Travel is not only about new places and new people to discover but more of understanding one's culture, helping its sustainability without compromising environmental issues. When visiting a particular destination in the Philippines we, travelers should think also of the sight/s, culture and environment preservation and/or protection. There should have a mutual benefit towards both host destination and the guests. Therefore, (As far as I know) the Philippine government (especially D.O.T) is now urging people (local and/or foreign) to be more responsible and act accordingly when visiting local destinations.
Meanwhile, As Individual we should also contribute to our National Government by helping them exercise these agendas. Following are some of the things that we might consider when we go travel:
SEARCH before you make your Travel Booking/s
• Read as much as possible about the place you are going to visit.
• Read as much as possible about the place you are going to visit.
People, Culture, Weather, Government etc.
• Ask your Tour Operator/s to help you learn more about your destination.
• Ask your Tour Operator/s to help you learn more about your destination.
Ask what to bring and what NOT to bring?
• Why not learn a few words of the local language and their customs when greeting and meeting new people?
Pinoys are hospitable enough to greet you back :)
MEET LOCAL PEOPLE
• Remember that you are a guest. Know them more by interacting (Be Friendly too! :)
• Why not learn a few words of the local language and their customs when greeting and meeting new people?
Pinoys are hospitable enough to greet you back :)
MEET LOCAL PEOPLE
• Remember that you are a guest. Know them more by interacting (Be Friendly too! :)
Be open and respect their way of living. Learn and experience their culture
• Be careful when visiting holy places like churches, temples or sacred grounds.
• Be careful when visiting holy places like churches, temples or sacred grounds.
Be aware of how you dress according to local customs.
• Show respect for elderly people regardless status and work.
• Show respect for beggars and think twice before you give anything to them.
• Show respect for elderly people regardless status and work.
• Show respect for beggars and think twice before you give anything to them.
You may encourage them to continue begging.
• Ask before taking pictures of a particular place or people. If not allowed? Please do not take photo.
• Ask before taking pictures of a particular place or people. If not allowed? Please do not take photo.
Some places may charge a small fee for taking photos.
(Other places may not allow you to use camera flash)
• Be polite and do not provoke. (Oh Please! You're a tourist, Not a wrestler or whatever...)
• Be careful where you smoke and drink alcohol. Smoking is not yet common in many small communities and travelers should not encourage local people to smoke.
(Other places may not allow you to use camera flash)
• Be polite and do not provoke. (Oh Please! You're a tourist, Not a wrestler or whatever...)
• Be careful where you smoke and drink alcohol. Smoking is not yet common in many small communities and travelers should not encourage local people to smoke.
Some areas also have strict rules about smoking and drinking.
THINK OF THE ENVIRONMENT
• Water shortages are common in many places so it is advisable to shower instead of bathing.
Do not let the tap water run unnecessarily while brushing your teeth or even washing your face.
Do not use more towels than necessary.
Turn off lamps and other electrical equipment when they are not in use. (plug it out too!)
EXPERIENCE THE FOOD!
• Try local dishes in local restaurants or Cafeteria.
Try not to eat all your meals at one place - but spread your money and increase your experience
by trying out different restaurants. (This will help locals too :) aside from buying food/s for local economic growth contribution.
EXCURSIONS: Support trips by group of people (This will help the local community's profit)
• Choose environmentally friendly excursions even if it costs you a bit more money.
THINK OF THE ENVIRONMENT
• Water shortages are common in many places so it is advisable to shower instead of bathing.
Do not let the tap water run unnecessarily while brushing your teeth or even washing your face.
Do not use more towels than necessary.
Turn off lamps and other electrical equipment when they are not in use. (plug it out too!)
EXPERIENCE THE FOOD!
• Try local dishes in local restaurants or Cafeteria.
Try not to eat all your meals at one place - but spread your money and increase your experience
by trying out different restaurants. (This will help locals too :) aside from buying food/s for local economic growth contribution.
EXCURSIONS: Support trips by group of people (This will help the local community's profit)
• Choose environmentally friendly excursions even if it costs you a bit more money.
(Part of that "cost" will proceed to the local community :)
Use local transport if possible and don't be afraid to ask questions on where you can avail excursion trips.
THINK BEFORE YOU SHOP
• Do not buy products made of endangered species or plants.
Use local transport if possible and don't be afraid to ask questions on where you can avail excursion trips.
THINK BEFORE YOU SHOP
• Do not buy products made of endangered species or plants.
Cultural heritage is not a souvenir! Do not purchase such items or take "trophies" from places you are visiting. You can usually buy copies in the souvenir shop.
• Pay a fair price that both parties are happy about.
• Pay a fair price that both parties are happy about.
You have to think also of the help that you may parted with the local community you're visiting
• Buy locally produced goods and services and take an interest in where the items are being produced.
Never buy drugs - you may end up spending years in prison, or worse in some places like Pacific Ocean. (I heard it from Mr Duterte :D haha
MIND ALSO YOUR SURROUNDINGS
• Leave wildflowers and plants alone and enjoy them in their natural environment.
• Buy locally produced goods and services and take an interest in where the items are being produced.
Never buy drugs - you may end up spending years in prison, or worse in some places like Pacific Ocean. (I heard it from Mr Duterte :D haha
MIND ALSO YOUR SURROUNDINGS
• Leave wildflowers and plants alone and enjoy them in their natural environment.
I believe you don't go to certain places just to pick flowers right? what more if it is wildflower? Just take photo! haha
• Respect wild animals and keep your distance for your own safety and do not disturb them.
• Respect wild animals and keep your distance for your own safety and do not disturb them.
Don't feed wild animals or cause unnecessary noise. (You'll regret it if you do)
• Do not litter outdoors or in the street. If there is no bin - take your trash with you.
• Do not litter outdoors or in the street. If there is no bin - take your trash with you.
Garbage is for the garbage bin only. Get it?
TIPPING
• There's NO rule when it comes to tipping. We give tips whenever we are satisfied from the service/s that we have received.
Do not argue about these matter, it's your decision whether to give or not to give.
Just keep in mind that whenever we travel, We are NOT travelling just to see different places but to embrace its culture. Know more about that certain place then as a tourist, help them achieve a better, sustainable, and profitable economic growth without compromising its natural beauty.
#ResponsibleTourism #SMETravel
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