6/10/2020
The importance of respecting cultures while traveling | Traian Jikovski | Travel
a The importance of respecting cultures while traveling
Traveling is like no other experience. It is the only true way to see the world from a di erent point of view and gain a fresh perspective. It brings to life the things that seemed so far away in books and movies. That being said, as a visitor to a foreign land, you have both rights and responsibilities. Perhaps the most important rule to remember is to have an understanding of and a respect for your host country’s culture. When you travel, it’s entirely possible that you are the rst/only American that people will ever meet. Even if you are one of a handful of visitors, you still represent America. The impression that people walk away with after interacting with you is going to be shaped into their views about all Americans, for better or for worse. It’s important to represent yourself and your country in the best possible light, if for no other reason than teaching future generations how important it is to get along and coexist peacefully. In addition to taking the proactive steps of studying a host country, it’s important to keep a keen eye out for local’s behavior. This can be an excellent indicator of what to do and what to avoid. If you are not sure whether your will o end someone local by doing something, take the time to observe locals in the area. If they are not doing it, then it stands to reason that you shouldn’t either. In America, we are a nation of sel e-takers and documentarians. This is not the same all over the world. It can be very o ensive to take a photo without asking permission rst. https://traianjikovski.org/the-importance-of-respecting-cultures-while-traveling/
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