Part 3 Discussion Questions
What do you think would happen if travel abroad was disallowed in your country?
Well, I think this would be a bit shocking because our country has only just opened up to the world really in the not so distant past. Our economy is based on international trade and we are basically the largest manufacturing country in the world.
What are the benefits of travelling abroad?
Well, I think that travel can really broaden our horizons and I think it is something everyone should consider doing. I mean I think that it is essential that we learn about other cultures to increase our understanding and knowledge. I think we can learn a lot from other cultures and vice versa.
Can travelling be educational?
Yes of course. I think that any kind of travel is educational because it helps us to understand things from a different perspective. I think that we can only learn so much from books and academic study in general. In many ways, the world is a smaller place because international travel has become commonplace. The economy of my country has been growing more and rapidly, so more and more people have the money to think about going abroad.
What kind of holiday activities do young and old people like to do?
Well…. How can I put this? I think that old people want to unwind and recharge their batteries, whereas I think young people like to get off the beaten track and really I think seek something out of the ordinary. Old people like to be taken to the sites by car or bus and for there to be a fixed itinerary. Young people tend to want to be more flexible and go backpacking for example as well as go hiking or mountain climbing. Essentially they are more physically active.
What places do you think might be popular in the future?
Hmmn.. Let me see. Well, in my country tourism is growing and the government is investing more and more money to improve the infrastructure. I think that people are becoming more adventurous and opening their mind to different types of tourism like hiking and trekking. I think that mountainous areas like Harbin are becoming more popular as a result of this.
In what ways can tourism damage the environment and how do we solve this problem?
Well, this is always a problem that we have to bear in my mind. What I mean is that a growing tourist industry can have a damaging effect on the environment. There should be strict laws in place that make sure that profits made from certain attractions should go to maintaining and preserving the area. We should also fine people heavily for littering.
How has the way people spend their holiday changed in the last fifty years?
Well. I think that more and more people are travelling abroad, whereas fifty years ago most people didn’t have the money to do that. I think this is having a lot of benefits culturally because it makes people more open-minded and knowledgeable about other cultures. For example, I have a friend who has just come back from travelling around the world and I love listening to her stories and hearing about other customs. I mean, hearing that first hand is more real to me than watching a travel programme on TV.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of travelling in a tour group?
Well, I suppose if you are more comfortable with having a fixed schedule and there not really being much spontaneity, then a group package tour is for you. I think you can have fun with a group and it’s perhaps a safer way to travel.
From my perspective, I prefer travelling by myself or with a few friends and not having things planned out too much. I do really like to get off the beaten track and seeing places off the major tourist trails. I don’t like tour groups because you tend to get taken to the really touristy places that are too commercial.
