Ethical concerns are certainly a valid consideration. I am not sure if there is anyone here who would be sharing about their delightful vacation in Nazi Germany.

I do think that saying 'Any and every place has issues' is a cop out. The OP is about blatant, current, and systemic human degradation.

Tourism is a way of breaking down barriers, so to that extent, it is a way to change the social lansdcape. It can't do it by itself, but I believe it can be a contributing factor that pushes people and their governments toward more access and openness.

Information is light, and the very dark places in the world don't really want you coming around shining a blinding light on something that always half remained in darkness.

I say that, if you think there is the possibility for increased contact from tourism to open up a path to enlightenment and understanding, then go for it.

"Information is light, and the very dark places in the world don't really want you coming around shining a blinding light on something that always half remained in darkness."

Great metaphor to illustrate a really good point.

Shelemm: Well said.

The more informed you are the better you can decide.

"I do think that saying 'Any and every place has issues' is a cop out. The OP is about blatant, current, and systemic human degradation."

A cop out? Ask someone languishing in prison in a place other than the OP's example of Myanmar, whether their situation is less serious.

I too prefer lodging at small family run places--abd appreciate crellstons honesty in saying he'd likely choose those in any case! But, is there a larger number of people who benefit in larger lodgings eg a big hotel that employs many?) or the kind of large multilevel organizations you like to avoid Julie? I don't know the answer--I'm sure it is complex. My point is, this is a grey area.

Of course all we can do, as JW said above, is be informed and then personally decide...based on our individual values and priorities. There are many valid ways to choose where to go and spend. It's the judgmental labeling of others' choices that frankly rubs me the wrong way.

I think it's safe to say that bad things happen everywhere. And that bad things can happen to us on a trip almost anywhere too, unfortunately. Not to minimise any of that, but I don't think that necessarily obscures that different governments and places can be more or less risky to visitors and more or less horrible to their citizens.

The judgemental labelling though, I agree with. To judge requires we not only know the facts, but that we believe we understand all the ramifications of each possible choice any of us can make... and decide that tourist X is therefore making the wrong one. Maybe they are, maybe they're not. But chances are it's not that clear and they at least intend to do what they think is best. Shame people sometimes can't step back and see if maybe that isn't the case.

Thank you for the calm wisdom and thoughtful-ness of this reply (as well as your previous one), CounterClifton.