Sunday, December 16, 2012

Travel to Change the World


What do Mauritius, Lithuania, Ghana and Palau have in common?  They are 4 of the countries designated as The World’s 10 Best Ethical Destinations.  The list is compiled by the Ethical Traveler a non-profit organization founded to "empower travelers to change the world." (http://www.ethicaltraveler.org/about-us/)

The complete list of winners, in alphabetical order, is

  • Barbados
  • Cape Verde
  • Costa Rica *
  • Ghana
  • Latvia *
  • Lithuania
  • Mauritius *
  • Palau *
  • Samoa
  • Uruguay *
(* = also on the 2012 list).

According to the Ethical Traveler website, these countries “have all demonstrated a clear and continuing commitment to environmental protection, human rights and social welfare”.
Think about your next trip as a way to support the efforts of countries to create a great environment for the citizens and visitors from around the world.  If our travels can change the world by supporting the work of these countries where would you go first?   

My choice would be Mauritius an island in the Indian Ocean, off the south east coast of the continent of Africa.   Discovered by the Portuguese in 1507, then ruled by the French, Dutch and British.  Today is an independent nation, a member of the Commonwealth nations.   Not only a tourist destination famous for the Dodo bird, white sand beaches and warm hospitality -  it is also known for its textile and apparel industries and increasingly as a financial center.  To complete its description we can now add  its new standing as a two-time winner of the Ethical Traveler award. 
Congratulations!

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