When traveling, it is important to remember that you are entering into someone's community and culture. In my past blogs, I've studied the impact that tourists have on a culture and community that they are visiting. To keep this impact to a more positive and respectful one, I have created a list of important and respectful measures that tourists should take while traveling.
- Research local customs
- Respect or follow local customs and expectations
- You do not have to agree with the countries culture but you do have to respect their practices when visiting
- Respect locals' privacy - Do not take photos of locals or their ceremonies without permission
- Do not believe that you are superior or that the locals are inferior to you
- Do not trespass (Private properties or historical architecture)
- Do not litter or leave trash
- Do not vandalize or destroy any property, tourist site, or place of worship
- Be polite (always say please and thank you)
- Be mindful of how loudly you are speaking
- Keep political or controversial opinions to yourself
- Do not judge or stare
- Avoid getting angry - be patient with locals when they are trying to understand your language
- Do not try to exploit other people to get a video or photo
- Support local small businesses (Give money to the locals and not chain tourist companies)
- Do not break the law and follow their rules
- Do not take natural goods from the environment (rocks, flowers, plants)
- Ask respectful questions
- Try to learn a couple key phrases in the country's language
- Respect other tourists
It is important to remember these 20 guidelines while traveling. By following this list you will become an open, polite, and respectful tourist and will leave a positive impact on the country that you are visiting
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