Tread lightly & make a difference
Visitors are often pleased to receive useful tips on suggested behaviour and cultural traditions of the country they visit. The following guidelines we hope will be informative and enlightening and the information will be used to make the most of your Exotissomo Great Adventures.

Protecting Biodiversity
Many species of wild fauna and flora throughout South-East Asia are critically endangered yet still exploited for domestic consumption, sold illegally on the international market, and destroyed simply through lack of environmental education and awareness. In order to counter this, please do not buy products that exploit wildlife or will damage habitats, refrain from ordering wild meat dishes and buy only honey that is farmed. Avoid buying animal by-products such as coral, or dried traditional medicines made from animal parts such as seahorses. Play a role in conservation by visiting managed conservation areas and national parks.

Sustaining Communities
Buying locally made crafts and supporting local skills, goods and services is a great way to boost local income. Seek out 'Fair Trade' outlets or those run by local people; in this way you will be sure that your products are locally produced. Bargaining in Asia is usually the accepted and expected custom and bargaining with a smile makes the experience more enjoyable. It is recommended to hire a local guide when visiting protected areas or historical sites. In this way contributions will go directly to the local community. Your stay will be enriched by efforts to engage in friendly exchanges with local people who love to hear foreigners attempt to speak a few words of their language.

Trekking & Biking
The constant flow of tourists in trekking areas can have a negative impact on the fragile ecological balance of these places. Help by keeping to designated trails when out walking or riding, both for your safety and the protection of the environment. Try not to approach wildlife too closely as it narrows their escape route and may alarm and disturb them. Do not touch or feed wild animals. Avoid making unnecessary noise.

Bury, Burn and Biodegrade
Try not to use chemical shampoo or soap in rivers, lakes or the sea. Soap products can upset the chemical balance of the water and kill plant and animal life. Biodegradable items will help to keep waterways free from pollution and thereby conserve the fragile eco-systems of rivers and sea. If there are no toilet facilities available, bury waste and avoid sites near waterways. Burn paper if possible or if there is a risk of fire, carry it out. Before leaving home remove unwanted packaging, to save discarding it later. There are few public litter bins in developing countries, so this may mean carrying it with you for a while, especially when trekking or visiting hilltribe villages. Human litter can be deadly to wild animals as well as make the environment unattractive.

Giving money, gifts or tips
Giving money to children and adults tends to highlight the income gap between visitors and locals. Avoid giving children money. It is better to pay for a postcard, map or a shoeshine or ask the local guide for advice on how to respond to begging and about appropriate gifts. It is usually a good idea to give gifts as a group through the guide to a school or charity. Handing out sweets may encourage children to be a nuisance. Tipping small amounts of money for good services rendered is generally appreciated.

Keep your head when others are losing theirs
Travelling is fun but is not always relaxing or easy, particularly in Asia. It can occasionally be unpredictable, slow and frustrating but it is deemed extremely impolite and embarrassing for people to lose their tempers or behave aggressively in Asia. Conflicts and problems are usually resolved with a smile and a compromise.