When you go on holiday, try to remember the following :
- Dress respectfully and be aware of local standards.
- Dress modestly at the religious sites.
- Before you leave home, check as much as you can about the religions, culture, traditions and local rules of the country you are visiting.
- Favour local foods. Local food is always part of the fun.
- Bargain if it's a local practice but bear in mind that a small amount to you could be very important to the seller
- Shop for local artisans and locally-made products. Like this you certainly help keep traditional crafts alive.
- Visit local shows, zoos and markets that promote non-cruelty or exploitation of endangered species.
- Use public transport, hire a bike or walk whenever convenient. Like this you meet the locals and get to know know people.
- Support locally-owned business, hotels, restaurants and other services.
- Eat local food, drink local brands and brews.
- Back home, think how you can support programs and organisations which protect the welfare, culture and environment of the places you have been lucky to visit.
- Put your cigarette ends in your film container.
- So "no" to plastic bags.
- Take care of the environment as you would back home.
- Don't give money to children. It makes them lazy. Instead you can support a local community, school or a development project. This is certainly more constructive and positive.
- Learn some local language and don't be shy to use it. Simple pleasantries help "break the ice". Keep practicing.
- Learn appropriate body language according to the culture of the country you are visiting. An example is the concept of "saving face" in Asia or "giving the thumbs up" in Western and Central Europe.
- Smile and have fun.
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