Following these guidelines helps preserve the wonderful places and cultures people travel so far to see.

1. Be aware that smaller towns have less infrastructure to deal with garbage. Favour reusable containers, and try to avoid leaving toxic or long-lasting trash behind. If in doubt, pack it out.
2. Often in small villages people have to work hard to get your water. Please turn off the tap while you soap up, or use other conservation tactics.
3. In most rural areas, and especially in largely Muslim areas, women should cover their thighs, chest, and stomach (i.e. avoid spaghetti-strap tank tops, short shirts, shorts, or above-knee skirts), and men should wear shirts. Shorts and t-shirts are not appropriate for “events” (i.e. chief visits) for either sex.
4. Be aware of the impact of gift-giving to individuals. If you make friends with someone, or they go significantly out of their way for you, by all means buy them a cold drink or give them a small memento. If you want to help people, often the best way to do so if to give items or money to a school, church, or organization that offers programs that you support and trust. Otherwise, in a few years, especially children’s behaviour towards tourists can rapidly change.
5. When exploring villages, taking photographs, or sharing cultural insights with companions, be sensitive to the people who are your hosts. Ask permission to take photos of people, respect privacy, and be discreet.
6. If possible, buy food, drinks, souvenirs, or services such as guiding locally, so the community will have direct economic benefit from your visit.
7. When hiking or mountain biking, stick to the trail where possible to avoid erosion and plant damage.
8. When camping, choose sites that are already established, or areas where you are less likely to damage plant life. Make sure when you leave the next people would not know you had been there.