I'm interested to see what people say, because honestly, I DON'T KNOW. I am so torn on this issue. Also, I have been to places that don't have atrocious human rights violations that are front page news but it is still apparent. The people in Bolivia, for instance, might not live under the fear of violent oppression, but their poverty and decades of corrupt administration have left them destitute and many working in slave-labor like conditions. Should we not go there too? If I hadn't gone though, I would have NO idea what is really going on in many parts of the world. But on the other hand I would hate it if 10 cents of my money helps fund these tyranical government. I'm torn.

Posted By Jessica on February 8, 2008, 1:38 PM

I am very intrigued by the idea of visiting Myanmar--an idea which would never have crossed my mind had it not been for this article. Boycotting a country from tourism may not necessarily solve the country's problems. Oppressive governments can find ways to earn money and continue their practices, even without the income from tourism.

The "To Boycott or Not To Boycott" article makes a great point. Many highly-visited countries such as Egypt, Cambodia, and the UAE are also known to have oppressive governments. We haven't let those governments stop us from visiting.

And I don't think anything will call me to action like witnessing the Burmese hardships firsthand.

Posted By janelle on February 10, 2008, 11:04 PM

If I boycotted every country that has/had an imperfect human rights record, there would be few places left to travel. I think we are better served by visiting where we want, when we want, within obvious safety and health guidelines.

Posted By Harrison White on February 11, 2008, 12:35 PM

Yes they should be boycotted. Also any other country that is repressive, and has no respect for human rights.

Posted By Sandra Mosley on February 11, 2008, 12:40 PM

Travel at its core is about opening your eyes and the eyes of others through what you have seen and learned on your journeys. After visiting Rangoon (Yangon) in March 2006, I became hyper-aware of the political situation in Myanmar. I believe so much that my visit there was beneficial to both myself and the Burmese people I met. I can no longer dismiss the news reports about opposition in far-away lands, because I have seen it firsthand. Perhaps the more people travel to these "forbidden" countries, the more people will act for change. There are ways to travel in Myanmar without supporting the military junta outright, it just takes research and careful planning. While I do not believe in "poorism" (tours to townships, favelas, etc) just to catch a glimpse of the lower-class, I do believe that taking the time to interact with them can give them a sense that we do care about their hardships.

Posted By Tracy on February 11, 2008, 12:51 PM

The nature of travelling to Burma and the degree to which the government is entrenched in the tourism industry cannot but flow money to that very government that is violently suppressing its own people. Visiting Burma is, in my mind, akin to visiting Nazi Germany during WW2, hanging out in Berlin and returning to say that the people were really friendly and welcoming (without having seen the concentration camps nor slave labour camps)

Companies like GAP are absolute hypocrites, promoting themselves as ethical and "sustainable", yet profiting themselves from the oppression and slavery that is inherent in the building of pretty much all tourism infrastructure used on their trips to Burma. They cancelled all trips when the oppression became publicly visible last year but now that it is off the nightly news have returned to reap their profits. Boycott them!

One of the key differences between Burma and, say, Tibet is that the democratically elected leader of Burma (Aung San Suu Kyi, still under house arrest by the military after more than 15 years) asks that tourists NOT visit her country until the situation has changed, while the Dalai Lama does encourage tourism to Tibet.

Posted By Luis on February 11, 2008, 4:39 PM

Please visit the people of Myanmar, I have and I found them to be helpful to tourist . Their country has great beauty & wonderful historical sites. The more outsiders that show up the harder it is for the Government to maintain the oppression of it's people.

Posted By Bill Brenner on February 11, 2008, 4:41 PM

I vote "Go!" I spent 2 weeks in Myanmar in Jan of 2007 and the people are absolutely wonderful. (Plus it's a look at Asia as it was 50 years ago.) Everyone I spoke with wants visitors, not just for the money, but so they know the outside world is not forgetting them. My sis and I traveling independently using Amtra travel in Yangon. If you travel with foreign tour companies most of your money will go to the junta, but even trickles to the common people help.

Posted By Donna Judd on February 11, 2008, 7:35 PM

After seeing Rambo 4, Im amazed they get any since Rambo 4 was shot in Thailand vs Mynamar area due to guerilla forces.
No way unless Govt takes Major changes & allows aid groups into Nation./
See Rambo 4.
Then youll see why.

NO public condemnaiton for Karen tribe massacare alone & Need global Tourisim boycott.

Thanks to Rambo 4.
Very Bloody Rambo vs 1980s style.

Posted By stephen russell on February 11, 2008, 10:50 PM

Egypt is a repressive country. Do you see anyone boycotting it? Some of my tourist dollars (Egyptian Pounds) did get into the hands of small businessmen, bathroom attendants, and other poor and working folks. I expect the same would happen in other countries.

I really do want to go to Iran.

Posted By Linda Robinett on February 21, 2008, 12:38 PM

I'm sure all those unfortunates in Myanmar/Burma will be so much better treated once their oppressors see that we won't come to visit. If you read many of our vaunted newspapers or listen to some of our media outlets, you will learn that the U.S. is repressive. Should we not visit the U.S.? Oh, wait, we live here! Well, maybe the Myanmar/Burmese can boycott travel to the U.S.

Posted By RJ on February 22, 2008, 12:28 AM

A few years back, they had 'Visit Myanmar' year, and everyone in the country had to work 8 hours a week for free. I'm no expert, but I know some people who were detained while traveling in Myanmar. I suggest reading Robert Pelton's 'Dangerous Places', he gives a great on the ground overview of traveling there.

Posted By Emily D on April 28, 2008, 2:49 PM