The Code of the Respectful Traveler

No matter where you plan to go, or what country you’ll be visiting, the best way to ensure that you get the most complete experience is to become a respectful traveler. Tourists are typecast as being loud and obnoxious and as a result, many locals simply do not want to deal with them. If you want to become a respectful traveler, here are some easy tips to follow.

The respectful traveler never… speaks too loudly.

Americans don’t realize just how loudly we speak, especially when in a public place. We’re used to expressing ourselves and being heard. However, this does not go over well in foreign countries. If you are entering a public place, lower your voice and be respectful of the other patrons.

The respectful traveler never… makes demands.

Asking for an extra towel is one thing, demanding the luxury treatment is quite another matter. Remember that just because you are a guest doesn’t mean that your hosts need to bend over backwards. A good guest finds ways to make the host’s job easier.

The respectful traveler learns the language.

English may be a common language, but not everyone speaks it. Instead of demanding that locals learn new ways, try to bend a little and make an effort to learn at least a little of the local language. You don’t have to become a scholar or even be good at speaking the language. Simply making the effort will speak volumes for you.

The respectful traveler never… demeans the culture.

Just because a culture is different or strange doesn’t mean that it is worthy of your contempt. Remember, everyone makes their own path and that means that they may do things differently than you do. Instead of demeaning a culture, take the time to learn more about it. You may just find that you have quite a lot in common with it.

The respectful traveler never… acts obnoxiously.

Traveling is stressful, and there may be times when your temper just can’t take any more. Try your best to keep it check and let things that irritate you slide. You’ll be calmer as a result and the locals will certainly appreciate it.

The respectful traveler never… sticks out.

This works in many different ways, from the old “sandals and socks” outfit to the belligerent behavior. Observe the locals and see how they interact with one another and take your cues from them. This will get you far when it comes to ingratiating yourself with locals and you’ll be able to experience your vacation on a whole new level.

The respectful traveler never… leaves a mess.

Whether it’s a trashed hotel room, a mess at a restaurant table or littering in the street, this behavior is absolutely unacceptable. If you wouldn’t do it in your own home, don’t do it someone else’s.

These simple tips will set your feet on the path of becoming a respected global traveler, and can open entirely new vistas and horizons in the future.

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contempt, cultures, foreign countries, hosts, job, language english, locals, luxury treatment, new language, new ways, patrons, scholar, tourists, traveler

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Learn the Language, Localyte, Tourist Types, Travel Dos and Donts

Posted by Localyte.com Team on October 20, 2008