Guatemala: Like Nothing You’ve Ever Seen
Guatemala’s appeal as a travel destination is its mind-boggling diversity of people, culture, religion, and landscape. Traveling here means preparing yourself for sights and events like nothing you could encounter in the first world. Here are a few to whet your appetite. • A Taste of the Highlands: From May to June, the market in San Juan Sacatepéquez, located in the Western Highlands, sells sanpopos de mayo, giant roasted ants with salt and lemon. Just a tip: Remove the head and wings before you chow down. • Decked Out: In much of the world, men have lost traditional ways of dress. Not so in Sololá. The men here look like Technicolor cowboys, with red pin-striped pants, an authentic, multicolored cowboy shirt, and a big ol' hat. • All is Forgiven: San Andres Iztapas is relatively unknown to tourists. Not so for many índigenas, who frequently pay homage to San Simón, the drinking and smoking saint. Believers usually offer him a cigar and stiff drink before asking for his help in personal matters. When you arrive, ask around for la casa de San Simón. A different family houses the idol each year, and people are happy to help you find him.

Responsible Tourism
Tourism is one of the world's largest industries, so as a traveler it's important to recognize the influence you exert, particularly in developing countries. The Center for Responsible Tourism (Box 827, San Anselmo, CA 94979, 415/258-6594) works with various organizations to promote mindful traveling. What follows are excerpts from their Code of Ethics for Tourists:
• Travel in a spirit of humility and with a genuine desire to meet and talk with local people.
• Learn about local customs;respect them.
• Be aware of feelings of the local people and prevent what might be offensive behavior. Photography, particularly, must respect persons.
• When shopping by bargaining, remember that the poorest merchants will relinquish a profit rather than give up their personal dignity.
• Make no promises to local people or new friends that you cannot implement.
• The contents of your backpack may be worth more than what many of the people you meet will own in a lifetime.

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Travel the Globe upCLOSE
Insider tips for making the most of your trip anywhere

Milking It for All It's Worth: To really get a taste of
New Zealand life, try a farm stay. It's a great way to get to know the lands and the people. You are usually welcome to try your hand at milking a cow or taking part in other activities.

Dane to Socialize: Fail-safe ways to make Danishfriends: offer a beer, criticize the Swedes, or compliment the Danish Soccer League.

Through the Grape Vine: Although Napa Valley receives all the hype, Sonoma Valley is better for budget travelers. Also, before stocking up on vino at a winery, check the local supermarket--they often have lower prices.