Travelling Green

1. Do as much research as possible before you leave home.

2. Learn a few words of the local language.

3. Know what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior in terms of dress, eating, and social
interactions. Males and females travelling together should be restrained in their behavior: for
example, in India they should not hold hands, kiss, or be overly demonstrative while in public.

4. Eating with your left hand is considered taboo by many Hindus. Practice eating with your
right hand.

5. Leave as much excess packaging at home (film boxes, anything plastic_)

6. Go with the flow. India definitely has different concepts concerning time, personal space,
and what is deemed socially acceptable behavior.

7. Dress appropriately. Look at the locals to get an idea of what to wear. Women should not
expose too much skin or wear clothing that is too formfitting.

8. Buy locally and support the local economy.

9. When hiking, keep erosion to a minimum by staying on the existing trail where possible.

10. Native flora, especially at high altitude, tends to be fragile and slow growing. Try to keep
one eye on your feet while taking in the sights.

11. Pack out your rubbish.

12. Instead of buying bottled water, invest in a sturdy water bottle and boil or purify your water.

13. When the call of nature beckons, try to stay at least 100 meters away from any watercourse.

14. If bathing or swimming in a lake or river, be considerate of the locals by observing casual
attire. Aboid using soaps which may contaminate their drinking water.

15. Don't buy souvenirs made from wild animal products.

16. When observing wildlife, try to stay at a distance. A good rule of thumb is that if the animal
changes its direction of travel because of you, then you are too close. Invest in a good pair of
binoculars or a telephoto lens for your camera.