Every couple of years, a someone comes up with the idea of showing out-of-towners the seedier side of a destination. These so-called “reality tours” often showcase impoverished neighborhoods.
In Southern California, instead of taking a bus tour of celebrities’ homes, you can participate in LA Gang Tours.
Tours cost $65 and cover spots like the LA County Jail, the birthplace of the Black Panther Party, the origin of the Crips gang, and the Watts Art Gallery.
Proceeds go toward job training and educational development in South Central L.A.
On the other side of the country, visitors can take “underbelly tours” of New York.
The program was founded by Curtis Sliwa, who founded the Guardian Angels safety enforcement group.
Participants ride the 4 train to the South Bronx to walk past drug houses and money-laundering fronts, as well as neighborhoods that have been improved over the years.
Don’t worry about traveling on foot. Members of the Guardian Angels are on hand at all times.
Of course, these two tours aren’t new ideas.
Tours of the Dharavi slum in Mumbai have been around for years, and several operators offer favela tours in Brazil.
The pros and cons of these experiences continue to be hot debate, but this is definitely a story that has two sides, and the decision to participate is a personal one.
Or visit our Voluntourism section.
Looking for more advice? Click here for more Daily Travel Tips.
