The Ethical Travel Guide

At £11.69 from Earthscan, it genuinely looks like the Ethical Travel Guide (reviewed by Adam, HippyShopper emeritus, over at his new blog, thegreenguy) would be cheap at twice the price.  Written by Guardian journalist Polly Pattullo, with Orely Minelli for Tourism Concern, this 240 page, colour illustrated guide lists 300 places in 60 countries where you can do a good deed by going on holiday.  From simple local-style holidays, treks, construction projects in Tibet, art holidays, and culinary and luxury retreats, there is something to suit every taste and budget. This is the essential resource for responsible global travellers.

Which is great, since I was just talking to my fella John about how I want to see Brazil, and he mentioned how the gap between rich and poor is so acute there that he might not be able to have a good time.  So this book couldn't be timelier.  Thank you, Tourism Concern, for restoring domestic harmony!

"All too often the problems are well hidden," says Tricia Barnett, Director of Tourism Concern. "How would you know that this beautiful hotel is on land snatched from fishermen and for which they weren't compensated? How would you know that the water in the pool and shower are depleting local people's resources and their access to water is limited to two hours a day - as in villages in Goa?"  A sobering thought if you were planning to go frolic in Cancun any time soon.

[Gabrielle Taylor]