the tools they need to go to school.

coral reef safe sunscreen, reef safe sunscreen, sunscreen, packing list, responsible traveler, responsible tourist, responsible travel, TropicsGourmet, ocean, swimming

Coral-Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Did you know that when the chemicals from ordinary sunscreen wash off in the sea, they can cause serious damage to coral reefs? It’s mainly the oxybenzone and octinoxate that are the culprit and they can lead to bleaching of the reef and deformations to juvenile corals.

There are safe sunscreen alternatives which include non-nano titanium dioxide, which is much safer for the environment. Also, responsible travelers can reduce the amount of sunscreen by wearing a sun-protective t-shirt while scuba diving.

walking shoes, responsible traveler, responsible travel, responsible tourist, walking, eco-friendly, packing list, TropicsGourmet

Good Walking Shoes

Getting around your destination on foot as much as possible is not only good for your health, it’s great for the environment and reduces emissions. So, bring along a pair of shoes that will keep you comfortable no matter how much you walk. (Plus, it’s a lot of fun to explore a destination on foot and you’ll see more than you otherwise would.)

Pack For a Purpose

Have extra room in your luggage? Check out Pack for a Purpose. When you select your destination, you can find out about what’s needed in the local community and bring something to donate during your visit – such as books, school supplies, medical supplies, sporting supplies and more.

 

What other items would you add to a responsible travel packing list? Let us know in the comments below.

Authentic Cooking Class Review: Backstreet Academy Laos

Review of Backstreet Academy’s Authentic Cooking Class in Luang Prabang, Laos

Southeast Asia boasts a crazy number of sensational travel destinations but there’s something about Luang Prabang, that sets it apart from the rest. Often overlooked due to a lack of coastline, Laos is an absolute hive of culture, architecture, religion, spirituality and sensational food and Luang Prabang is the epitome embodiment of all four. I’ve been in love with the place since I first visited, back in 2014, and it’s vibrant, colorful and enticing vibe is what lured me back just a few months ago.

I’d barely landed in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO-listed treasure set in a luscious lowland valley of northern Laos, and I’d already booked a cooking class. I was determined not to miss the chance to delve deeper into the roots of the country’s delightful cuisine this time around.

The delightfully tropical local cuisine is one of the country’s best assets and although I feasted with abandon on my first visit — I was determined to learn some wicked insider secrets so I could recreate the delicious flavors at home. Choosing the right cooking class was a no brainer: a traditional vegetarian Hmong authentic cooking class with Backstreet Academy was at the very top of my -must-do list.

I’d come across Backstreet Academy in Vientiane in 2014, when I joined an authentic cooking class with a friend – and blogged about it here –  and knew that I wanted to reach out to them again. This incredible agency impressed me from the get-go. They are run by locals for locals, with activities focusing mainly on the traditional aspects of local indigenous cultures in Southeast Asia.

With Backstreet Academy in Luang Prabang, for example, you can learn the ancient art of knife making, wood carving and basket weaving. You can get a behind-the-scenes look at rice farming and learn how to make the local wine. All classes are held in local villages and (what I loved most) Backstreet Academy employs ‘facilitators’ rather than professional guides. These are local students (often from university) who use the opportunity to improve their English language skills whilst providing a much-needed translation service. My first cooking class was epic and I was confident that my Luang Prabang experience would be equally priceless.

Authentic Cooking Class in Laos

It was a steaming hot, Luang Prabang afternoon. The mercury hit the high 90s and I was seriously considering rescheduling the authentic cooking class I had booked with a local Hmong family. Who on earth wants to create a feast over open hot coals in this kind of sizzling heat?! Then again, it’s never exactly cold in Luang Prabang so there’d be no point delaying the inevitably mouthwatering experience.

Before I knew it, my ride arrived. In a traditional Laotian mode of transport.

In less than 10 minutes we arrived at the modest traditional abode of a local Hmong family, who’d guide me through the afternoon’s cooking class.

 

About the Hmong

The Hmong tribe of Southeast Asia have remained essentially stateless for centuries. They were ousted from ancient China and migrated south, settling all over the region but, primarily, in Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar and Thailand, and many remained in the southern provinces of China, namely Sichuan, Yunnan and Guangxi. Although Hmong cuisine showcases great regional diversity, having incorporated local staples into their diet, they all have one thing in common: culinary traditions are handed down from generation to generation by word of mouth. The language itself was only put to paper in the mid-1950s! Typically, Hmong meals consist of steamed white rice (not the sticky variety that is most common in Laos) and a selection of mouthwatering dishes, most of which are vegetarian dips cooked with impressive amounts of fiery chilly.

