Respect
Photo: Julien Bertrand, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Travellers usually wish to respect the people, culture and environment they are visiting. You are also leaving impressions of your culture on the places you visit. There are some general guidelines that help to show respect at most destinations. Accordingly, these guidelines are not repeated in the destination guides.
ConversationsIn many cultures, honour is a very important concept. Losing one's honour may make one lose friends, job and everything else.
DressRegardless of the legal position at destinations, public nudity is generally only acceptable in designated locations. Just what constitutes nudity is sometimes different from country to country and culture to culture.
Get aroundIn crowded places, step to the side when stopping, so others may pass.
Sacred placesSacred places include constructed religious sites, cemeteries, tombs and memorials, and land significant to indigenous cultures. Some of these sites are interesting destinations for travellers.
Symbols and gesturesSome symbols may have positive connotations and religious symbolism for certain communities, but could have strong negative associations for others.
PeoplePerhaps the highest rate of intercultural pitfalls occur when being invited to someone's home.
EnvironmentThe volumes of visitors to sites of environmental significance can often threaten the environment they came to see. The same can be true for cultural sights.
PhotographyTaking pictures of people requires sensitivity. Photography of people as part of a scene is generally okay. Photography of people involved in an attraction is generally okay also.
Law enforcementIf one of your priorities is to show respect, which is generally conducive to having a good time, just obey the laws, whatever they are – find out in advance!
Racial and national identityIn most countries, racial and national identity is a sensitive topic.
See also
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Respect" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Julien Bertrand, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons