The Transcript

This week I am getting ready to head out to India on our second annual travel retreat and to say I am excited is an understatement. The joy of going home and showing a group of travelers all the beauty, culture and diversity that India has to offer is quite thrilling, actually. As I think back on our trip last year to Jaipur and rural villages in Rajasthan, it was an experience unlike any I have had. The people we met and the communities that we engaged with were so welcoming and I know we all left a little piece of our heart out in the desert of Rajasthan.

Lets face it, there is a little wanderlust in all of us. Everyone, at some point in their lives, wants to travel the world and experience all its beauty for themselves. Travel opens the mind to many different possibilities, and makes us more tolerant and conscious as humans. What might be simple, normal, and mundane to some, might be unique, challenging and exciting to others.

In the words of Gustave Flaubert

Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny space you occupy in the world

But when we travel to places outside of our cultural comfort zones, as I like to call it, we need to pay special attention to how we interact with the locals, the environment and other travelers. Culturally sensitive tourism is all about having a positive experience during your travels as well as leaving a positive impact on the people who live in the places we choose to visit.

So today on this episode of CulturallyOurs, I want to share with you some basic guidelines on how to be a culturally sensitive traveler during your trips – whether you plan on traveling with me on one of our future CulturallyOurs travel retreats or if you are out exploring on your own.

Practicing culturally sensitive toursim is truly not that difficult. If anything it involves a lot of self-awareness, humility and compassion for the things that we see and do.

Here are a few things to keep in mind

#1 Knowledge is key

Invest time before traveling to research the customs, and norms of the place you will visit. Customs vary not only by country, but by region and religion as well. Understand and appreciate the diverse cultural context, and be respectful of these differences. A little research prior to your journey, goes a long way in avoiding disappointment and despair when you find out that certain restrictions exist in the places where you are traveling. And of course it goes without saying always follow local rules.

#2 Be personable

Self confidence, an open attitude, and a genuine smile, are important wherever you travel. People will generally respond to you with the same attitude that you show them. Be open and honest about your needs and people will respond positively to you. One tip that I always tell the group that travels with me is to learn a few basic words in the local language so that you can have a basic conversation. Even if you only learn a few words for please, thank you and good morning, locals appreciate a tourist who takes the effort to understand the norms. Another thing to keep in mind is to try to keep your cool no matter what the situation. Things can get out of hand very quickly when heightened emotions are involved and no matter what, remember you are the outsider.

#3 Mixing photography and travel

This is a hot topic made popular by the advent of social media. I am sure this can be a whole podcast episode in itself but lets cover some basic guidelines here. Almost everyone around the world knows what a camera is, and what it can do. Even if you don’t know the language, simple hand gestures and pointing to the camera, can take you far in terms of communicating what is it that you are seeking. I firmly believe that you must always ask permission before photographing people and places wherever possible. Some places have specific photography rules and others may not. Just because you did not know the rule does not give you permission to break it. And not understanding the language should never be an excuse to photograph an unwilling person.

On the flip side, sometimes you can use your camera as an ice-breaker. Last year during our trip to Jaipur, so many locals would see us taking pictures and come ask us to their picture. Not only was this a chance to get to engage with them but it also was such a feel good moment for the group. Take a picture and show people the photos you’ve taken of them, and you will find that photography instantly becomes more fun and less intimidating. More than anything, respect the fact that “No” really does mean NO. Yes, I understand that there is another school of thought of whether asking for permission will ruin the composition of an image. And while a lot of photographers will argue one way or the other, I am of the opinion that if you are taking a picture of a person, you should make every effort to ask permission – either before or after.

#4 Travel without taking pictures

This one might ruffle some feathers out there but if possible, take the time to really travel without obsessing over capturing every minute of every day with your camera. In today’s world of ‘Insta-everything‘, there is an unhealthy obsession on documenting every minute of your travels. But instead give yourself permission to spend time exploring your surroundings without your camera, and your body and mind will thank you for it.

#5 Go local

Supporting local businesses is an important aspect of culturally sensitive and responsible travel. Not only will it allow you to have a more meaningful and immersive cultural experience, but you will also be contributing to the local economy through these small businesses. Instead of going for that chain restaurant you’re so familiar with, ask the locals for tips on where to eat and what kind of special dishes should you try.

So what are your thoughts on this topic? Do you think about any of these things when you travel? What other things do you take into consideration to be a culturally sensitive traveler? I would love to know your thoughts on this topic. I feel like not everyone wants to talk about being culturally sensitive especially when traveling and the more we engage in healthy dialogue the more we can educate ourselves on what is accepted behavior and what is not, don’t you agree?