Responsible tourism in the USA
For all of the USA's ‘issues’, when you travel there you will be overwhelmed by the amount of active groups out there lobbying for change. They have a world renowned and exemplary history of activism, conservation and civil rights. So don’t judge a book by its cover - or an entire country by a few politicians. For all the things that you might consider wrong with the USA, you may be sure there is an organisation out there campaigning tirelessly to resolve it. With a lot of committed volunteers working round the clock to support it, and donors digging deep to finance it. That is as much a part of the US makeup as some of the other aspects we are sometimes quick to judge.
People & culture in the USA
American gun culture
It is hard not to be shocked as you drive through remote American desert towns and see gun shops, supermarkets with gun counters, and indeed gun fairs. Guns have long been part of the culture in the USA, emanating from the Constitution’s Second Amendment, which says that every American citizen has a right to keep and bear arms. Guns for hunting purposes are a different issue, but gun violence is a vast issue now too as we know too well from the regular news coverage of tragic events, caused by free and easy access to guns by anyone and everyone. Just to put it into perspective, four year old school children are now being given safety training to hide under desks and ‘act dead’ in some parts of the USA, so that they are prepared in the event of a gun attack.
Gun violence and access to arms is a complex issue in the USA but with gun violence deaths exceeding any other country of its size and wealth, the resolve to do something about it is growing in intensity. While others countries might look at the incredible rate of tragedies in the USA every year and despair, we need to appreciate that this is one of the most bitterly divisive issues in the country and in all likelihood it will, sadly, be years before it’s fixed. Until then, understand that there are many people across the United States that are standing up to be counted in the fight against gun violence.
What you can do
Apart from supporting the work of organisations like Amnesty International USA, which is insightful in highlighting the importance of fixing human rights abuses domestically as well as internationally, don’t be afraid to engage with Americans on your travels about such issues.
Gun violence and access to arms is a complex issue in the USA but with gun violence deaths exceeding any other country of its size and wealth, the resolve to do something about it is growing in intensity. While others countries might look at the incredible rate of tragedies in the USA every year and despair, we need to appreciate that this is one of the most bitterly divisive issues in the country and in all likelihood it will, sadly, be years before it’s fixed. Until then, understand that there are many people across the United States that are standing up to be counted in the fight against gun violence.
What you can do
Apart from supporting the work of organisations like Amnesty International USA, which is insightful in highlighting the importance of fixing human rights abuses domestically as well as internationally, don’t be afraid to engage with Americans on your travels about such issues.
Richard Hanson, Managing Director of our leading US vacation supplier, Trek America:
“Don’t go to areas you’ve been advised not to because you’re too cool for school. The US has guns.”
“Don’t go to areas you’ve been advised not to because you’re too cool for school. The US has guns.”
Natalie Morawietz, co-founder of our supplier Infinite Adventures:
"One thing that annoys me is that Europeans come here and are quick to complain about Americans. The guns, the food, the obesity etc. But I try to tell people that America has a different culture and so like, other countries on your travels, you need to try and embrace that, talk to people and hear their arguments. You don’t have to agree with them, but you don’t have to be rude about it. Just give them a chance and hear their points of view, as you can learn something too."
"One thing that annoys me is that Europeans come here and are quick to complain about Americans. The guns, the food, the obesity etc. But I try to tell people that America has a different culture and so like, other countries on your travels, you need to try and embrace that, talk to people and hear their arguments. You don’t have to agree with them, but you don’t have to be rude about it. Just give them a chance and hear their points of view, as you can learn something too."
Maine and Massachusetts self drive vacation
Tailor-made itinerary to coastal Maine and Massachusetts.
From
£3380
11 days
inc UK flights
Self drive tour of the National Parks of America
Explore the United States fantastic National Parks.
From
£6500
24 days
inc UK flights
California, Nevada and Arizona vacation
Journey into the remote wilds of Western America
From
US $2603 to US $2990
11 days
ex flights
Western USA National Parks vacation
Explore some of the highlights of America's southwest.
From
US $5640 to US $6780
17 days
ex flights
Inner Reaches Eastern Coves cruise in Alaska
Awe-inspiring glaciers, wildlife, and rainforests in Alaska
From
£2845 to £4585
8 days
ex flights
We associate tribal culture more with Africa or Asia, but indigenous tribes of the USA play an important role in tourism too. The most politically correct terms for indigenous Indian people are Native American, American Indian or the full tribal name, such as Ute Indian. In addition, there are Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians many of whom are keen to engage in tourism and have their stories told. You can go into large shopping malls and find Native American jewellery, but the proceeds from these are not going to go directly to the communities. Rather incongruously, many casinos are now run by Native Americans, so this is a big earner. If you want to spend your money with these communities, but in a more ethical way, seek out their reservations, take a guided hike with someone from the local tribe if that is on offer, or take part in an educational workshop on site.
What you can do
Look into the people behind the place, the legacy behind the landscapes. Read up before you go, and find out if there is some way in which you can contribute to the indigenous cultures of the regions you are visiting, particularly around the national parks. In the past, many tribes were moved on from these lands, and allocated reservations nearby. The national parks will be on the tourist trail, but the reservations are often just as spectacular if you can manage to gain a guided tour by local guides. Some of our favourites are Ganondagan in New York State and Havasupai near the Grand Canyon. Two superb books to take on your travels are: I Am the Grand Canyon: The Story of the Havasupai People by Steven Hirst, and American Indians and the National Parks by Robert H Keller and Michael F Turek.
What you can do
Look into the people behind the place, the legacy behind the landscapes. Read up before you go, and find out if there is some way in which you can contribute to the indigenous cultures of the regions you are visiting, particularly around the national parks. In the past, many tribes were moved on from these lands, and allocated reservations nearby. The national parks will be on the tourist trail, but the reservations are often just as spectacular if you can manage to gain a guided tour by local guides. Some of our favourites are Ganondagan in New York State and Havasupai near the Grand Canyon. Two superb books to take on your travels are: I Am the Grand Canyon: The Story of the Havasupai People by Steven Hirst, and American Indians and the National Parks by Robert H Keller and Michael F Turek.
Responsible tourism tips
Richard Hanson, Managing Director of our supplier, Grand American Adventures:
“Never order the ‘large’ in an American restaurant! You won’t be able to finish it. And lots of places are starting to offer alternatives to disposable plastic cutlery now, such as bamboo.”
“Never order the ‘large’ in an American restaurant! You won’t be able to finish it. And lots of places are starting to offer alternatives to disposable plastic cutlery now, such as bamboo.”