Whether you believe it or not, when you are travelling around distant lands in search of fun and adventure, you have an immense impact on the community around you. Small things can either create a wonderful experience for the next would-be traveler, or turn it into a complete nightmare. Needless to say, there is an unwritten code that we travelers must all abide by whilst venturing forth into the unknown;
- It’s always a good idea to try and educate yourself as much as you can about the countries you visit. Understanding their customs, traditions and behaviour can save you from unintentionally insulting the locals. Sure, a thumbs up might mean everything is A-O.K to western society, but in certain areas of the Middle East and parts of Europe it is an obscene gesture. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
- It can’t hurt to become acquainted with your destinations laws before setting off on your travels. Infact, did you know that sagging your pants in even Florida is now illegal? Certain things you may not think anything of, may actually land you with a fine or even worse in various parts of the world.
- Sparing a bit of pocket change to locals who handcraft items or sell food can often go a long way! Haggling them down to next to nothing might seem like fun, but more often than not they’ll need those few extra coins more than you do. Of course, don’t fall victim to the scammers out there, but being the generous soul will really make a difference to the locals and may even make you feel good inside!
- You should always respect the natural environment. No one wants to go for a nice walk on a gorgeous sandy beach, only to find cigarette dimps and beer cans scattered about. Ake sure you always take your rubbish home with you or dispose of it properly to keep the scenery as nice as it was when you found it.
- Immerse yourself in the culture. Not only will you benefit from this by gaining a deeper understanding of how life is in various parts of the world, but you’ll become respected by the locals who in turn are more welcoming to other visitors.
- It’s a fantastic idea to research your destinations current health situation so you protect yourself from any potential threats before you set off. With that being said, it’s also advisable that you steer clear from tap water. Western bodies tend to struggle with foreign water supplies even when the locals find it no problem to drink.
You needn’t worry too much about the impact you’ll leave on your destination. As long as you don’t act like you are on a weekend bender the entire time, then you should be fine. The important thing is to remember why you’ve decided to up sticks and travel. You want to explore the world, sink your teeth into all kinds of culture and bask in what nature has to offer. So get ready to have fun and leave things the way you would expect to find them in the brochures!
