Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Try to blend in to the local community - be conscious of any religious dress
codes and dress accordingly. It's important to be respectful when you are visiting
someone else's country
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Photographs - certain sites within a country can be sensitive,
eg
military bases,
government buildings etc. Be mindful of what you are photographing. It's worth
asking before you snap so as not to run into trouble or cause offence
Your first impression of some countries will be a swarm of people descending on you, pes-
tering you to take a taxi or buy something - at night when you're tired from a long plane
trip it can be quite scary. If you're not being met by anyone, check whether there's a pre-
pay kiosk in the airport and pay for a ticket to your ultimate destination. That way the taxi
driver can't take you on a detour since they won't get their money until you're safely de-
livered and your 'chit' has been signed.
Some people advise that, if you arrive alone in the middle of the night (which is often the
case on long-haul budget flights), it might be safer to wait until daylight before heading
onwards. That's not a pleasant prospect in most airports, but it may occasionally be the
sensible option.
In many countries of the developing world, where there are no social security or welfare
systems, life can be extremely tough and leave people close to despair. That's likely to be
even more the case, in the face of growing food shortages and escalating fuel and food costs
as a result of the ongoing global recession. What may seem like a cheap trinket to you may
be enough to buy them a square meal for which they are desperate enough to steal from
you violently, so it is sensible not to wear too much jewellery.
Equally, wandering around discarding uneaten food is a particularly tactless thing to do,
when large numbers of people may not know where their next meal is coming from.
Bear in mind that, in most places, even the so-called First World, rural communities are
usually far more traditional and straight-laced than city ones and casual western dress codes
and habits can offend.
If you don't want to find yourself in real trouble, do some research. Each culture or religion
has its own codes of behaviour and taboos and, while no one would expect you to live by
all their rules, as an ethical and responsible traveller, showing respect for the basic prin-
ciples is a must as a guest in their country, not to mention being a sensible precaution if you
want to stay safe.
Also remember that a country's native people are not just part of the landscape, they are
individuals who deserve respect and courtesy, so if you want to take a photo of them - ask
first, or at least be discreet!
