Each country has its own rules of good behavior and prohibitive moves.
Some may seem absurd to you, and others may be the same as your country, the only sure thing is that you have to respect them without many questions. We will not talk about these DO NOT in this article though. In this article we will talk about general rules of good conduct that apply in all countries and under all conditions . These are some advise about how to be a respectful traveler !!
DO YOUR RESEARCH
I imagine that in order for a destination to make this click for you , something you will have seen, something you will have heard of and would like to know more, to get to know it closely. The least you can do is a little research about the place, the most important sights, culture and food. Even better, learn one expression or two in the native language! A little real interest is always appreciated by locals .
Pozdravljeni ( Hello in Slovenian)
Show respect to monuments
No, you can not sit and have a snack on one of the 2,711 monoliths of the Holocaust Memorial in Berlin, symbolizing the dead Jews of all of Europe’s second World War. No, you can not get into the air chambers in Auschwitz and take a selfie (I’ve seen it happen), where thousands of people have left their last breath. There are monuments to which you can be photographed smiling – in front of Fontana Di Trevi throwing your coin , wishing to return one day- full of joy and there are others that you just have to show the proper RESPECT.
If you do not know what a particular monument is and you are already standing in front of it and looking at it, it is best to ask a local and learn, Excuses DO NOT EXIST, do not be a jerk.
Respect for ourselves guides our morals, respect for others guides our manners.
Don’t make fun of people.
Certainly some things will seem funny compared to what you already know. A strange word, a movement of the body or a gesture. There is nothing worse than laughing visibly in front of people who may feel bad or get insulted, imagine how you would feel if someone was laughing at something you said or did! NOT POLITE.
Diversity: the art of thinking independently together.
Follow the local dresscode
It is mainly applicable to Muslim countries, where culture is completely different from the western world we know. Obviously, like all of us, we may not agree with the specific idea that a woman must cover parts of her body just to go out, but we do have to respect that when we decide to visit that country. Without exaggeration and without meaning that you have to wear a burka, make sure to be modestly dressed and that’s it!
WATCH OUT FOR RELIGIOUS PLACES
On of the most important things about being a respectful traveler. Many temples around the world become the attraction of visitors, whether for their admirable architecture or for their history. You are sitting in the queue, patiently waiting to get in with a lot of people, take pictures and videos (as allowed), admire and wander around , but do not forget that we are talking about a place of worship and prayer. In some places there is a different entrance and space for visitors and locals (or those who want to pray), even so, however, we always speak low, we are quiet .
We do not trespass property
Εven though it might sound funny, there are signs outside many houses on various Aegean islands that emphasize that it is forbidden to climb up on their roofs to take pictures. I know that you have the perfect instagrammable picture, but to ruin foreign property or disturb the inhabitants of a region is the least rude (if not illegal).
LEAVE NOTHING ELSE BUT FOOTPRINTS
Apparently , this rule applies not only for the place we visit but for our hometown as well. Don’t leave your garbage on beaches , parks , streets , respect others and don’t litter.
Generally, as you understand the key word is respect. Respect to a place you chose to explore and get to know better, respect for the people who host you in their country and want to love it, respect for their history. Be a respectful traveler.
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Keep all the pictures and knowledge and the positive things you met. Do not forget to be quite open-minded in what negative you may have encountered, traveling to other cultures you will teach you that you can not always change what you see, but you may change the way that someone else will see the world through you. Did I say it too complicated?
Till next time
Evita.
