Many of us choose to travel for many reasons: visiting famous ruins, climbing an iconic peak, seeing captivating wildlife … the list could go on and on. At the same time, many of us travelers come away with a much greater than anticipated appreciation for the local people we meet in the country we visit. It is often said that a smile is the universal language, and it can be a charming part of our trip to make our way through our trip relying on our guides and some nonverbal communication. However, it is both practical and polite to learn some of the language of the people whose homelands we will be visiting.

When it comes to clothing for travel, is one outfit as good as another? A pricier pair of pants just a gimmick, trodding the fashion treadmill? And what about something more specific, like a rain jacket? Does our old one we dig out of the back of the closet work just as well as one we might choose at an outdoor retailer after talking to a specialist there?

Authentically connecting with the local people in the countries we visit is a central part of why many of us travel. At Global Basecamps, we emphasize the importance of “know before you go” in regard to the economic, environmental, and especially social, aspects of our destination countries. Learning about these topics greatly helps us better know how to build relationships with both the traditional and more modernized citizens.

When preparing for your next ecotourism vacation it’s good to consider the country’s cultural norms and social etiquette. This is important so we can maintain a good, positive and sustainable tourist-host relationship. As we have mentioned in our previous Know Before You Go blogs, a great way to do this is by taking just a little time before your travels to learn about your host country’s culture, social norms, and codes of conduct. A little effort goes a long way and the locals will recognize your efforts, as it  demonstrates you respect and curiosity about their home and ways of life.

Global Basecamps, we are here to connect you to the most authentic sustainable travel experiences the world has to offer. We know that travel has the power to inspire, educate and transform, and that there are many reasons and occasions that guide where and why we travel. By sharing destination and sample itineraries - including activities, points of interest and special occasions that might be inspiring you to travel - we help you get started on your journey towards a trip of a lifetime. Read on to learn more about what kinds of travel experiences Global Basecamps has to offer!