Responsible Travel

Making new friends will be one of the greatest joys of your travels. Don't expect any special privileges though, as you may be only one of many travellers to the area. Accept and enjoy offers of hospitality when you can by taking the time to chat with the locals you will learn about their daily lives, culture and attitude to life.

Be prepared for lots of questions. Just walking in the street you may be asked: "What's your name? How old are you?, - things you may consider personal. Don't be affronted or consider it rude or an invasion of privacy. It's usually genuine curiosity, friendliness or a desire to practice their English. Concepts of privacy in some countries can be very different to your home country.

2worldtours is dedicated to the protection and welfare of children and the disadvantaged communities that we visited and trust that all tour participants will honour these values. 


There are a few general codes of behaviour that apply throughout the areas we operate.

  • In Asia crooking your finger to call somebody is considered impolite. People generally use a subtle downward waving motion to summon someone.
  • Also in Asian countries, showing affection in public is considered quite offensive . Away from the major urban centres it is extremely rare to see couples holding hands. To the contrary it is quite common to see friends of the same sex holding hands.
  • In most countries it is inappropriate to express anger in a raised voice. Becoming angry is embarrassing to the local people with whom you are dealing - they will not be embarrassed for themselves, but for you making a fool of yourself.
  • Many countries visited by 2WorldTours have conservative dress standards, loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climate.
  • Shorts should be knee-length. Singlets and tank tops are not suitable. Dress modestly at religious sites  When in doubt about dress, look to how the majority of locals are clothed.

Shopping

Buy handicrafts and art directly from the makers in local villages when you can, rather than from fancy emporiums or department stores. This may help the maker to obtain a better price. We support a number of community cooperatives and disabled handicraft centres. Ask your tour leader for a list of outlets and centres for the area you are in.  We ask you not to purchase endangered flora and fauna products that may be offered for sale. In many cases wildlife products that are offered for sale in popular tourist locations cannot be taken through customs on your return home.

Bargaining

If you travel anywhere in Asia you will somewhere a long the way have to bargain.  The most important thing is to remember to enjoy the experience, and remember you're often only bargaining over only a couple of dollars - keep it in perspective. The art of bargaining is simple if you follow these tips:

  • Start bargaining with some idea of what you consider a fair price for the item to be. This will usually involve sourcing the item in a number of different stores;
  • The correct price for an item is the price you agree to pay, that keeps both you and the seller happy. Therefore there's no 'right' price;
  • Be polite, patient, but firm in your bargaining. No-one ever has received a cheaper price through being rude or insensitive;
  • Don't appear too interested in an item. Walking out of a store is often a good way to get the price to drop;
  • Shop with a friend - buying in bulk will often reduce the price;
  • Learn the numbers in the local language. It will win respect from the seller, and will certainly make the process a lot more interesting; and
  • Once a price you have offered is accepted it is not appropriate to back out of the deal.

Prositution

The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to our philosophy and we are strongly opposed to any of our travellers visiting prostitutes while travelling with us. Be aware that prostitution in most countries is a gross infringement of human rights, as women and children are sold into the industry by their families. We strongly condemn anyone who supports prostitution. We support a number of projects which work in the area of trafficking – ask your tour leader if you wish to find out more information.

Drugs

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any of our trips and the tour leader has the right to expel a member of the group if drugs are found in their possession. It must be understood that possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land, but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is practiced in some parts of the world, but is not acceptable on any of our tours.

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