Unscripted Adventures

Planning a vacation might seem easy, but there are some things to keep in mind. Travelling can give you exposure to new cultures and people, and it can reduce stress. It also helps in boosting personal growth. It can bring job opportunities to the area, and more infrastructure development. But there is a lot of environmental damage – such as Maya Bay, Venice, and Machu Picchu – which can affect the area greatly. Young people must consider some important factors before travelling. 

Tourism has both benefits and disadvantages. From Paolo’s story we know that tourism gave him a nice lifestyle – with a modest house on the outskirts and all the city’s facilities open all year. The streets get very cramped and hot, so it is difficult for the locals and tourists during the summer. Many local shops have been transformed into cafes and restaurants – all just for the extra money. For example, his son is unable to pay for his own house as the rent has skyrocketed, and this could be the situation for many other small cities too. 

There is also the issue of overtourism – sand being removed from beautiful beaches, green areas becoming trashcans, etc. Some countries, such as Thailand, close popular destinations to preserve them, and let it recapture the beauty of the place. 

In a country like Iceland or Georgia, the tourism has boosted their economic and social status. In Iceland, people can enjoy more facilities, and can travel more to other countries. But environmental damage is something we have to keep in mind – and social media is not helping this. Once somebody posts something, everybody swarms to the place and the area might not be ready for the numbers. 

To help tourist spots from facing environmental damage, one can visit lesser-known destinations, which can make travel experience much smoother. Try to utilise public transport wherever possible. Tourists can bring their own bottles and carry their trash around until they see a trashcan. One can also go with a guide or a travel group, to reduce pollution and learn how to take care of the area as one person. 

To sum it up, when one travels, make sure the travel spot is less crowded, and make sure to be ecofriendly to the area. Keep in mind all the factors at play, and enjoy the vacation!