Myanmar
If you’re looking for a vacation to bring about positive change, a trip to Myanmar can be a step forward in helping the people of the country. If you can go in a way that supports the local economy and small businesses, you’re making an impact and promoting sustainable, healthy tourism instead of funding a dictatorship.
Myanmar (Burma) is a beautiful, old country that is filled with ancient structures, colonial architecture and religious sites. Expect to pay more than locals do for travel services like hotels, domestic flights and entry into tourist sites. However, facilities in the more visited areas like Yangon, Bagan, Ngapali Beach, Inle Lake and Mandalay are far better than what you’ll find in other parts of the country that don’t see outsiders.
Intrepid Travel has launched several trips to Myanmarthis year that rely on small, locally owned accommodations and eat in small establishments. About 70 percent of the money spent goes directly into the pockets of locals, while they do pay entrance fees to the main tourist sites, which are government owned. A 15-day tour of the “Best of Burma” includes the temples of Bagan, a riverboat cruise to Mandalay, trekking through mountain villages, and the beautiful Shwedagon Paya golden pagoda in Yangon.
