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4) REMEMBER THE ECONOMIC REALITIES OF YOUR NEW CURRENCY.
A few rupees, baht or pesos one way or another is not going to ruin you. Don't get all bent out of shape over the fact that a visitor who earns 100 times a local's salary might
be expected to pay a few cents more for a ferry ride, a museum entrance, or an egg.
5) BARGAIN FAIRLY,
and with respect for the seller. Again, remember the economic realities of where you are. The final transaction should leave both buyer and seller satisfied and pleased.
Haggling for a taxi or carpet is part of many cultures; but it's not a bargain if either person feels exploited, diminished, or ripped-off.
6) LEARN AND RESPECT THE TRADITIONS AND TABOOS OF YOUR HOST COUNTRY.
Each culture has its own mores, and they're often taken very seriously. Never, for example, pat a Thai child on the head, enter a traditional Brahmin's kitchen, or refuse a cup
of kava in Fiji!
7) CURB YOUR ANGER, AND CULTIVATE YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR.
Anger is a real issue for westerners—even the Dalai Lama remarks on this. It's perversely satisfying, but it never earns the respect of locals, or defuses a bad situation.
A light touch—and a sense of cosmic perspective—are infinitely more useful. As former Merry Prankster Wavy Gravy says: "When you lose your sense of humor, it's just
not funny anymore."
8) It makes an enormous difference if you ARRIVE WITH A SENSE OF THE SOCIAL,
POLITICAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES faced by the people you are visiting. Our site will direct you to good profiles of most travel destinations; we also recommend you read
the political and historic sections of your guidebook (Lonely Planet,
Moon Publications, and
Rough Guides are especially good for this). Many countries offer English-language newspapers, as well.
9) LEARN TO LISTEN.
The ability to listen is the essence of diplomacy, on both the personal and international levels. Many of the world's conflicts arise when people feel marginalized. Travelers from
the USA in particular should be aware that many people—especially in developing countries—believe that having the ear of an American is tantamount to having the ear of America.
So wherever you're from, listen well—and with respect—to all points of view.
10) LEARN TO SPEAK.
People from wealthy and powerful countries often express their opinions as if they are the absolute truth. Such preaching invites anger and resentment. We suggest tempering conversations
with phrases like "I believe," or "My view is," rather than, "Everybody knows...."
11) The single most useful phrase any traveler can learn: "CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME?"
Rarely, in any country or situation, will another human being refuse a direct request for help. Being of service, and inviting others to reciprocate, is what the phrase global community
is all about.
12) LEAVE YOUR PRECONCEPTIONS ABOUT THE WORLD AT HOME.
The inhabitants of planet Earth will continually amaze you with their generosity, hospitality and wisdom. Be open to their friendship, and aware of
our common humanity, delights, and hardships.
13) NEVER FORGET KURT VONNEGUT JR'S BEST LINE:
"Peculiar travel suggestions are dancing lessons from God." In other words: go with the flow, and give free rein to your sense of adventure!
(Note: Colorful bookmarks featuring the "13 Tips" are available from Ethical Traveler for a reasonable price. Minimum order = 500. Please contact us to inquire.)
Please visit www.responsibletravel.com/Copy/Copy100061.htm for another good list of
cultural and moral considerations.
"Twelve Green Rules" for all travelers in developing AND developed countries
1) Taking fewer, longer trips is preferable to making many short journeys. Save those days off, and use them all at once!
2) Whenever possible, use local transportation -- and don't be reluctant to pay a little more on a ferry or other local conveyance if you (and your bags) are heavier than what the locals are carrying. Opt for walking or bicycling where possible.
3) Travel light. The amount of fuel consumed in any vehicle, even an airliner, decreases as its weight goes down.
4) Support airlines that are making efforts to reduce their carbon emissions, and keep informed of ways to balance your carbon footprint by "greening" your travel.
5) When visiting countries like Nepal or Cambodia, avoid renting oil-guzzling (i.e. two-stroke) motorcycles.
6) Avoid buying water in plastic -- and refill your personal water bottle, when possible, with a reliable source of water.
7) Conserve water -- Tourists often consume more of this precious resource than locals. Take short showers, don’t let taps run needlessly, and be mindful of excessive toilet or laundry use.
8) Set an example in the way you dispose of your trash -- and in not being wasteful of food or resources.
9) Here also, be aware of where your money is going. Stay at locally-owned inns and eat at locally-owned restaurants! The less food has to travel to reach your plate, the less carbon you're producing.
10) Reuse hotel towels rather than having them washed daily, keep showers short.
11) When using a rental car, inquire as to whether or not a hybrid car is an option (it often is now -- such as with Enterprise and Hertz).
12) If using a tour company, try to choose one with a focus on sustainable/eco-friendly practices (e.g. snorkel/SCUBA outfitters with a focus on preservation/education).
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