Tour operators, hotels and lodges that are genuine in their approach to responsible tourism will generally have a written policy covering their environmental impact, employment and cultural policy. If they don't, ask them why - by their response, you'll be able to make the judgment call.

Ask some specifics about how they implement their policy:

• How are they dealing with the main environmental issues facing them?
• Do they employ local guides, leaders and staff and provide training opportunities?
• Do they limit the size of their groups to minimize environmental and social impact?
• Do they have a 'green' purchasing policy?
• Do they work with the local community? If so, what proportion of their revenue is redirected to that community?
• What information do they offer their clients on responsible travel?
• If an operator is getting it right, they'll be proud of it and will be happy to answer your questions.

Culture Shock vs Cultural Connection

One of the best things about travelling is making connections with people from different cultures, in an authentic and mutually enjoyable way.

'Cultural sensitivity' is simply a matter of respect: take your behavioural cues from the locals and, if in doubt, try to see things from the locals' point of view.

Go with the flow. Other cultures have very different concepts of time, personal space and socially acceptable behaviour. You'll find it a lot less stressful - and a lot more enlightening - if you just chill out. You might even reassess your own ideas.

Dress appropriately. Looking at the locals is a good way to gauge what to wear. Particularly in conservative cultures, don't flaunt your flesh and try to be neat and clean - it's only respectful.

Try to be conservative with resources such as water, food and energy - you may be depriving local people or making a negative impact on their environs.

Buying locally made crafts and curios means your money goes directly to the community.

Enjoy the ancient art of bargaining: part pas-de-deux, part drama, part chess-game, bargaining is a skill and an art form. It's as much about the social interaction as the final outcome. Make sure you know when bargaining is appropriate - and when it's not. Have fun with it and keep things in perspective - does haggling over that last dollar really make a difference to you, compared to the vendor?

It's when you make those cross-cultural connections - even though initially you may have thought you had nothing in common - that it hits you again: people are the same wherever they're from; we all have the same needs and desires, aspirations and affections. Ravelling in that realization is the holy grail of travelling.