Responsible Travel & Local Culture

As a responsible traveler it is expected that you appreciate the local communities you visit. You must bear in mind that the large influx of visitors tends to upset the natural balance of the local community. Any local community, visited by a few outsiders earlier, might be adversely affected in terms of culture, environment, spirit etc by influx of a large number of visitors.

Getting to know the Local Culture
As a responsible traveler you must try to get to know the local culture you are visiting. It helps in enhancing your personal knowledge and avoid offending the beliefs and views of the local people.

A good way of knowing the local culture in a better way is to try and learn its local language. A few local phrases and words may help you to get along well with the locals and remove barriers and inhibitions. You must also take note of local dress customs and dress up accordingly.

Use of local residents as guides is a very good idea if you want to gain more knowledge and better perspective of the area and etiquettes. While visiting small tribes or villages you must think how that tribe or village gains from your visit.

Bargaining, Bartering, Haggling
Many of the travelers are preoccupied with the thoughts of bargaining, bartering and haggling. They take it a challenge to haggle relentlessly over the small amounts of money which they might not mind spending in their day to day life. As a responsible traveler you must bear in mind that a small amount to you may be a day's food for someone. It is therefore expected that you bargain in good humor.

Begging
For an ethical and responsible traveler begging always poses a challenge. Even in the most difficult circumstances, you should never give money to beggars. In case you want to give something, buy essential goods like food, water etc. However, the best way is supporting locals and charities which would go to the needy person in the most effective way.