Making Jeow Mak Keua  and Tum Mark Hoong

For my afternoon soiree with my host Hmong family, I had chosen to cook jeow mak keua (a smokey aubergine dip which I seek out daily when in Laos) tum mark hoong (spicy green papaya salad) and a dip made of rattan shoots, which I honestly didn’t even know was an edible food. Don’t you make furniture out of that?!

You could definitely use it as a weapon!

I’d requested that the family choose their favorite soup as the fourth dish to prepare and was delighted to see a bowl full of mushrooms when I arrived. Kang hed is a wild mushroom soup that’s usually only found in northern Laos.

Hue Lee, the manager of Backstreet Academy at Luang Prabang, was there to greet me as I arrived and he introduced me to the family who’d graciously agreed to host me for an afternoon. The cooking ‘station’ was set up outside and I could see the coal fire was already smoking. My lovely ‘host mum’ and I didn’t need too much help with communication, actually, as she showed me the ropes.

We roasted the eggplant, cut the onions, pounded the garlic and I was encouraged to include as many chilies as I wished, in every dish. I tried to impress my hosts by including handfuls of the hot stuff, knowing that their tolerance to spiciness would be considerable. And I only mildly regretted it later!

As suspected, the rattan shoots were the most fascinating ingredient of the day. Roasted, peeled and pound to a smooth paste, it was combined with minced garlic, salt and coriander to create a gloriously yummy – and ever so bitter – dip.

What surprised me, thinking in retrospect, was the fact that we actually never used a fat of any kind. No oil, no butter…nada. Just the smoked and roasted main ingredient (eggplant and rattan shoot) or shredded fresh ingredient (green papaya), combined with healthy doses of sashed garlic and coriander and, for the papaya salad, a couple of tablespoons of fish sauce, squeezed lime and shrimp paste, which made it absolutely mouthwatering.

The whole cooking process took about 2 hours and (for the best part!) concluded with a shared meal of everything we’d prepared. Needless to say, this was the best local meal I’ve ever had in Luang Prabang and somehow made even tastier by the shared experience with this gorgeous local family.

If you’re looking for something truly unique to do on your next visit to Luang Prabang, or really, anywhere in Laos, check out the offerings of Backstreet Academy and support this conscientious company. Providing an authentic cooking class experience to discerning foreigners whilst simultaneously securing an income for a local family.

A marvelous win-win if ever there was one.

Disclosure statement: As a Backstreet Academy Ambassador, I enjoyed this cooking class as a guest although was free to review the experience as I saw it. Yes, it was really THAT good and I’m immensely proud to be associated with such a socially-conscientious enterprise. The way I see it, these peer-to-peer tours take the commercial side of tourism away, leaving you with authentic cultural experiences whereby everyone benefits. My taste buds certainly did and I sincerely hope my host family enjoyed our shared afternoon just as much!

Positive Impacts of Tourism — Part 3: Culture

Many travelers venture to other countries to immerse themselves in a culture that is intriguingly different to their own.

Sometimes we hear about how tourism is “ruining” the local cultures that we visit – exposing them to outside influences and making them less “authentic.” However, here at TropicsGourmet we don’t think that’s true. We see the positive impacts of tourism and the many beneficial effects it has on local culture.

Also see:
Positive Impacts of Tourism Series — Part 1: Environment

Positive Impacts of Tourism Series — Part 2: Economy

The Responsible Traveler’s Packing List

Here are some of the positive impacts of tourism on culture. 

Sharing and Celebrating Local Culture

From cooking classes to historic walking tours to traditional dance performances and more, tourism creates a demand for interactive experiences that allow the visitor to learn about the local culture.

When travelers choose these types of tours and activities, they support these traditions being kept alive and passed down from generation to generation. This interest keeps the ancient traditions vibrant and current and it also helps to build a better international understanding.

For example, take a look at this traditional cooking class in Chennai, India. It offers an opportunity to learn traditional South Indian recipes from the host, who learned them from her mother.  Travel experiences like these celebrate traditions (as well as supporting a local family!)

positive impacts of tourism, positive tourism, italy, castles, culture, tropicsgourmet

Preserving Historic Structures

Historic buildings and heritage sites are important physical representations of a nation’s culture. When these buildings become places of interest for tourists, this supports the need to keep them well-maintained and looked after.

