How to travel to a developing country?

How to travel to a developing country?

traveling to a developing countryA developing country is a country whose standard of living has no common measure with that of our industrialized and developed countries. When we go to travel in a developing country, we have to tell ourselves that we will have to look at things with a fresh eye, and forget for a moment our attitudes of spoiled children of the planet.

For your stay to be successful, a single word can sum up the behavior to adopt on all occasions: Integration. To feel close to the other that we do not know, and to try to understand rather than judge. This is how you will be able to be closer to the people and that you will make the most of this experience that is offered to you. Here are some tips that will help you fit in a little easier.

Clothing

Whatever your destination, Asia, Africa, South America… it is always recommended to dress decently and discreetly. On this subject, a good solution consists in buying clothes on the spot, which guarantees you for sure to be local color. On the other hand, it is better not to wear jewelry, expensive watches or cameras. This will make you feel much more comfortable, and at the same time avoid the attention of pickpockets. The image of the tourist, with all its negative aspects, should be left at home.

Behaviour

During your purchases, it is likely that you will have to negotiate with a merchant. This is often part of a ritual in poor countries and the seller will usually see no problem with it. Remember all the same that your purchase helps the local economy and that the amount of it, reduced in euros, is sometimes ridiculous.

As far as brands are concerned, find out about those that help associations and NGOs. It is often preferable to avoid the big international brands and to prefer local businesses that help the development of the country.

Your trip can also be an opportunity to spend a few days on a volunteer or humanitarian mission. This will allow you to have a new perspective on the country and to forge real links with the local population.

Begging

Eternal question of whether or not to help beggars. Will the few coins that you are going to donate really help these people to get out of poverty? Or are you going to feed a begging ring? In Bogota, a little blond child from the poor neighborhoods is rented very expensive by the day!

It is probably better to offer unpackaged food (to avoid resale) and to pay the money to an association, which we know will be used wisely.

Some precautions to take before traveling to a developing country

With regard to water and food, it is always necessary to take the usual precautions. Either in the restaurant or on the street, water should be purchased in a bottle with a capsule. Otherwise it must be boiled or chemically disinfected, or even filtered (less guarantee of effectiveness).

In the same way, fruits and vegetables must be washed and then peeled. Meat and fish, on the other hand, should be requested well cooked in restaurants, especially if you find yourself in a small country eatery.

For more information, see our article on enjoying local cuisine without getting sick.

We also advise you to worry about travel insurance, because even in developing countries, medicine is expensive for tourists. The same applies to medical repatriation in the event of serious illness or accident. Good travel insurance is therefore a very justified investment.

Even if some additional precautions are to be taken, it is undoubtedly in developing countries that you will make your most beautiful trips. The adventure is waiting for you!