FreeSpirit Adventure Tours is strongly committed to minimising the negative impacts of tourism and having positive relationships with local people. We believe in the principles of responsible travel, of respecting the people, cultures and local environments and in the best possible distribution of wealth. We wish only to spread good-will and cross-cultural sharing in balanced way wherever we go.

Respecting Culture Religion and Etiquette
Experiencing cultural diversity is one of the great joys of travelling, and we need to make sure that these differences are encouraged and respected.  Things are done differently in Asia, which is why we love it! A few of the more important codes of behaviour that apply throughout the areas in which we travel are listed below...

* Hindu Temples are for Hindus Only! Though visiting the temple compound is often allowed. Always remove your shoes when entering a temple compound and do not wear items of leather clothing.

* Showing affection in public is widely considered offensive and in some places is actually illegal. Definitely no kissing! Though it’s rare to see couples holding hands, it is quite common to see friends (even policemen and soldiers) of the same sex holding hands.

* Beckoning with your finger to call somebody is considered impolite. Asian people generally use a subtle downward waving of the hand to summon someone.

* A person’s head and legs are very symbolic in Asia. Avoid touching a person on the head or on the legs.

* It is considered polite (and clean) to remove ones shoes before entering a house.

* Avoid expressing anger with a raised voice. Foreigners often make fools of themselves by shouting in annoyance. 'Saving Face' is a subtle but important quality for maintaining personal dignity.

* Avoid violent or boisterous behaviour at ALL times!

* When in the company of local people avoid handling food with your left hand. Sometimes simply handing something to a person with the left hand can be seen as offensive.

Awkward Question Time
Asians will often ask questions which in Western society would be considered impolite or personal. A simple approach for the foreign traveller is to be friendly and open but ready to answer those awkward and often repetitive questions. “Which country? Where you are going? Are you married? How many children do you have?”

Remember they are really just being friendly and curious, so being prepared for this and always remaining polite and patient is the key. “I’m from Germany” or “I’m from Europe.” “I’m getting married next year.” or “I want to have children when I’m married”.

Another question often asked is “What is your Caste?” Or “What is your Religion?” Often Asians may not know about western attitudes to religion and assume you may follow their own religion. Often it’s simply a concern that you have religion! Answers such as, “I have no god or no religion” will shock and only serve to alienate an enquirer. “My religion has no Caste” or “As a Christian/Jew/Catholic etc I celebrate our main festivals” is generally enough to satisfy an inquisitive local.

Begging Versus Baksheesh
Begging is an everyday activity for millions of Asians. But giving to beggars can result in a group being swamped with beggars. The elderly and infirm should be the recipients of any such donations, given the absence of any state or social welfare. We suggest giving with grace, subtlety and discretion to avoid any awkward backlash.

Baksheesh is a cultural norm and is always given when any kind of service is delivered. Baksheesh serves to reward the Service Provider (and typically gains their attention for future help). How much you give depends on the nature and effort involved in whatever you may have asked for or whatever was done. It’s a black art and requires moderation at all times. To accept a person’s service and not give baksheesh is often construed as mean and considered to be ‘breaking a contract’. Sometimes it may be the only form of income the Service Provider has. Keeping a supply of small denomination bank notes or coins in an accessible pocket, helps you quickly and discretely pay your Room Service Boy, Porter or Rickshaw Puller.

Taking Photographs
Where photos are concerned, sensitivity is the key. Always ask for permission before you take a photograph of a person, and respect their answer if they refuse. Minority groups in particular are often unhappy to have their photo taken. They may think they look untidy, if in work clothes. Some groups believe that part of their spirit is taken away if they are photographed. Avoid paying for the right to take a photo as this often encourages a begging mentality in the locals especially children. We encourage our guests to send back copies either through our guides or directly to the people themselves. Never take pictures at airports or near military establishments.

The Environment and Disposal of Plastic
One of the first things visitors to Asia notice is the rubbish! Plastic is the main culprit here and we ask all our guests to dispose of plastic waste in a suitable manner. Simply throwing it in a rubbish bin is often prolonging the problem as bins will simply be emptied into the river. The use of plastic water bottles and plastic bags should be kept to a minimum and disposed of either by burning or in urban centres where rubbish management may be more sophisticated.

Re-using plastic bottles and strong plastic bags is an obvious way. Keeping them as long as possible until they can be disposed of suitably. Give the bottle to someone else, they can use it for storing liquids and to use the bottle again. When buying goods or souvenirs ask for them to wrapped in paper bags or newspaper or simply put them in bags you have on your person. Many hill areas for example in north India now actively ban the sale of goods in plastic bags.

Try at all times to adhere to the adage “Take away photos and memories but leave only footprints.”