For example, Italy gave away more than 100 historic buildings (towers, houses, castles, monasteries, old inns and more) across the country – for free.

The only catch was that those who took ownership had to commit to restoring and transforming the sites to tourist facilities. The interest in historic tourism in a place such as Italy means that these beautiful old buildings will be preserved and cared for, rather than knocked down.

The more people visit (and pay to see) historic buildings, the more resources there will be to maintain these buildings for the future.

Supporting Local Families

A tourist makes a decision to buy a hand-woven scarf in a local marketplace rather than a mass-produced souvenir in a shop. They decide to dine in a small, family-run restaurant rather than in an internationally owned chain. They choose to stay in a guesthouse operated by a local, rather than a branded hotel.

These decisions are made because the traveler wants to have a more authentic and culturally rich travel experience. But also, a result, it means more money goes directly to the local families in the area.

These cultural tourism activities create employment and lead to better overall infrastructure and living environment. For example, check out what Kayak 4 Conservation is doing in Indonesia. They have partnered with a network of locally owned guesthouses and have extended loans for maintenance and management to the families who own them.

(Of course, the key is to avoid commercialization and ensure that the locals actually are being supported by these experiences – rather than being exploited by a third party.)

Tourism Can be Great for Culture

In our modern world, which is often troubled by xenophobia, cultural tourism can be an incredibly powerful positive force. Experiencing the culture of somewhere different can be eye-opening and can inspire empathy and connection.

How do you embrace local culture when you travel? Let us know your stories on the positive impacts of tourism in the comments below.

Positive Impacts of Tourism Series – Part 2: Economy

In our first series on the positive impacts of tourism, we discussed the benefits to the environment. In part two of our series, we will focus on the positive impacts of tourism on the economy.  

According to the World Tourism Organization, over 1.3 billion people traveled abroad in 2017. Undeniably, this sheer flood of visitors has far-reaching and everlasting economic impacts.

Also see:

Positive Effects of Tourism Part 1: Environment

Positive Effects of Tourism Part 3: Culture

The Responsible Traveler’s Packing List

The benefits of travel for travelers are clear, well documented, and undeniable. We get to explore foreign cultures, learn about fascinating histories, step back in time through ancient ruins, dig into flavourful cuisines, and get lost in a variety of picturesque landscapes that are sometimes too beautiful to put into words.

Of course, it’s not only travelers who benefit from tourism, but also the communities and the people who host the millions of globetrotters. The most obvious ways that host countries benefit from the economic impact of tourism are through the creation of jobs and the money that tourism brings.

The economic impacts of travel and tourism include creating jobs, contributing to better services for locals, and promoting social stability. The creation of jobs may result is the alleviation of poverty, fewer people resorting to crime, and higher levels of education if children know there is a brighter future to pursue. Tourism allows skilled or unskilled workers more ways of supplementing income – called diversification – which was otherwise not possible. This can be as simple as opening up your home for homestays, selling handicrafts, or becoming a food vendor.

Improved Services for Locals

The demand from tourism creates all sorts of local businesses that cater to tourists. These businesses also end up offering improved services for locals, which may not have been available previously. Services can range from internet availability, a wider range of foods and dining options, better health and safety services, a wider variety of transportation options, access to clean water, waste disposal facilities, new activities, and the list goes on.

positive impacts of tourism on the economy, positive impacts of tourism, infrastructure, Mexico, TropicsGourmet

Improved Infrastructure

Tourism can drive governments to make improvements to existing infrastructure and to create the much-needed infrastructure that may have never existed. If tourists want to travel to rural areas, transportation infrastructure may be improved upon, as well as the development of telecommunications. Other infrastructure improvements include water and sewage systems, electricity, health care, efficient public transit, telephone and public transport, which improves the quality of life and facilitates tourism in both rural and urban areas.

In recent years, the government of Trinidad and Tobago has spent millions of dollars improving beach infrastructure in popular and picturesque areas such as Maracas Beach. New and improved infrastructure will not only bring in new tourists (locally and internationally) but will also make visitors want to return. New beach facilities will include a car park, a new boardwalk, outdoor wash system, bathroom facilities, and a police booth.

