Although travel should help create a better and more tolerant world, and tourism is a major source of income in most countries, unfortunately, every time we take a flight we contribute to global warming and our presence, especially in a developing country, can threaten ecosystems and use up precious water resources.
Rough Guides and the UK Department of International Development have jointly published a new guide to help us all make a difference. 'The Rough Guide to a Better World' is available free in local post offices in the UK, or it can be read online or downloaded as an e-book from the Rough Guides website or ordered (for a small post and packing charge). This site also includes a Better World forum where you may discuss issues of ethical consuming and tourism, giving to charities, volunteering, etc.
People who take part in home exchanges do contribute in some ways already to creating a better world through tourism by living in homes in local communities and spending money in local shops rather than staying in major tourist developments that often spoil beautiful areas while not always benefiting the local population much. However, we can all do more towards creating a more sustainable world and this small but pithy book should point us in the right direction towards what we can do to really make a difference and a 'better world' for everyone.