BY CLAY LARROY
A
vacation can soothe the soul and leave you renewed, refreshed, and invigorated.
Whether you are just now starting to plan your next vacation, or are merely
looking for travel
ideas and suggestions, read all the articles about travel. So take away some of
the stress of making travel plans, and get started thinking about the fun and
relaxing times you will soon be having on your next trip! When you are ready to plan an
exciting vacation contact me!
Thinking of yourself as a
visitor or guest instead of as a tourist will give you a good starting point
for being a responsible traveler. While on your tour, it is important to
remember that the Earth is sacred to Native Americans and should be treated as
such. Be respectful and do not disturb protected areas. Always ask permission
before photographing anyone on pueblos and reservations and never photograph a
religious ceremony. Dispose of your garbage properly and whenever possible take
your waste with you when you leave. Do not, however, take things like
artifacts, plants or rocks from tribal lands.
You will have opportunities
on your journey to purchase Native American jewelry and art, but you will want
to confer with your guides first since the market is overwhelmed by
mass-produced fakes. Though it is illegal under current law to sell goods under
the label "Native Made" if they are not, three quarters of the market
still consists of foreign and domestic imitations. Buy directly from the artist
whenever possible and please do not be tempted to bargain them down for their
wares. Most handmade products are very labor intensive and for many Native
Americans, this is their livelihood!
Your tour operator should be
able to help you determine what to bring on the trip. The climate will vary
greatly depending on where you are headed but as a starting point, you should
remember to bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a sunhat for daytime and a fleece
jacket and a sweater for layering in case temperatures dip at night. Dress
casually (t-shirts and jeans) and make sure to stow a solid pair of walking
shoes. When it comes to fashion, dress sensibly since over-exposure of bare
skin may be offensive to your hosts.
Your accommodations will be a
big factor in determining what else you need to bring. Ranging from established
hotel chains to log cabins in national parks to tipi camp circles,
accommodations provided by a Native American tour operators vary depending on
the operator and the trip. If you will be camping, you may need to bring
camping gear. Some operators will provide this gear for you while others will
not. Be sure to check. As for food, some operators offer three meals a day
while others only provide lunch. If you have special dietary concerns, ask
ahead of time to determine if they offer alternative meal options.
If you are traveling on an
international scale, you will need a valid passport and sometimes a visa. Make
sure to obtain these items well in advance of your travel dates. Before you
leave, visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection web site for information on
duty rates, policies on items bought while traveling and the latest information
on security screening measures. To protect against baggage loss, trip
cancellation or interruption and unexpected health emergencies, consider
obtaining travel insurance.
Perhaps the most important
thing you can do to prepare for your trip is read up on the areas and tribes
you will be visiting. If possible, learn a few words in the native language.
Many travelers prefer to dive into their adventures without doing such research
but when it comes to this kind of cultural travel, knowledge and awareness are
crucial. Not only will this enhance your enjoyment of the trip but it will also
provide you with an opportunity to ask informed questions of your guide and
this will provide a foundation for meaningful interaction.
Now go make those plans. Don’t
just read about history. Live it!
REFERENCE SITES:
http://www.travelresearchonline.com/
Humility is probably
the most difficult virtue to realize.
— Thomas Yellowtail,
Crow
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