Why Travel Belongs in the Political Section

I agree with Rick Steves when he says, travel is a political act. Travel is political at its’ very core. And like travel– there are both good and bad outcomes in which they can become uncomfortable travel buddies. It shouldn’t surprise anyone to find politics mixed into many a good travel story. In order to travel abroad, we must apply for a passport or visa from a governmental agency. We must adhere to customs, travel restrictions, commerce, and currency rules. Travelers can encounter religious extremism, the absence of women’s rights, and persecution of the ABC community (LGBTQ).

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1. Why travel belongs in the political section
2. Travel bans
3. Terrorism, Refugees, and Immigrants
4. Expressing your opinion

 

Why Travel Belongs in the Political Section

Visas and Passports

Which came first? Tourism or Politics. I think in this case probably politics. It’s been around since the beginning of time in one way or another. And surely we can agree that one fuels the other. But do you agree that the former fuels the latter in a more positive way? Over time society (tourism) gets more inclusive if there aren’t barriers (politics) constructed to manipulate the flow of people and ideas.

You can avoid most references to politics when you travel if you choose. There are more than 160 countries an American tourist can travel to without a visa or by getting one on arrival. However, that can change on a daily basis based on the current relationship the governments share or don’t share. And like money and influence, language is also a big factor in travel. Just try practicing your French and you’ll see Parisians become more French instantly, lol.

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The Politics of Controlling Travel

Travel Bans and Referendums

In my opinion that travel and politics will always be linked. Simply because politicians make decisions that directly affect tourism. And they do it every single day based on their particular (self) interests. Legislative decisions like the US travel bans and UK’s Brexit Referendum are prime examples. These legislative decisions by politicians, directly and indirectly, affect travel all around the world. Not just in their respective countries.

The US Travel Ban has severely restricted travel to and from many middle east countries. And economists believe the UK’s Brexit Referendum (which hasn’t even been enacted yet) has already contributed to the destabilization of the British pound against other currencies. Moreover making travel more expensive on the continent.

In other words, politicians have the ability to affect their country’s tourism identity as well as countries thousands of miles away. In fact, it doesn’t have to be fact—perception works just as well. And some politicians can even do it with a single tweet.

 

Why Politics and Tourism Cannot be Separated

Terrorism, Refugees, and Immigrants

And then there are terrorism and terror threats. Unfortunately, politicians have used acts of terror and times of crisis to further their own personal and idealistic agendas. And because terrorism is a political tool, it is used again and again to control the distribution of peoples and goods.

The media is codependent on this issue. Hyping every devastating detail over the 24-hour news cycle doesn’t create a more informed populace. In fact, I think it actually creates fear and paranoia over false narratives that may or may not happen.

Even if we could get politics out of travel. I don’t think we could create an apolitical travel experience due to the lopsided distribution of wealth. You can see it up close when you arrive in a third world country. There are a lot of poor people—deprived of the ability to protest or access to wealth. Although cultures vary, the fact that money and influence are concentrated in the hands of the few is universal. However, unpleasant, this perspective is necessary to understand the place, the culture, the landscapes, and the people. You can travel and stay at the resort—opting out of the “real” Jamaica, Cambodia, or Costa Rica (for example). However, ignoring it won’t keep you safe and it damn sure won’t change anything.

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Having a Voice

I get emotional when it comes to injustice, especially when it comes to kids and people starting out life at a disadvantage with societal limitations placed on them from religious, political, or society itself. Although I am not rich or famous, I do have a small platform from which I can speak out. I am long past being scared of rejection or persecution. Sure, you can stop reading my blog or block me from Instagram or unfriend me on Facebook. You won’t be the first and as I get a little older, I am certain you won’t be the last.

I could choose to opt for a soft landing. But why? Who wants to read a voiceless blog? I love, ok so love isn’t the right terminology. But I appreciate it when readers have a different opinion. And you guys can be pretty vocal when I get it wrong or I’m full of crap. If you don’t like the political stuff-keep the fingers moving. Duffelbagspouse Travels is a huge bag of travel goodies, so check out another post that interests you more.