Cuba & Costa Rica Blog
About this blog
Written by Cuba and Costa Rica expert Christopher P. Baker, this blog will update readers on life in these two diverse and exciting countries.
Recent Posts
- Havana’s Columbus cemetery is a must-see Cuba highlight
- Costa Rica’s fearsome fer-de-lance—this snakes deserves respect!
- Silly season in U.S. politics threatens Cuba travel
- Costa Rica Aboard the National Geographic Sea Lion
- Cuba's healthcare system has its downside
- Río Chirripó Retreat a Perfect Costa Rica Escape
- Havana’s Casa del Habano - Cuba’s Best Cigar Shop
- Car robbery against me foiled in Costa Rica
- Havana’s Hotel Nacional Exemplifies Cuba’s Economic Dysfunction
- John Lennon Sculpture Unveiled in San José, Costa Rica
- New Paladares (Private Restaurants) Enliven Havana’s Restaurant Scene
- The Today Show to Air Cuba Special
- Win a $500 Continental Airlines Gift Card!
- Cuba’s premier tobacco farm continues the Robaina tradition
- Budget-Friendly Tips for Traveling in Costa Rica
Ten Pointers for Ethical Tourism in Costa Rica
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1. Travel with a spirit of humility and a genuine desire to meet and talk with local people.
2. Be aware of the feelings of others. Act respectfully and avoid offensive behavior.
3. Cultivate the habit of actively listening and observing rather than merely hearing and seeing. Avoid the temptation to know all the answers.
4. Realize that others may have concepts of time, and attitudes that are different–not inferior–to those you inherited from your own culture.
5. Instead of looking only for the exotic, discover the richness of another culture and way of life. Learn local customs and respect them.
6. Remember that you are only one of many visitors. Do not expect special privileges.
7. When bargaining with merchants don't take advantage of the poor. Pay a fair price.
8. Keep your promises to people you meet. If you cannot, do not make the promise.
9. Spend time each day reflecting on your experiences in order to deepen your understanding. Is your enrichment beneficial for all involved?
10. Be aware of why you are traveling in the first place. If you truly want a home away from home, why travel?
Click here to learn more about Costa Rica travel. You can also buy a copy of my book, Moon Costa Rica.
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Moon Travel Guides make independent travel and outdoor exploration fun and accessible. With expert and adventurous travel writers delivering a mix of honest insight, first-rate strategic travel advice, insider travel tips and an essential dose of humor, Moon Travel Guides ensure that travelers have an uncommon and entirely satisfying experience. Each travel book is filled with unique trip ideas, easy-to-use maps, and detailed information on sights, restaurants, and accommodations. Moon Travel Guides not only point you in the right direction, they inspire new ideas and adventure. Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach trip to Hawaii, or an adventure travel trip to the rainforests of Costa Rica, Moon guidebooks—and Moon.com—are with you every step of the way. Founded in 1973, the Moon Travel Guides series includes Moon Handbooks, Moon Outdoors, Moon Metro, Moon Living Abroad and Moon Spotlight travel books. Moon is based in Berkeley, California and is a proud member of the Perseus Books Group.
I liked the pointer of
Posted by Emmi on April 25, 2011 at 9:04 pm
I liked the pointer of promise......i think these are very useful tips.
Thanks for sharing this,
Posted by Harry28 on March 17, 2010 at 8:03 am
Thanks for sharing this, these are the basic rules you need to respect when you go travelling in a country with such a rich wildlife. casino mac
thank you
Posted by SarahJ on December 2, 2009 at 1:12 pm
...for sharing these tips—I think they are just as meaningful in any country and we would all do well to remember them. I have yet to meet a person who considers being respectful and humble to be cultural faux pas.