Travellers Responsibilities

People

• Dress in a respectful manner. This especially effects women travelling in Muslim countries where long flowing clothes are the best option. Men should also be aware that wearing shorts and vest top may cause offence.
• Don't give children presents as your perpetuating the belief that Westerners are rich fools. Obviously if they do a service for you then rewarding them is fine.
• Try and use local transport and avoid western companies offering tours if possible. Putting money into the local community is better than lining a multinationals purse.
• Learning a few words of the main local language is greatly appreciated by local people.
• If bartering is the custom, then barter hard. You will not get the goods at the same price as the locals but it'll stop you getting ripped of to badly. This not only means that future travellers are less likely to get ripped off but also means that you don't help create with artificial inflation in areas which receive considerable number of travellers causing prices to rise for locals who may not be able to afford them.
• When camping check with the locals first that its all right.
• Try and be aware of local customs like not eating with your left hand.
• In lots of countries service is traditionally slow and people often do all sorts of things before your order arrives. Relax what's the rush?
• If you tip, first make sure that there is a tradition of it. Then find out the local rate. Tourists often leave half peoples wages in tips. This can cause a very one sided attitude towards Westerners.
• Before taking someone's photograph ask. If they say no or want payment then walk away.
• While its very hard to ignore beggars on the street it is better to leave giving them to the locals. If you want to do good then give the money to charity or a mission. There have been cases of children being made disabled by their parents so the collect more money.
• Using the service of local people e.g. clothes washing, guides, helps bring money into the local economy.

Tribal People

• Tribal peoples ownership of the lands they use and occupy is recognised in international law. This should be respected whether or not the national government applies the law or not.
• Care must be taken in areas where tribal peoples immunity to diseases may be poor. Some contagious diseases that effect tourist mildly (colds, flu...) can kill tribal people.
• The lands lived in by the tribes should not be entered without the free and informed consent of the tribal people themselves. Obtaining this consent can be lengthy, requiring respect, tact and honesty. Bribery should not be used.
• All tourism and advertising which treats tribal people in an insulting, patronising or degrading manner (stone aged culture) should be opposed.
• Tourist companies should insist their staff have a respectful attitude towards tribal peoples. Some companies simply reinforce stereotypes of tribal people.
• Tribes people should be properly recompensed for their services and the use of their territory. Where profits arise from using tribal areas, this should be properly explained to the tribes who should be offered a share. All payments should be made on the terms of the tribes people.

Waste

• All human waste should be buried and toilet paper burned or buried.
• Rubbish should be disposed of as follows. Paper should be burnt, biodegradable should be buried and containers given away.
• Rather than using plastic bags for shopping, use longer lasting bags.
• It is better to buy drinks in returnable glass bottles rather than cans or plastic bottles.

Local Produce

• Try and buy local food and produce where possible.
• Avoid buying items made from the following: ivory, coral, certain shells, conches, rare animal hide, rhino, tortoise. Live animals should never be bought.
• Do not buy any ancient artefacts such as pottery, which may have been stolen from graves.
• Do not remove rare items from their surroundings.

Natural Resources

• Natural resources should not be misused or abused.
• Do not squander water, especially where it is short supply.
• Always ask permission before using a well or pump in a village
• Do not wash in flowing water unless the local's do there might be another village just down stream.
• If cooking over real fires try and use the minimum amount of wood and use downed wood only.
• Remember that fire can cause great destruction. Make sure you put your fire out and be careful with cigarettes.

Flora & Fauna

• Animals should not be touched, goaded, fed or generally disturbed in anyway.
• Don't damage any plant life, this includes picking flowers and touching live coral when diving.
• Do not encourage people to parade animals or have your photograph taken with any such animal. e.g. captive chimps, dancing bears.
• In game parks noise should be kept to a minimum.
• Do not encourage your driver to drive off track to get closer to animals.

© K.Vans-Colina 1992-2002