 

Strong GDP

Tourism is one of the world’s biggest industries and it continues to grow. Its GDP surpasses oil exports, food products, and automobiles industries. The industry generates one in ten jobs worldwide, according to a 2017 report by the World Travel & Tourism Council. In 2016, the industry was responsible for a global economic contribution of over 7.6 trillion American dollars. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, tourism now accounts for 30% of services and exports worldwide.

 

In Thailand, for example, the total contribution of travel and tourism to the Thai GDP was over 82 billion dollars – or just over  20% – in 2016, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council. The GDP is expected to rise 30% by 2027.

positive impacts of tourism on the economy, positive impacts of tourism, TropicsGourmet, business owner, tourism

Job Creation

In recent years, the travel and tourism industry has indirectly and directly created 10% of the total available jobs worldwide in the tourism sectors. The economic impacts of tourism are far-reaching, which isn’t always obvious.

Common employment opportunities created through tourism directly include those in resorts and hotels, restaurants, bars, transportation, tours and sightseeing, and adventure activities. Also, artisians, musicians, and entrepreneurs are able to build their own businesses around a steady stream of tourism. Platforms like Airbnb have made access to tourism-based entrepreneurship even easier. 

Indirectly, all kinds of jobs are created due to tourism, which can include things like doctors in medical centers, engineers for creating new transpiration infrastructure, or police officers to maintain law and order. 

 

Fighting Poverty and Empowering Women

Battling global poverty might be one of the most significant positive impacts of tourism on the economy.  Women are in poverty in much of the developing world, and the tourism industry creates many jobs for both men and women, which can contribute to better gender equality and the empowerment of women.

For example, The Women on Wheels program in India empowers local women in Delhi by providing them with an 18-month program, where the women are taught how to drive a car, taught English, hospitality, first aid, communications, and self-defense. The program then works with the women by helping them obtain their professional chauffeur license, which is used to chauffeur solo female travelers in India. There are female-led enterprises all over the world – be sure to do research before leaving on your trip to see how (and who) you can help.

More on the positive impacts of tourism on the economy

Supporting Local

One major drawback to increased tourism to developing regions of the world is leakage. Leakage happens when visitors spend the majority of their money on flights, accommodation, transportation, and other services that don’t directly support local entrepreneurs. To be a responsible tourist, it’s important to pay attention to where you spend your dollars. Focus on supporting local businesses over international chains to keep money in the regional economy and be a part of the positive impacts of tourism on the economy. 

Each year, the number of people traveling is steadily growing. Advanced technology, access to the furthest reaches of the world, an abundance of resources, increased knowledge and awareness, travel promotion on social media, and the ability to book flights and accommodation in the snap of the fingers have all promoted travel-enthusiasts to hit the road.  The positive impacts of tourism on the economy should continue to expand in the future.

5 Affordable Tropical Destinations You’ve Never Heard Of

Looking for a tropical getaway that will be beautiful and relaxing – yet won’t cost a fortune? 

The key is to look off the beaten path and find affordable tropical destinations that are not as well known. These affordable tropical destinations may not have been on your radar until now, but they will offer you excellent value on your next getaway.

5 Affordable Tropical Destinations

1. Labuan, Malaysia

This small island, off the northwest coast of Borneo, is a popular stopover for travelers crossing between Brunei and Sabah and can be reached in a few hours by boat from the city of Kota Kinabalu.

However, it’s worth taking a few days to enjoy the Labuan. Why? Because it offers miles of sandy pristine beaches, world-class sports-fishing, excellent wreck diving and lots of beautiful natural wonders to explore. (Plus, it’s a duty-free zone, so an ideal place to do your shopping or stock up on alcohol.)

2. Koh Rong, Cambodia

If you want a break from the busy city vibes of Phnom Penh and the endless party in Sihanoukville, consider heading to the chilled out paradise of Koh Rong. The island is quite undeveloped and there isn’t much more than a few basic guesthouses and dive shops – so it’s the perfect place to go back to basics.

It’s not uncommon to have the entire beach to yourself in this beautiful tropical spot – so enjoy the soft golden sand and clear, warm waters.

3. Mazatlan, Mexico

Known as the “crown jewel” of Sinaloa, Mazatlan is a wonderful budget destination in Mexico. It actually consists of three islands – Isla de Lobos, Isla de Venados and Isla de Pájaros.

You’ll love the beautiful beaches, lively street art and murals, friendly local restaurants serving fresh fish tacos and vibrant live music and festivals.    

