“We met some locals who said, ‘Come with us.’ They knew about a dam across the river,” Mr Creery said. “So we drove past big ‘Verboten’ signs, carrying our bikes over barbed wire, but what are you going to do? We got where we needed to go.”
New and expanded bike lanes and designated bike lanes on city streets in many parts of Europe, Australia, Japan and elsewhere are encouraging tourists to pedal. And whether cycling, walking or running, getting out of the vehicle always gives the best view, according to Ms Desser, the film producer, who travels frequently for work and pleasure. “You’re going to see a lot more and be in contact with people,” he said. “You get the feel for the place much more.”
Religious Watch
Cultural values are readily apparent in religious communities, and travelers who are respectfully curious, dress modestly, and refrain from photography are often welcome to visit. Gary Bartelings, a Dutch travel expert who curates luxury tours, was part of a group of travel professionals invited by Omani tourism officials to tour the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat. During their visit, they met some women from Oman who spoke about the perception of Islam outside the Muslim world. Mr Bartelings said he found the meeting extremely powerful.
One of us [Christine] I had a similar experience in 2006 in the Syrian capital, Damascus: While packing for a month of Arabic lessons, I included a hymn from my home church as a gift to the Christian Orthodox church I planned to worship with. After I presented it to the organist, a colleague invited me to his house for lunch. It turned into a good opportunity to practice my Arabic and learn how Christians live in a predominantly Muslim country.
A spiritual leader, religious school or seminary can help you find a house of worship or ask someone you know if you can attend a service with them. The BBC has prepared a list of general etiquette rules for a number of different religions.
Choose the time and place
A popular destination in the peak tourist season is not the place to find artisans willing to have a casual chat about their art. A cheesemaker in a small village, however, might be excited to show visitors around, as Greg Witt of the Utah-based Alpenwild tour company said he’s learned from leading European tours for nearly 40 years. He has taken hikers to the high alpine meadows where farmers graze their cows in the summer.
