Journeys
Traveling to the nomadic realms
However, travelling to nomadic lands is not always an easy task; one often has to face a variety of challenges—both geographical and climatic, as well as social and political—where our safety is sometimes compromised, especially in a world increasingly concerned about the future and predicting what lies ahead. That is why tourists and travellers are increasingly opting to book organised tours with agencies specialising in tribal tourism, without realising that understanding the world of the nomads requires time and dedication; it is neither a safari nor a fleeting, controlled escapade of heroism focused on one’s own ego.
At YURTA Association, we encourage you to discover these nomadic cultures with a view to supporting them, rather than using them as the backdrop for your own holiday adventures, thereby granting them the dignity and respect they deserve. To this end, we offer you some advice and our services—in exchange for small donations—to help make your journey easier.
Despite the abundance of literature on nomadic peoples, which has recently been supplemented by reports, articles and essays from official and cultural institutions, as well as non-profit organizations, the best way to truly understand them is to travel independently to the places where they live and experience first-hand that unique world which, sadly, is gradually disappearing. For anthropologists, fieldwork is a fundamental source of knowledge. Since what we perceive depends largely on our readiness to what we are about to discover, we anthropologists prepare ourselves mentally and physically with time and dedication.
Travel alone or in very small groups
You’ll have less impact on the indigenous community and you will spend more time with them, whilst avoiding bringing too much of your own culture with you, without having to spend too much time trying to make your trip compatible with the interests of others.
You’ll gain in terms of money and flexibility, as well as the ability to organise yourself, without relying on the harmful mass tourism industry but by supporting small, community-based initiatives, and learning to appreciate the true flavour of adventure.
Years of visiting and learning from nomadic cultures in the Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia have given us a sound understanding of many of them, as well as of their ecosystems and socio-economic and political contexts, not to mention the privilege of having a wide range of contacts at various levels – particularly with people from the communities themselves and their leaders, as well as like-minded individuals and groups who work with them.
So don’t hesitate to get in touch if you’d like to learn more about these cultures too
Be independent, avoid travel agencies
Travel light but well-informed
Don’t use your experience with the Indigenous and nomadic people you had the fortune to visit for commercial gain, as YouTubers and others do. Use your experience to celebrate a bio-culturally diverse world and raise awareness among others about this issue.
Don’t carry too much weight, and pack in a way that’s best suited to your journey. Don’t limit yourself to official sources. Get information from many different channels and read academic articles and reliable books about the places you’re going to visit.
Be ethical during and after your trip
Small actions create meaningful lasting change
