Travel 101 - Be A Good Tourist

Hello my fretz!

Welcome to my Travel 101 Series, where you'll get tips and tricks on how to make your travels and adventures a hassle-free trip. You're going to learn the ropes of how to become a stress-free traveler.

It can’t be help that when you are in a new place, you get too excited and just so jumpy to keep the ball rolling and you forget that you’ve been out of character and you’ve forgotten to be more respectful on the places you’re visiting.

Be A Good Tourist

Travelling is one of the most exciting things in the whole world. This can give you different experiences and wisdom and you’ll be able to see the world at a different angle.

While roaming unknown streets of a new place, you must be at your best behavior at all times. In this way, you won’t be able to give a bad impression to the locals and this would steer you far away from trouble. Here are a few tips on how to be a good tourist:

Be a Law-Abiding Turist

As they say, ignorance of the law doesn’t mean you’ll get away with it. Every city/country has implemented certain laws that you have to follow that are not present in your home town.

In my country, as small and as it may seem there are laws that are applied is certain places that can’t be found in my hometown. For example, smoking public places is definitely a no, no in Davao. Get caught and you’ll have to pay or even worse get arrested by the police (Davao is the hometown of our Beloved President Rodrigo Duterte). Although the no smoking in public has been implemented there are places that you can get away with it.

Coron, Palawan is one. I’m not sure if it’s because of the tourists flocking the whole place or the government is just too busy to focus on the no-smoking policy and have other things to do.

In Bulacan, there’s are a few towns that requires motorcycle drivers to remove their helmets due to the increase in crime rates that are caused by criminals who wear full faced helmets while riding a motorcycle.

In Puerto Princesa, littering is strictly implemented and once caught you will have to pay a fine. I know that littering is definitely and should not be practiced but not all places are very keen on that. There are places in my country that does that more seriously than the others.

Respect Culture and Traditions

It’s expected that you are going to encounter different cultures and different way of living during your exploration. This is something that you should always follow and give respect.

Visiting Simala Shrine, this is a huge, sacred place and a lot of visitors come and go. You aren’t allowed to wear skirts that are below the knee and no shorts. Pants and t-shirt is fine. Any upper clothing is fine as long as it’s not showing some skin.

When you got to Mountain Province, some indigenous people do not like their photos taken. It’s best that you ask permission first before doing so.

It’s always great to know what the city/town’s cultures and traditions are beforehand as to not disrespect and blend like the locals.

Bite Your Tongue

 

As I’ve always emphasized every place is different from each other, if there are things that you don’t like better keep it to yourself or you can talk about it later amongst your travel frets. Stop making snide comments on how they look. You shouldn’t give out an impression that you don’t like their culture or beliefs.

Always be cautious on how you act in public, what may be okay in your hometown might not be okay in some areas. You also don’t know other people’s temperaments when they hear some bad comments about their place, you might get into trouble.

Having the time of your life, doesn’t mean that you need to be irresponsible and neglecting other people’s beliefs and traditions.

♥ @dawnsheree

All photos are from Unsplash.com

Travel 101 Series

Accommodation Tips and Tricks

Budget Travel Tips

How to Take Care of your Passport

How to Make the Most out of a Two-Day Vacation

My Top Five Safety Guidelines

Budget Tips for Solo Travelers