1) Research your destination.
Have you thought of a place to visit soon? If yes, start off by over planning. Find the time to read, ask, and write about the place. Read travel blogs and reviews online, this will provide you factual information through shared experiences. Most blogs offer detailed info like how to get there, best time to travel, things to prepare, activities to do, budget or expenses, food to try and affordable tour packages that include itineraries and accommodation. What to expect, read up more! Next, ask around. Friends who uploaded their travel photos on social networking sites, friends who own travel agencies, colleagues who brought souvenir items are reliable people to ask. Finally, write it! Jot down notes so you can review, shop around and confirm the travel.
2) Recognize rules.
As we know, laws, traditions, customs, and rules govern us wherever we set our feet on. In Guimaras, bringing of a mango plant, seed or fruit is prohibited. In places with white sand beaches, packing of sand is a no-no. Urinating in Kayangan Lake in Coron, Palawan is not allowed. Silence is observed in sacred places like churches, grotto, and monastery. In temples, removing of shoes in Thailand and wearing of wrap-around skirt in Myanmar are encouraged. Spitting and littering in Singapore carry heavy fines. The "no plastic" ordinance has just passed in the city of Las Pinas. These are just some to abide. “Ignorance of the law is not an excuse” and “You are in my place so follow my rules.” These lines remind me that I am in a different place, away from my comfort zone. On such event, I tend to be cautious and observant. So, before you set off, do the RAW steps. Once you land on your desired destination, recall and act on. If you forgot, then ask. Read-Ask-Write, this will bail you out from inconvenience and embarrassment. Update yourself!
3) Reduce waste.
I love this part! Why? We are always on a budget mode when we travel. So, we prefer cooking than eating in a fast food chain we come across when our tummies are rumbling. At the store, when it’s time to pay and pack our groceries, we recite our famous line, “Huwag mo na i-plastic, I love Mother Earth eh!” We count down on plastic bags. If other items can still fit in one plastic bag then better. Sometimes we can carry stuff with our bare hands or place in our hand-carried bags. I remember using “bayong” thrice in our travels. We also use food containers that can be reused instead of foil or styrofoam. The same strategy applies when we scout for souvenirs. The more you buy the more waste you produce. So, we share too especially if we are in the same workplace. We saved not just money but our Mother Earth as well (small thing still matters). While on vacation, observe proper garbage disposal and separate biodegradable from non-biodegradable. If you can’t find one, bring it with you and dispose properly. Free our environment of throwaway that can lead to a major problem in the future. Check your travel stuff to be reduced, recycled and reused. Bear in mind the three R's!
4) Respect wildlife.
Are you breathing?! Are you alive? Yes, because you are one of those living things that God created! When we were still young we were taught to respect someone's personal things more so with things with life! May it be wild or not...still, they have their own cosmic task like you!
5) Report illegal activities.
Do you have a soft heart? Then, do what is right.
6) Repost/retweet.
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