5 important tips to keep in mind when travelling

Travelling is a rewarding experience that improves our lives, by allowing us to explore new places, and their perspectives and cultures. That is why it is very important to travel responsibly in a way that will protect the people and the environment of the destinations we will visit.

Here are 5 things you should always bear in mind while travelling.

Adhere to local rules and regulations

Before travelling anywhere, make some time to research various essentials like the customs, laws and etiquette of the place you are visiting. In addition to following procedures like visa requirements, entry and exit procedures and such, be very mindful of respecting the local traditions and culture, like greetings, dress codes, gestures, and so on. Most importantly, always make sure to avoid any behaviour that will harm or offend the local populace.

Good hotel etiquettes

Always treat the hotel staff with utmost respect and courtesy when you are staying at a hotel. Be friendly and polite when interacting with them and always give honest appreciation for their services and efforts. And if they have served you well, do not feel hesitant to tip them generously. Make sure to not make any unreasonable demands from them.

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Travelling essentials: Ways to become a responsible tourist

Taking any products that are not complimentary

Staying at a hotel or a resort will give you access to certain amenities, and you should be mindful about not taking anything that was not offered as a complementary service to you. Things like towels, bathrobes, toiletries, pillows, blankets and such belong to the hotel and are provided to you for your convenience. Taking them is downright stealing and can result in hefty fines or even legal actions. Instead, you can check with the authority about what is complimentary, and take those with you like shampoo sachets, tea bags, soap bars, and so on.

Be careful of scammers or malpractices

When travelling, always be on the lookout for scams and malpractices that will cost you money and can even cause harm to you. If you see any too-good-to-be-true food or travel deals in a place, make sure to do some research about it; check their ratings to see how authentic they are. It's a good idea to always check the menu and food prices before you start to order as in many tourist places, food pricing can be quite expensive. Avoid sharing any personal info with anyone that seems suspicious and in case of emergencies, get help from tourist police or relevant authorities.

Not littering and keeping the environment clean

As a responsible tourist, not littering and keeping the environment clean should be one of your top priorities, as this can help you preserve the beauty of any place you visit. It's a good idea to use a container or a reusable bag to store the trash or dispose of it properly in their designated bins. Go for eco-friendly products that can be reused and easily biodegradable. In case of any natural or historical sites, always refrain from doing things like spitting, defacing murals, or harming plants.