4. Rosario Islands, Colombia

These laid back and pristine islands, located off the coast of Cartagena, are home to an abundant variety of wildlife. The hotel rates are very affordable and it’s a great place for divers and seafood lovers.

There are 28 small islands in total, all forming a national park together. The park has protected status, in order to preserve one of the most important coral reefs on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. Also, be sure to visit the private bird sanctuary on Isla Grande, which is free!

5. Menorca, Spain

Located in a prime spot in the sunny Mediterranean, this island offers lower prices on hotels and food than many other popular Spanish destinations (as well as smaller crowds).

It is a great destination for budget travelers who want to soak up the Spanish sunshine and dine on tapas by the beach, without the party scene of Ibiza. Plus, it’s also a great choice for nature lovers as there are many beautiful hiking trails to explore.

 

These are just a few stunning tropical islands that are off the beaten track and offer an unforgettable yet surprising affordable travel experience. Do you have any other suggestions to add to the list? Let us know in the comments below.

Positive Impacts of Tourism Series – Part 1: Environment

Among some travel circles, the word tourism has received an unfairly tarnished reputation. At TropicsGourmet, we’ve seen first hand the positive side of tourism for both travelers and tourist destinations alike. We would like to inspire you to learn more with a series on the positive impacts of tourism. To kick it off, part one will focus on the positive impacts of tourism on the environment.

When properly managed, the communities and the people who host the millions of globetrotters benefit from being a “tourist destination.” The most obvious ways that host countries benefit from the economic impact of tourism are through the creation of jobs and the money. Through direct and indirect means, tourism is advantageous for local economies and communities in a variety of other ways. One of the main positive impacts is to the environment.

Armed with knowledge about the positive effects of tourism on the environment, you can responsibly contribute to sustainable tourism initiatives and support the people who live in the country you’re visiting.

Also see:

Positive Impacts of Tourism Part 2: Economy

Positive Impacts of Tourism Part 3: Culture 

The Responsible Traveler’s Packing List

The Positive Impacts of Tourism on the Environment

Environmental tourism is one of the main reasons travelers fly around the world. We engage in types of activities that may not be possible in our home countries – exploring ancient ruins, hiking to lost cities, navigating through tropical rainforests, and getting up-close-and-personal with the most amazing natural wonders in the world. In order to prevent harming the local ecology and to ensure the preservation of the land, governments are often pushed to enforce laws and regulations that promote sustainable tourism.

This can be anything from allowing only a certain number of visitors to access the sight of interest per day (or week, or year); to improving infrastructure such as building washrooms or garbage disposals; not allowing visitors to get too close to a protected landmark; working with local communities to discuss environmentally-friendly tourism practices; and limiting access to overcrowded or naturally-rich areas. It’s important to remember that unsustainable tourism – and even sustainable tourism to an extent – has direct impacts on flora and fauna, air quality, and water quality.

Supporting Preservation Efforts

The preservation of the environment takes many forms to reduce negative impacts of tourism.

positive impacts of tourism on the environment, costa rica, boardwalk

Costa Rica Boardwalks

Costa Rica, for example, is a worldwide leader in preservation efforts and ecotourism — necessary as this tiny Central American country is home to five percent of the world’s known biodiversity, and cloud forest covers 50 percent of the land.

In Costa Rica, they have built boardwalks throughout many of the country’s natural parks – like Manuel Antonio – to offer tourists controlled access to natural wonders. This both generates an income for the area and protects much of the plants and wildlife from free roaming-tourists. 

Population Control

A new trend in preservation efforts is to limit the number of visitors to a sight. Machu Picchu in Peru, for example, has set the daily tourist quota at 2,500 in order to prevent damage and overcrowding. The rules were not always strictly enforced but the government has since created a new policy, where visitors can chose from one of two time slots (morning or afternoon) to prevent people from staying all day.

Entire cities have taken similar stances. Italy has just announced that it will limit the number of annual visitors to Cinque Terre to 1.5 million. Sure, that’s still a lot, but it’s a lot less considering 2.5 million people visited in 2015. The city of Dubrovnik in Croatia has done the same thing, imposing a cap of 4,000 visitors a day.

