What happens if you don't approve of something you see on your travels?

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Culture tips: politics for female travellers Wherever you go, you’re likely to come across things you find it difficult to stomach. I’m not talking about the local brew, but about incidents of inequality, seemingly dubious customs or scenes of suffering. As a Western woman, you might find the apparently rigidly-defined gender roles in some countries shocking. However, it’s important not to get involved. This may sound wussy, but it’s important for two reasons: 1. You need to consider your personal safety. Start throwing girl-power-isms around and you may not be popular. 2. You don’t know the whole story. At the risk of sounding like a Dalai Lama wannabe, the western perspective is only one way of looking at things. Women in a particular culture may seem powerless in certain realms, but in other areas they may have powers and freedoms which we would find enviable. However, if you come back from your gap year with a new interest in human rights, then hey, that’s no bad thing. Find a constructive way of venting your spleen by getting involved with Amnesty International, the fantabulous human rights charity. Click here >> for Amnesty International's website Click here >> for our country guides, with culture tips aplenty More culture tips Click here >> for advice on what to wear Click here >> for advice on travelling in Muslim coutries

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