This documentary clearly portrayed the issue of bad tourism, and how tourism can destroy even the most remote of areas. The use of the locals story and direct interviews with the locals before and after the influx of tourists hit was very effective in showing the direct effects on these local people and villages. I enjoyed the beginning of the film, when they described this tragic story of a lost backpacker, and how tourists began to seek authenticity in their travels, this really set up the stage and set the tone for the rest of the documentary. This film addressed many important cultural issues, that tourists don't really think about when visiting remote destinations, such as those shown in this documentary. The use of stories from American backpackers and travelers was also effective in showing how uneducated travelers are to the culture and environment around them. This documentary was effective in showing how tourism can kill a community and culture, or can thrive in it through their relationship in a sustainable tourist society.

Gringo Trials, was a unique documentary showing the world how tourism can negatively impact popular travel destinations. The movie shines a light on the damage being done to natural environments around the world. The beginning of the movie is filmed with a hand-held camera to emphasize the fact that the damage is real and it's happening all around the world. It also shows how sometimes the most beautiful destinations are the unknown ones because tourists haven't tainted them yet. Gringo Trails' main theme is to inform the world that travelers need education so that they don't harm the natural habitats that they're touring.

"Gringo Trails" directed by Pegi Wail is a documentary that raises awareness of the effects of non sustainable tourism on cultures and the environment. The film begins with the true story of Yossi Ghinsberg, an Israeli traveler being saved by Kevin Gates after being stranded in a Bolivian jungle for a month. This documentary does a fantastic job of telling stories about different locations that have been negatively impacted by reckless and inconsiderate tourists. The camera angles and images used truly show the beauty of the places talked about in the film making it difficult for the audience to disconnect while viewing Gringo Trails. I was in shock seeing true stories of how big of an impact tourism has on the environment and different cultures. The film kept me engaged the whole time and made me want to make a difference in the tourism industry.

Great documentary film about the effect of backpacker tourism on more remote areas of the globe. For the past 25 years, backpackers have flocked to far flung destinations like Thailand, the Amazon. etc. While these travelers' intentions may have been well-meaning, their impact on the native populations and environment has been harmful in many ways.Through archival footage, the filmmakers are able to visually show the detrimental effects of unchecked tourism. By interviewing both backpackers and residents of the communities affected, the audience is able to come to its own conclusions on a growing global issue. This documentary appears to have been years in the making, so the viewer is able to see the pace of change, too. I really enjoyed the look and use of animation in the story-telling. The documentary is particularly relevant as the world becomes more connected.This well-balanced look at a growing problem is alarming in a very understated way. Kudos to Pegi Vail and Melvin Estrella for their excellent presentation of this subject matter.