| Empty your wallet
or purse of anything you won’t be using during your trip. Leave your expensive
watches, rings, and jewelry at home. If you can’t bear to lose it, don’t bring
it. A money belt worn under your clothes is very handy. A small waist belt or
"fanny" pack is helpful for keeping your essentials accessible. |
|
| Remember to travel
light. In some places, or on some trips, you may be responsible for handling your own
bags. All group participants will receive a packing list appropriate to their destination. |
|
| For safety’s
sake, assume that your checked baggage (if any) will be delayed or lost by the airline.
Always carry your passport, travel documents, cash, traveler’s checks, medicines,
glasses, camera, film, etc., on the plane with you. |
|
| Also carry on a
toiletry kit and a change of clothes. Your daypack is ideal for this purpose. If your trip
requires hiking boots, consider wearing them on the plane. Bring with you a sturdy quart
bottle filled with water. You’ll appreciate having it if we experience any delays,
and you’ll be able to refill it for use during the trip. |
|
| • Clothing |
| In most places we
visit, the local people are more conservative than we are at home, although attitudes are
changing. Because we are guests we try to respect local customs. |
|
| Shorts are seldom
worn by either men or women in most cities; skirts or long pants on women are the norm,
especially at night. Small towns tend to be more conservative, so take your cue from the
local people and your guide. Swim suits belong only on the beach and/or swimming pools. |
|
| We will attract
enough attention to ourselves without trying, so leave the revealing, outrageous, or goofy
stuff at home. |
|
| • Money |
| Traveler’s
checks can be difficult to cash and will usually exchange at a slightly lesser rate than
cash. We generally recommend taking about 30% of your money in traveler’s checks.
It’s best to purchase the smaller denominations (mostly $20) of a well known brand.
Remember that you can use a major credit card in many places. Take lots of small bills
($1’s, $5’s & $10’s); you can tip with them, and they are more readily
changeable to local currency in hotels, shops, and restaurants. |
|
| • Shopping |
| Many trips present
excellent opportunities to purchase locally produced products. Some markets and stores
have fixed prices easily visible, others aren't marked. When prices are marked the owner
will probably not haggle with you. Haggling is a bit more complicated than making
a counter offer of a lower price. |
|
| To properly
negotiate you usually need to be speaking the same language. The negotiation is supposed
to be fun for both sides, but many travelers rather rudely bark out a price without
understanding the subtlety of the process. |
|
| If you don't speak
the local language ask your guide for help. Also, keep in mind that you may find yourself
refusing to pay the asked price when the cost difference is negligible. Lighten up —you're talking about pocket
change. If you have questions about bringing items into the U.S. try the U.S. Customs Home Page. |
|
| • Behavior |
| Our intention is to
have minimal impact on the areas we visit and on the people who live there. Non-judgmental
appreciation of how other people live, an open mind, and common courtesy governed by local
custom will make you a welcome visitor anywhere. |
|
| Make an attempt to
speak the local language, even if it’s only to say "hello", "excuse
me", or "thanks." Your efforts will be appreciated, and local folks will
often initiate the encounters that make traveling so much fun. |
|
| Photography can be
a touchy issue. Use your camera with courtesy and discretion. If you first attempt to
engage someone in conversation you may then be allowed to take a photo, and you might make
a friend. |
|
| Facial expressions
are understood in every language, so remember that a smile will take you a lot farther
than a frown. |
|
| We are likely to
see poverty and living conditions that may make us feel uncomfortable. You will possibly
be approached by beggars. In some areas begging is discouraged, but if you feel like
giving a few small coins to the truly needy/disabled that will be all right. Consult your
guide. You can’t cure an individual’s, or a country’s, economic ills by
yourself, so don’t try. |
|
| • Personal Safety & Security |
| One of the
questions most frequently asked is, "Is it safe to visit Copper Canyon?" While
there are no guarantees, you will probably be safer during your trip than you are at home. |
|
| Theft is probably
less common where we travel than at home, but it happens. When visiting regions with a
lower standard of living than ours, be prudent. Possessions we take for granted can
present a huge temptation. |
|
| For example, your
camera could easily cost a local person six months pay. A small lock for your bag is a
good idea. Keep an eye on your things, and help your fellow travelers watch their gear,
too. Wear a money belt, and don’t carry all your money in one place. Use a hotel safe
if available. Be aware of your surroundings. Just use common sense. |
|
| For additional info about safety and security in the countries we
visit, you can go to the US State
Department Bureau of Consular Affairs page. |
|
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