I imagine many here have reached an age where thoughts sometimes turn to "giving back".
>>Optional long part follows:
I expect many of us were taught to never show up to an invite empty handed; if staying with someone, to chip in for gas or groceries etc. - in short, to always pay your turn.
And I'm sure when travelling, some of us may stop to offer assistance, offer a phone call or ride, or carry a little extra water, fuel, tools or whatever, just in case we meet someone broken down.
What I'm wondering about is the idea of "paying back" for the freedom to travel thru and enjoy the amenities and communities of the places we visit.
One of the great things about camping and car travelling is that, once you have the gear, it can be relatively inexpensive. I know many of us like to camp for "free" and are mindful of expenses when away from home.
For eg. the fellow from Europe I recently met while hiking on a local trail. He had been camping nearby for a few days, wrapping up an 18 month extensive car camping tour of Canada and the USA. He was pointedly pleased with himself in that he had only spent money on store bought food and gas (he had bought and sold a car in country). Never went to a restaurant, or a paid attraction (small business), or a community museum, paid for a camp site or purchased a camping/back country permit - in either country.
Later, sweating thru some of my anonymous, volunteer, trail clearing and brushing I reflected on our conversation and I had a, somewhat delayed, "now wait a minute" moment... Now, in fairness, he had come to Canada on a work visa (yes, taking away a local's job but that's another subject), and when I asked, first said he had worked 2 month then later said 6 months total. Most jobs included room and board. The rest of the time had bumped around my country and yours (USA). Well, good for him. I wished him well.
But it got me thinking, wouldn't it be nice if a person did that but added in some sort of contribution to the host area. And more importantly, what can I do going forward ?
>>End long part
So what of it ? Are we past the time of giving pencils out to local school kids or crocheted miniature animals. Donating books to small communities. Garbage pick up. Drop a few coins for the local cause at the corner store. Buy local crafts. ???
Am looking for ideas of how to give back while we travel.
Thanks for reading
~David
>>Optional long part follows:
I expect many of us were taught to never show up to an invite empty handed; if staying with someone, to chip in for gas or groceries etc. - in short, to always pay your turn.
And I'm sure when travelling, some of us may stop to offer assistance, offer a phone call or ride, or carry a little extra water, fuel, tools or whatever, just in case we meet someone broken down.
What I'm wondering about is the idea of "paying back" for the freedom to travel thru and enjoy the amenities and communities of the places we visit.
One of the great things about camping and car travelling is that, once you have the gear, it can be relatively inexpensive. I know many of us like to camp for "free" and are mindful of expenses when away from home.
For eg. the fellow from Europe I recently met while hiking on a local trail. He had been camping nearby for a few days, wrapping up an 18 month extensive car camping tour of Canada and the USA. He was pointedly pleased with himself in that he had only spent money on store bought food and gas (he had bought and sold a car in country). Never went to a restaurant, or a paid attraction (small business), or a community museum, paid for a camp site or purchased a camping/back country permit - in either country.
Later, sweating thru some of my anonymous, volunteer, trail clearing and brushing I reflected on our conversation and I had a, somewhat delayed, "now wait a minute" moment... Now, in fairness, he had come to Canada on a work visa (yes, taking away a local's job but that's another subject), and when I asked, first said he had worked 2 month then later said 6 months total. Most jobs included room and board. The rest of the time had bumped around my country and yours (USA). Well, good for him. I wished him well.
But it got me thinking, wouldn't it be nice if a person did that but added in some sort of contribution to the host area. And more importantly, what can I do going forward ?
>>End long part
So what of it ? Are we past the time of giving pencils out to local school kids or crocheted miniature animals. Donating books to small communities. Garbage pick up. Drop a few coins for the local cause at the corner store. Buy local crafts. ???
Am looking for ideas of how to give back while we travel.
Thanks for reading
~David