• Learn a few words of the local language so you know what’s considered polite (and what isn’t!) in terms of eating, greeting, and local values

• General behavior codes give advice on how to plan a trip and how to behave at the destination. For example, greetings are important to Ecuadorians, especially in the highlands

• Appropriate behavior by travelers helps ensure local communities continue to be hospitable and friendly. This maintains the economic viability of local tourism businesses, and the quality of visitor experiences and interaction with local people

• Bear in mind that some destinations have local restrictions on the use of natural resources such as water and energy. Your hot bath could mean no water for the local community