Responsible travel tips
April 7th 2010 11:22
How embarrassing to see fellow compatriots behaving completely irresponsibly when travelling to non Western countries.
Here are a few of my tips to travel more responsibly when overseas:
1. Take old clothes when you travel, and give to the homeless before you leave. Added bonus; less luggage to take home
2. Get your laundry done by locals that are offering to do so for a small fee.
3. Be aware of animal cruelty; do not give money to people that perform animal acts on the streets (e.g. dancing sun bears, snake charming, tourist photos with gibbons and reptiles in nightclubs)
4. Where possible, and not dangerous, walk! You will take in so much more of a local place when exploring by foot.
5. Respect local customs; dress appropriately (e.g., females travelling wearing appropriate clothing to cover shoulders and legs)
6. Learn a few phrases in the local language; or at least the basics, and don’t be afraid to use them.
7. Shop for handcraft souvenirs at local markets rather than larger retail stores.
8. Leave shells where they should be – on the beach. There is no need to take them home to look pretty in the bathroom as ‘memorabilia’ of a holiday.
9. Check out local places to volunteer, even if only a few hours one day. A local school or animal shelter may need some assistance.
10. Ask before taking an individual’s photograph. If you can’t speak the local language, a friendly smile, pointing to your camera and nodding should get the message across. If the recipient is not happy to have their photograph taken, respect their decision and walk away, don’t persist.
Here are a few of my tips to travel more responsibly when overseas:
1. Take old clothes when you travel, and give to the homeless before you leave. Added bonus; less luggage to take home
2. Get your laundry done by locals that are offering to do so for a small fee.
3. Be aware of animal cruelty; do not give money to people that perform animal acts on the streets (e.g. dancing sun bears, snake charming, tourist photos with gibbons and reptiles in nightclubs)
5. Respect local customs; dress appropriately (e.g., females travelling wearing appropriate clothing to cover shoulders and legs)
6. Learn a few phrases in the local language; or at least the basics, and don’t be afraid to use them.
7. Shop for handcraft souvenirs at local markets rather than larger retail stores.
8. Leave shells where they should be – on the beach. There is no need to take them home to look pretty in the bathroom as ‘memorabilia’ of a holiday.
9. Check out local places to volunteer, even if only a few hours one day. A local school or animal shelter may need some assistance.
10. Ask before taking an individual’s photograph. If you can’t speak the local language, a friendly smile, pointing to your camera and nodding should get the message across. If the recipient is not happy to have their photograph taken, respect their decision and walk away, don’t persist.
Respect and be respected!
Leave pretty shells on the beach
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Erica Lou
