SAN RAFAEL, CA, March 06, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Are you a tourist or a traveler?
In recent years, the trend has been to classify a "tourist" as a person with little respect for the culture and the land he/she visits. While a "traveler" is the opposite; someone who respects the laws and cultural differences of the people and the land visited.
To encourage building bridges to friendships, Taste Hawaii - a Hawaii travel information service for conscientious travelers - advises practicing the following travel etiquette:
- Prepare for your trip by researching the history, culture and people of your vacation destination.
- Leave the master-of-the-universe bit at home.
- Activities that you practice today may have been "borrowed" from the culture you are visiting.
- Stay away from derogatory statements, for example: "Y'all were discovered by..."
- Challenge your preconceived realities and delete the trash.
- Ask locals for recommendations for books, cultural centers and places to visit.
- Obey all laws.
- Be respectful when taking photographs; comply with local customs.
- An itinerary that looks like a book will ensure that stress will be a travel companion.
- Remember that lines will be longer, distances will be greater and traffic will be heavier.
- Talk to locals for realistic timetables.
- Smile, breathe and be patient.
- Those watered-down Mai Tai cocktails that you will drink at the luau will benefit you; less alcohol.
- The golden rule: alcohol equals taxi ride back to the hotel, condo, etc. ... 'nuff said.
- A visit to the local food bank or orphanage to contribute should be included in your itinerary.
Taste Hawaii seeks to bridge the gaps between community, culture and business.
We specialize in group travel events for foodies.
Website: http://www.taste-hawaii.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/TasteHawaii
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Taste-Hawaii/344132552354
Telephone: (866) 613-4438
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