This month’s feature story on a humanitarian tour in Guatemala makes me think of all the opportunities we have as travelers to interact differently with the locals at our travel destinations. Although we may come in close contact with the locals who drive the tour bus or cook our food, we can certainly interact in more personal ways at each of our destinations. I am reminded of a story I once read about a well-traveled person who always carried small toys with him on his journeys. His favorite item to bring: balloons. They are small, light, portable, and always delighted the children he met. The balloons and toys transcended all languages and were a good icebreaker to interacting with their parents. Just like on the Guatemala humanitarian tour, the smallest of items can be a delight to children who have so few toys and extras in their lives. Perhaps you can do magic tricks or juggle? These are also good ways to interact with both children and adults around the world—with no additional items to pack or bring. Consider your next trip an opportunity for a humanitarian or cultural exchange on a small scale. That small gesture can bring tremendous goodwill to the locals you meet. And that small exchange may result in a very large impact on your view of that destination and the individuals who live there.
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