Many of the world’s popular leisure destinations are also home to sites that are spiritually significant to people of certain faiths. For example, Mount Carmel National Park in Haifa, Israel, is within relatively easy access of the world headquarters of the Baha’i faith, which allows free public tours of its elaborate hillside gardens. Similarly, those visiting Venice, Italy, may want to experience St. Mark’s Basilica after enjoying a gondola ride in the city’s canals.

If you wish to tour such attractions while you are visiting the host country, having a few conservative fashion choices at your disposal will help ensure you are granted access. Fortunately, spending money on specialty garments you’ll only be able to use once, or dishing out for overpriced tourist solutions at the entrance gate isn’t necessary. Numerous items at mid-range clothing and department stores are available to aid your tourist efforts.

Length: Body coverage is critical at many sacred sites. One of easiest ways to make sure you’re dressed appropriately is to choose longer clothing options for your vacation wardrobe. Maxi dresses and skirts offer ankle-length coverage for women while still providing room to move comfortably up stairs, hills and into tour vans.

If your clothing selections lean more towards form-fitting jeans and leggings paired with tank tops, be sure to pack a long tunic or a duster made from a thin sweater fabric. This will enable you to stay stylish and appropriate while touring cathedrals and temples. Basic trench coats can also provide a solution in moderate temperatures should your skirt length fall short of a venue’s standards of acceptability.

Layers: Camisoles have come to my rescue on numerous occasions when a dress neckline was in danger of breeching boundaries, and they take up very little luggage space. When the only long dresses I’m able to purchase come with spaghetti straps, I include items like shrugs and shorter jackets to pull on prior to entering a sensitive building or area.

Thin cardigans serve the same purpose, and pair well with pencil skirts and sleeveless dress shirts if you happen to be combining business with pleasure. If you like the look of layering a thin, coordinating scarf, choose one that’s a bit wider.You’ll be prepared when a head covering is necessary. Myscha Theriault, McClatchy-Tribune News Service