Travel with Rick Steves 794 The New Tourist; Training School for Elephants
Jun 7, 2025
In this conversation, Paige McClanahan, a tourism-focused journalist and author of The New Tourist, teams up with Sophie Roberts, a seasoned journalist and author of A Training School for Elephants. They delve into the evolution of mindful tourism, advocating for culturally aware travel. The duo explores the historical exploitation of elephants and the impact of colonialism, particularly through King Leopold II's legacy. Through personal stories and insights, they emphasize the importance of slow travel and understanding Africa's rich cultural complexities.
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Attitude Shapes Travel Experience
- The attitude travelers bring shapes their travel experience profoundly.
- Paige McClanahan contrasts the "old tourist" driven by consumption with the "new tourist" open to learning and humility.
Travel Beyond Social Media Photos
- Avoid superficial visits driven solely by social media photo ops.
- Engage deeply with places to truly appreciate and protect their natural and cultural landscapes.
Tourism's Double-Edged Impact
- Tourism can reshape communities positively or cause cultural and economic harm.
- Short-term rentals can displace residents and erode neighborhood life and local amenities.
