GreatEscape Foundation's
Responsible Travelers Creed

Minimize your impact. Pack it in, pack it out. Leave nothing in your wake, take only
pictures and good memories with you!

Be patient with the folks you encounter. They're not in Kansas anymore and it may
take a few moments for them to adjust to your language.

You never get a second chance to make a first impression, so don't be an imperialist pig.
Encourage sustainable old ways and be respectful of local customs. Believe or not, we
don't have all the answers!

Stay on designated paths and within designated areas.

When visiting sacred or historic sites, take only photographs. Please adhere to "no photos"
and "no flash" rules.

Pack this mindset for your travels: make friends and listen.

Ask permission from the people you wish to photograph up close. If you're in doubt,
ask first before your shoot!

Do not remove or disturb architectural fragments, natural habitats, stones or foliage.

Don't buy artifacts or works of art that may be taken from historic or sacred sites, or
purchase objects from endangered species.

Do some research. Attempt to educate yourself about the language (Learn a few useful
phrases like Hello, Please and Thank You!), customs, art, history and geography of a
destination before you go.

Remember that many historic and sacred sites are still real, functioning places for local
inhabitants and not just for tourists.

Support local artists and craftspeople.

For your own safety, keep a low profile. Be aware of what's around the corner. Two words:
situational awareness! Dress casually, leave your jewelry at home, don't weigh yourself down,
read guidebooks and maps sitting somewhere off the beaten path (like at a cafe or restaurant).
Stay cool....

Remember the Golden Rule... And no, not the one about the man who owns the gold rules either!