World Expedition - Index

World Expedition - booklet - Index

dress standards
Modest attire is crucial on a World Expeditions trek in
many remote regions of the world. Whilst custom and
national dress varies enormously throughout the
‘developing’ world, most cultures that we visit are very
conservative and dress usually covers most of the body.
Dress standards are more flexible in cities but, as a
general rule, remote and rural communities tend to be
very conservative. Invariably, keeping your dress codes
sympathetic to the locals will promote acceptance and
respect. Below are a few points to keep in mind when
packing your bags:
� Remember that if you try to respect local custom and
beliefs, people will be happy to help you and your
experiences will be greatly enhanced.
� Jewellery will serve very little purpose whilst trekking
and will be seen as an obvious sign of your affluence
to local people who cannot dream of owning such
things. Leave flashy jewellery or watches at home.
� We recommend that men and women alike bring long
baggy shorts, as they are much more acceptable than
high cut shorts for men and women. We also
recommend that women wear lightweight skirts or
trousers. Lycra is best left in the gym!
� Tops that expose the shoulders are usually
unacceptable and not wearing a bra can be
considered offensive.
� When entering a person’s home, a monastery, temple
or other religious or special site, it is usual to remove
your shoes and it is crucial to be dressed
appropriately. The best way to be sure of the custom
is to observe the locals. Your leader can also give
you advice on these sensitive issues.
� Nudity is totally unacceptable for most local cultures.
For swimming, costumes should be conservative and
it is acceptable to wear a sarong or t-shirt over a
bikini or briefs. Do not assume that what other visitors
are doing is always acceptable. Many tourists will
sunbath and swim naked despite local custom. We
find this inconsiderate and undesirable.
� Tell local people you think their village, dwelling,
children, dress, culture, or surrounding environments
are beautiful or spectacular. This will inspire them to
be proud of their culture and to protect the quality of
their surrounding environment, hopefully providing an
incentive to resist resource exploitation and
westernisation of their culture or lifestyle.
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