12 Ways to Practice Regenerative Travel and Heal the Planet While You Explore

8. Learn and follow local protocols and cultural practices

Respect local cultural protocols and ask about accepted behaviors before participating in ceremonies or visiting sacred sites. Indigenous and local communities set boundaries for sharing knowledge and cultural practices; honor those guidelines. Many community-led programs provide pre-trip briefings or codes of conduct; read these carefully and follow them. Photography, artifact handling, and questions about cultural matters may be sensitive, so always ask permission. When communities co-create experiences, they determine what’s appropriate to share, which helps preserve cultural integrity and prevents exploitation. Following local protocols supports cultural regeneration by ensuring knowledge and practices are transmitted on community terms and not commodified without consent (Journeys with Purpose; Earth Changers).