Do your homework. Read up on the places you want to visit. This is not so time consuming with all the sites in the internet and people sharing their own experiences freely in the web. As an example, maybe feeding pigeons is accepted in your home...but in some cities, it is a criminal offence, and that's just one example! Guides will help you when you get to the site...but is that the best place to go? Is it popular only because the one day tourist can see it easily or is really a worthwhile place to visit. . You can get information from sites like Sustainable Travel International or Stay Another Day on eco-friendly products and services in your target area.
Go green. There are many occasions to do this starting in your hotel with towels and sheets. If you are staying longer, ask them to do your sheets and towels not every day but when they are ready for the laundry. Do the right thing around air conditioners, heaters, and other electronic gadgets. Turn them off. Better still, stay in hotels that have recycling programs well in place and abide with their guidelines. Support local businesses. Try to buy something from the local stores with local brands. Why buy the same thing you can get at home? You will help circulate money in the local economy and support or create jobs for local people. Try to patronize businesses that are not engaged in illegal trade and exploitation, the exploitation of humans, especially children and the looting of artifacts. Every year, an estimated $6 billion of the world's cultural heritage is stolen and sold. Stealing peoples' heritage? Don't do it!
Experience the place. So often, we go on tours and retreat to our hotels for meals. Walk around, even if only in the streets closest to your hotel. Eat in local restaurants. Talk to the locals. Learn a few words in the local language and use it. You will surely get a smile from the hotel staff and street vendors. Challenge yourself to go off the beaten path, a step beyond your comfort limit each time you take a trip. You will be surprised at the experiences you will get to treasure in your memory....
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Author: Mary Norton