Forgotten Natural (and other) Disasters
August 6th, 2010

I don’t usually include event promotions in my blog.  However, this is one that I feel ties in very well with the travel community, and just with global awareness as a whole, so I thought I’d send it out on my blog. So even if you can’t attend, or aren’t in the Philadelphia area, keep reading. I promise it’s not all about this specific event.

I recently decided to help organize an event put on by CitizenGulf. It’s a national organization that has asked several cities (I believe 12 at last count) across the country to hold a charity event on August 25 of this year. My home city of Philadelphia was lucky enough to be chosen, and I’m part of the organizing team for this. The event benefits the children of fishing families in the U.S. Gulf Coast area who have lost so much to disasters over the last few years. If the date sounds familiar, it was specifically chosen because it’s the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina striking the coast.

First, if you live in the Philadelphia area you can learn more and purchase tickets here: http://citizengulfphilly.eventbrite.com/ . If you do not, you can check out other cities that might be closer to you here: http://citizeneffect.org/projects/citizengulf_day_of_action

The point of this blog, however, is not just to promote this Day of Action, as CitizenGulf calls it. What really effected me about this event is how quickly most people tend to “forget” about these disasters, particularly in the wake of another catastrophic event. (How many people honestly remembered that 8/25/10 was the 5th anniversary of Katrina – I know I didn’t.) This year alone, we’ve had earthquakes in Haiti and Chile, the Icelandic volcanic eruption that luckily didn’t cause any death but did destroy farms throughout Iceland, flooding that left people homeless in Tennessee, and the oil spill in the gulf. And that’s just the major ones focused on here in the U.S. I’m sure there have been countless others that virtually slid under the radar throughout the world.

As a traveler, though, there are things you can do. First, you can support these economies that are hit so hard. This doesn’t necessarily mean donating money via a text on your phone. New Orleans, for instance is one of the most exciting destinations here in the U.S. Chile is one of the top adventure destinations in the world. Go, visit, tell other people that the city or country isn’t defined by the disaster that has hit it. Of course, be safe – you don’t need to go swimming in the oil in the gulf or wandering through ruins of what was a town which look like they could fall on your head any minute. I specialize in luxury travel, and I myself practice what I sell – I am a 5-star hotel woman all the way. But you can take even one day during your trip to help with a habitat for humanity project and then go back to your luxury resort for a nice dinner and a dip in the hot tub. Still, you’ve done something to help.

If you’re not able to do something physical or really feel unsafe near the disaster zone, that’s ok. When I went to Zimbabwe last year, they told us that they’re happy to take old shoes and clothing that visitors don’t want anymore instead of payment in cash. While I don’t suggest paying in your worn out sneakers instead of money, why not bring some items you were going to toss out and leave them behind at churches, orphanages, or other places that can distribute them. Think of it this way – lighter suitcases to carry around for the rest of the trip.

In all seriousness though, travelers have a great opportunity to help the areas they visit, and a little help can truly go a long way. They also have the chance to show that an area isn’t just the disaster you see on TV or read in the newspapers. Incidentally, this also often provides the chance to see a region or city before it becomes touristy and loses some of it’s “local” appeal. Even if it’s just a short stopover on your next trip, think about it. We all love to use photos, blogs and countless other methods to tell of our incredible journeys – why not use them to share the stories of some of these places that become so easily forgotten.

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