The Travel Etiquette, part 2

1. All the yellers and future singers - shhhh!

If we don't want to be as welcome as a potato beetle or a debt collector, let's respect one of those rare havens of silence found in natural areas. If, like us, you live in urbanized areas, you surely understand the importance of nurturing these few pockets of tranquility. It's where we heal our senses strained by urban noise. We won't even mention the needs of animals and their right to function freely in their own home.

To avoid the "Tourist Muggle" badge:

• let's avoid making noise. No need to whisper or use sign language, but let's try not to raise our voices too much. Save the radio and the latest hit list for the comfort of home. We get the love for music, cars, and spontaneous parties, but there are other places designated for such entertainment, so you can survive two hours in the forest without playing "Despacito" from your phone.
• motorized vehicles – big and small – should be left in designated parking areas. This not only allows other forest users to walk in peace but also saves us from a fine from the forest guards. Surely, you have a better idea for spending 500 zł than paying a fine for a moment of questionable pleasure.

What can we do?

• Let's pay attention to the concert of streams, frogs, woodpeckers, and other natural musicians. Have you heard of the concept of soundscape and noise pollution? Listening to the sounds of nature is part of experiential tourism and has a calming effect. Don't believe it? Check it out for yourself by going on a soundwalk in the forest.

2. Don't leave your leftovers behind

We get it, tossing regular trash is a no-go for most of us, but let's talk about the sneaky stuff like chewing gum, banana peels, cigarette butts, tissues, and even apple cores:

• we've already covered in the previous article how cigarette butts are like the eternal party guests, taking ages to decompose and leaving behind toxic residues (talk about a bad hangover!).
• banana peels contain pesticides, take up to 2 years to decompose, and definitely aren't a natural part of the diet of forest animals or a typical element of Polish forests.
• for the same reason, even an apple core should be brought back with us because it doesn't belong in the forest ecosystem and attracts animals, altering their feeding habits and encouraging contact with humans. Not to mention the food poisoning incidents, which tourists are unlikely to hear about, and innocent animals suffer as a result.

We won't address the issue of hunters who scatter food under their stands. We trust that we can avoid arguments like "if others do it, why should I restrain myself?" because there's no need to stoop to that level. Let's strive to set the best example.

What can we do?

• Just like when heading to the beach or any outdoor outing, it's a good idea to carry a spare trash bag in your backpack pocket to be prepared for unexpected waste (or the desire to collect existing waste). It's best to pack one bag in each backpack you take outdoors.
• Explain to friends why even organic waste shouldn't be discarded in the forest. Maybe show them a cute infographic or two—it's like nature conservation with visuals!

3. Keep your furry friend on a leash

In the forest, it's like a pawty for wildlife, so let's make sure our pups don't crash it! Keep those tails wagging safely on a leash, especially during critter busy seasons (from March to December). We get it, dogs wanna have fun too, but a forest romp could turn into a furry fiasco if:

• Fido decides to play tag with the locals, scaring them silly,
• other forest frolickers get spooked by your unleashed buddy,
• wildlife ends up on a wild road trip, risking a critter-car collision,
• your pooch gets into a tussle with the natives, especially during mating season,
• you end up with a ticket from the Forest Guards instead of spending your dough on doggy treats.

What can we do?

• Keep the leash long enough for the rover to roam and sniff but short enough to prevent a wildlife whoopsie.
• Spread the leash wisdom to family, friends, and perhaps inadvertently rule-breaking dog owners. And remember, just because others are breaking the rules doesn't mean you should join that club.

4. Wildlife Respect Zone

The ultimate Instagram moment? It's the one where we give wildlife some peace and don't snap selfies with them. So, let's pass on the animal photoshoots, resist the urge to pet them, or play wildlife paparazzi – especially if we're self-proclaimed animal lovers.  You surely know that the greatest gift we can give wild animals isn't human-like affection, petting, or feeding, but ensuring they don't get too comfy with humans, but stay wild and free, and their homes are safe.

Some well-meaning explorers might scoop up a lost fawn, bunny, or lone chick they find in the woods. Sadly, this does more harm than good. Why? Here's the scoop: lots of animal moms (like deer) stash their young at a distance. They check in a few times a day but mostly hang nearby to scare off any sneaky predators. Taking the "rescued" young from their moms deprives them of a shot at normal life and freedom.

What can we do?

• Explain to kids and pals why giving wildlife their space and leaving young animals alone is a cool thing to do.

5. Ticks and mosquitoes: the DEET bath

We've all been there, cursing the mosquito squad after just 10 minutes of chill time in the backyard or on the balcony. Well, scientists have a unanimous verdict: mosquitoes and ticks might be pesky, but they're essential players in the great outdoors.

Fact 1: If every gardener's, griller's, or outdoor enthusiast's dream came true, and all mosquitoes vanished from the world, it would seriously mess up the ecosystem. Some mosquito species are pollinators in the tundra and are food for many "helpful" animals.

Fact 2: Ticks are also a vital part of the food chain: a protein source for ants, beetles, toads, shrews, mice, and rats. They're also "regulators" – spreading diseases, regulating population numbers, crucial for natural selection, and maintaining balance in nature.

How can you avoid becoming a bug buffet? Here are some handy tips:

• when heading to the woods or meadow, opt for covered shoes, long pants, and high socks. A trick from seasoned hikers: pull your socks over your pant legs to make it harder for ticks to get to you.
• you don't need chemical warfare against bugs. Rumor has it, ticks and their gang hate the smell of natural oils like eucalyptus, lemongrass, peppermint, cedar, rosemary, tea tree, lavender, or vetiver. Mix 'em up or use 'em solo (word on the street is, lemon eucalyptus or the "eucalyptus + lemongrass" combo really grinds their gears). Just remember to dab 'em sparingly on your clothes, not directly on your skin!
• if you have some alchemical skills and time to spare, try making your own Tick Vanisher. You'll find plenty of recipes online. We opted for one based on sunflower oil. It was ready in 5 minutes. We added 20 drops each of lavender, catnip, and lemongrass oil to 100 ml of sunflower oil. Works like a charm!
• got a garden? Embrace your garden's slimy superheroes – frogs, toads, and newts. Sure, they might not win any beauty contests, but having them around is a win because they gobble up not just tons of mosquitoes but also feast on ticks.

‍6. When nature calls…

Of course, when nature calls, you've gotta answer, but there's a classy way to do it without shocking innocent forest strollers with unexpected surprises along the way.

Here's the scoop, straight from the Forest Service:

• when you're in a secluded spot, dig a little hole (use your shoe or move some dirt around). Aim carefully.
• after taking care of business, toss in your used paper (non-biodegradable tissues should go in a plastic baggie and into the trash later).
• cover up your work with dirt or moss.

And that's it! You walk away lighter by one problem, without ruining the scenic view for others.

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That's a wrap!

Thanks for taking the time to up your eco game. It's important because when we take care of our forests and green spaces, we can truly feel at one with nature. Our final stroll in this series will be through the city. See you there!