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Journey with an open mind -
travel with a genuine desire to learn more about who you
meet.
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Appreciate all the cultures you
discover. Be aware of the feelings of other people, to
prevent what might be offensive behaviour on your part. Be
sensitive about photography. Ask yourself why you are taking
a picture and would you enjoy being photographed in the same
situation.
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Cultivate the habit of
listening and observing, rather than merely hearing and
seeing.
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Realise that often the people
in the country you visit have time concepts and thought
patterns different from your own. This does not, make them
inferior, only different. Try to understand and enjoy this
difference.
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Respect and protect the natural
environment. Instead of looking for just "stunning views”,
look for the richness of another culture and way of life.
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Acquaint yourself with local
customs. What is courteous, in one country may be quite
reverse in another - people will be happy to help you.
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Instead of the Western practice
of 'knowing all the answers', cultivate the habit of asking
questions.
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Remember that you are only one
of many visitors, and do not expect special privileges.
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When you are shopping, remember
that a “bargain" you obtain is perhaps possible only because
of the low wages paid to the maker; sometimes the poorest
merchant will give up a profit rather than give up his or
her personal dignity.
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Make no promises to people in
your host country, unless you intend to carry them through.
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Enjoy yourself, but remember
that an extravagant display of wealth is insensitive to
local people who may have to manage on much less money than
you have.
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Be conservative in your dress.
You will get closer to people if you do not look very
different.
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Encourage pride in the local
culture. Avoid any suggestion that Western culture is
inherently better.
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Try not to encourage children
who beg by giving them money or gifts. This is the start of
a vicious circle. There are other and better ways to provide
real help.