New Legislation

In Vietnam, visitors can enter the vast and famous Phong Nha cave, but they must stick to a well-built walking path and refrain from physically touching anything in the cave. Other famous sights have taken more drastic measures, such as Ayer’s Rock in Australia, which will cease allowing visitors to climb the giant red mythical rock starting in 2019. In Belize, tourists must pay a $3.75USD departure tax which goes directly to the Protected Area Conservation Trust.

positive impacts of tourism on the environment, Icelance, volcano, renewable energy

Renewable Energy Initiatives

Costa Rica is also a world leader in renewable energy.

In 2017, this ecologically-rich country generated renewable energy for 300 days, mostly from hydropower. It plans to get all of its electricity from renewable energy within the next few years. Tourism helps to support the economy enough to execute these renewable energy initiatives. 

Cities all over the world are going green – some for altruistic reasons, while other recognize that tourists are often attracted to clean, green cities. Nordic countries, in particular, are leaders of the green and renewable energy movement. Norway has steadily been tackling climate change, and plans to cut emissions in half by 2020. In Iceland, the country’s volcanoes have created the biggest geothermal heating system in the world, providing locals – and visitors – with clean electricity and renewable energy.

Many global cities are maintaining large urban green spaces, incorporating pedestrian-only areas, building safe bicycle infrastructure, raising awareness about recycling, and building with green materials. These cities want to be eco-friendly destinations, and tourism undeniably pushes this.

positive impacts of tourism on the environment, Hawaii, Coral reef, ocean life, fish

Inspiring Environmental Protection Laws

Environmental protection laws are crucial for the survival of uncountable plant and animal species, and also for the preservation of ancient landmarks and ruins. Tourism may not always positively impact the environment directly, but rather indirectly through legislation, protection laws, and conservation efforts, which may have never been put in place if it weren’t for tourism.

Costa Rica Protects the Rainforest

In Costa Rica, 160 different areas have been dedicated to protect the environment and the country’s natural beauty. Costa Rica has 28 protected National Parks which cover a significant amount of land all across the country. It’s because of tourism that Costa Rica’s tropical rainforest have remained intact. 

Hawaii Protects Coral Life

 In 2018, Hawaii passed a bill banning sunscreen that can harm coral reefs. The law prohibits the distribution of sunscreen that has two toxic chemicals, which are damaging to coral life. Visitors on some of Hawaii’s beaches range in numbers from 2-5,000 swimmers per day, contributing to the estimated 14,000 tons of sunscreen that has been deposited in the oceans. Even though tourism is often to blame for harming the environment, at the same time it is responsible for inspiring environmental protection laws.

Establishing Nature Reserves

Tourism has helped establish nature reserves globally.

elephant, safari, wildlife reserve, Botswana Wildlife, positive impacts of tourism on the environment

Botswana Wildlife Preservation

This is common throughout Africa, where reserves protect much of the continent’s endangered wildlife. In Botswana, the government has kept visitor numbers lower than what they can handle in order to manage the environment, much of which is protected in nature reserves. By establishing wildlife preserves, species will be protected from hunting (unless trophy hunting is allowed)  and from unfriendly tourism practices. In many instances where reserves have been established, endangered species have begin to thrive again in their natural habitats. The reserves allow for tourists to learn about local wildlife from a distance and to support the well-being of their habitat.

Namiba Restores Wildlife Populations

Africa’s mega-fauna are of great economic value to the countries where the animals are found, particularly in areas where safaris are popular. Namibia was the first African country to add the protection of the environment to its constitution. Since then, it has been restoring populations of cheetahs, lions, and other tourist-favorites. Some countries have taken drastic measures to ensure wildlife preservation. In Kaziranga National Park in India, for example, park rangers have resorted to shooting rhino poachers in order to protect the species.

The Positive Impacts of Tourism are Far-Reaching

A little goes a long way in the environmental tourism industry. The ultimately necessary act of protecting a biologically-rich area can have numerous lasting positive effects. A trail may be built through the forest to allow tourists to visit the area, which will bring in income in a variety of ways. Laborers need to be hired to build trail infrastructure, waste disposal and waste management facilities, signage, and other infrastructure. Guides may be hired to offer tours of the protected area, teaching about local flora and fauna and raising environmental awareness. Workers will be hired for the upkeep of trails. Transportation, accommodation, and restaurant infrastructure may be created nearby; the list goes on. Every extra day a tourist spends in a host country can directly translate into jobs and growth.

When visiting any new country – particularly areas of natural wonder that are vulnerable and at risk – one good tip to keep in mind is to take only pictures and leave only footprint.