So You've Earned Yourself A Holiday Overseas?

Photo by Oktomi Jaya on Unsplash

Entitlement—a simple word, yet it carries significant weight. It is a trait that many acquire and become accustomed to, enjoying its benefits with ease. Entitlement pervades various aspects of life, and though it may sometimes be subtle, its presence is unmistakable.

In this discussion, we will explore how entitlement manifests in travel.

Since the release of Eat, Pray, Love, we've witnessed a surge of Instagram influencers and fitness gurus flocking to under-resourced destinations like Bali, exploiting these communities for their own “exotic” experiences.

Such influxes bring numerous complications and prejudices.

The expectation of mutual understanding while traveling is often unrealistic and damaging. Travelers frequently expect familiarity and comfort, reflecting a belief that everyone should align with Western ways of life. This mindset—rooted in the assumption that the 'West knows best'—harbors underlying supremacist principles.

It’s not uncommon for privileged travelers to become frustrated with locals who do not speak English, expressing their discontent in patronising and demoralising ways. These unrealistic expectations and lack of respect for local customs send a message that Western ways of life are superior and should be prioritised.

In the past year, 1.18 million Australians visited Indonesia, with many heading to Bali, often treating it as a ‘second home’. Tourist hotspots like Kuta and Seminyak have become so Westernized that they hardly reflect Balinese culture.

Jon Stratton, Professor of Cultural Studies at Curtin University, notes that many seek the "nuance of the exotic" while desiring the comforts of home. This is evident in Bali’s tourist attractions, like Mrs Sippy and Potato Head Beach Club—places designed to offer a constructed utopian paradise, isolating visitors from the reality of local culture.

Many of these destinations are owned by expatriates and foreigners, meaning that the profits often do not benefit the local community. While such attractions may boost the local economy, they raise questions about cultural sacrifice for the sake of tourism trends.

Tourism can be a major economic driver for developing nations. However, this reliance can lead to local cultures being altered to meet tourist demands. Herein lies the problem of entitlement.

Australians, for example, have long seen trips to Bali as a reward for hard work. This sense of entitlement can lead to expectations of comfort and suitability, reinforcing the notion that our needs and wants take precedence.

Bali is a relatively affordable destination compared to Europe, making it attractive for budget-conscious travelers. Yet, this affordability can lead to exploitation of vulnerable communities reliant on tourism for income. Such power dynamics can result in cultural erosion and disrespect.

Unlike Italy or Canada, where similar stories are rare, the dynamics in under-resourced nations often lead to inflated egos and entitlement. Travelers may feel their money grants them the right to behave as they please, while locals tolerate this behavior due to economic dependence on tourism. This cycle of disrespect highlights a dark side of tourism often ignored, perpetuating inequality between visitors and hosts.

Consider how you would react if such behaviors were directed at your own community. It's easy to overlook the impacts of our actions when they occur far from home. Why should the West feel entitled to exploit other cultures?

Entitlement blinds us to the broader consequences of our actions. We prioritise our desires and experiences, often at the expense of local cultures and values. Travel should be seen as a privilege, not a right. With privilege comes power, and with power comes responsibility—not the right to ignorance.

When privilege is intertwined with entitlement, it leads to exploitation and cultural assimilation. This dangerous trend should not be encouraged, yet it persists due to a lack of awareness.

As you plan your next trip to Bali or any other destination, consider the impact of your choices. Engage in local cultural activities, support locally-owned businesses, and learn a few basic phrases in the local language. Most importantly, do not assume or expect. Remember, as a visitor, your holiday is a privilege, not an inherent right, and no one owes you anything.

For more tips on responsible tourism, please check out our checklist:

https://www.useyourprivilegeforgood.com/responsible-tourism

For further reading on this topic, take a look as a similar article on our website:

The West has an Entitlement Issue.