This is not a request to make you unwind and look after your mental health by going on holiday.
It feels hypocritical to advocate for responsible tourism when we’re looking the other way as atrocity after atrocity is unleashed on our friends all over the country and the world.
It is difficult to stomach the genocide that is taking place in front of our eyes right now. It is difficult to stomach that governments have the right to block basic food supplies, and medical aid, or switch off internet access in parts of the country, blocking the ability of people to communicate with the outside world. It is not fair that journalists are often in the line of fire, simply for reporting the truth. It’s hard to imagine the impunity with which people with power can step on the common man.
To us, travel is political, just like every other choice we make in our lives. Whether we like it or not. Our ability to leave our state borders, or even get into a car and drive to another spot indicates our sheer privilege. Travel is political because every choice we make is political, from the food we eat to being able to call ourselves ‘apolitical’ on our Hinge and Bumble profiles. People fight for their food choices, livelihoods, homes, and land.
Just travelling extensively around the country has allowed us to see that it just isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ solution to problems that will change anything.
We are unable to live in harmony with each other, judging another’s food, gods, caste, the right to live a peaceful and violence-free life. We think we can push our way of life onto another person, without seeing where they are coming from.
We don’t seem to want to get to know our neighbours. And increasingly, we are isolating ourselves from not just other lifestyles, but also from the spirit of giving and hospitality. True hospitality. For example, we live in a world where our house help is often not drinking from the same glass we use. But we are eager to offer certain guests our best cutlery and a seat at the table.
We are seeking meaning and a sense of community through our travel concepts. Understanding people, cultures, ecology, and landscapes on a deeper level is the backbone of our work at Knowhere Travel.
Responsible travel is more than carrying our water bottles or throwing our trash in a dustbin. It is more than watching our carbon footprint or staying in ‘eco’ homestays. Visiting someone else’s homeland is all about meaningful exchange to us - even if we don’t interact with too many people.
The next time you go on a holiday, try and stay somewhere new. The more you know of a place, the more you’ll understand. And embrace being ‘political’.
What do you think?