Be Culturally Sensitive

Travel for the right reasons.  Please do not travel to check off destinations or collect stamps in your passport.  Travel out of a genuine desire to experience the world and meet local people.  Take the time to get to know the people and the places you visit, rather than rushing in to take pictures and rushing out again.  Cultivate a true desire to share, and give of yourself in whatever culturally appropriate way you can.

Respect differences.  When the customs, beliefs, and values of the people you encounter differ from your own, realize that they are simply different, not better or worse than your own.  Honor these differences and treat local people with respect and dignity.  Seek to deepen your understanding of other people and cultures, and reflect daily on your experiences. 

Avoid causing offense, even accidentally.  Be careful to avoid offensive behavior, particularly in regard to dress, photography, and religion.  Be humble and do not expect special privileges.  Do not buy or wear items that are sacred or otherwise central to the culture.

Understand cultures on their own terms.  Enter a culture in a spirit of humility, with a desire to understand and a willingness to ask questions.  Do not make assumptions or act as if you know all the answers.  Truly observe and listen rather than just seeing and hearing.  Avoid racist, ethnocentric, pejorative, and sensationalizing language in your speaking, writing, and thinking.

Avoid creating barriers.  Travel in a way that doesn’t create walls between you and the place you are visiting.  Walk, bicycle, or use other non-motorized transport whenever possible.  Minimize your use of technology to avoid letting gadgets get between you and the natural rhythms of your destination.  Be especially careful in your use of video and camera equipment.

Do not undermine the local culture.  Do not participate in tourism activities that negatively affect local values or traditions.  Consider that you may be one of thousands of visitors and understand the cumulative effects of tourism on the local culture.  Choose activities that preserve and celebrate cultural diversity.