When it comes to traveling abroad, it’s often easy to fall into the same traps. Visiting all of the ‘tourist’ activities, and celebrating the culture in the most tourist-visited destinations only adds to a sense of grievance in the local populace. Sure, it’s good for the economy, but many tourists aren’t as mindful as you would like to be. You can for sure enjoy all of the main tourist institutions and visitation; it’s your vacation money after all.
However, there are some tips you can use when traveling to a new culture to ingratiate yourself in the surroundings more completely. You may just enjoy the experience in a free light.
Know The History
Knowing the history of a place can help you understand the societal context. This makes visiting the local culture that more enthralling. This is almost on the same level as seeing a movie after reading the book, but in a way which is almost incomparably more wholesome, and well, real. It’s also important to know how that informs the political context of the modern day. As societies are shaped and shift, you may just feel more understanding of the current times if you have a historical basis to back it up.
Know The Language
Of course, you never need to be fluent in order to experience a culture. But learning the most widely spoken languages, such as English through Effortless English Club, or a few simple and advanced phrases in the dominant language of a nation can help you move fluidly through the social landscape. Not only that, but knowing a language can actually help you understand a culture more, such as the tastes, the various idiosyncrasies, and even bring light to historical context. If you’re interested in culture and moving through your travels well, this is important to consider.
Get To Know The Locals
Too many tourists are insular. You shouldn’t have to befriend everyone (that’s a quick way to irritate even more people,) but it’s important to know at least a couple of the locals during your short stay. Even a friendly conversation enquiring about the history of the place, and politely asking for suggestions to visit can help familiarize yourself with cafe attendees. A place becomes much more familiar when you’re rooted in friendship. You can keep that to heart.
Clean Up After Yourself
It’s easy in your travels to become complacent about this. Remember, you’re a tourist in the country you’re inhabiting, no matter how much money you’ve paid to attend. Be sure to clean up your litter and trash in the specified designated areas. Set an example, even if you see other tourists slacking here. This helps contribute in your own small way to the better perception of tourist.
Enjoy Yourself
Try not to stress so much, Don’t be afraid to relax into a culture and be directed to the places most natural on your journey. If you make a ‘mission list’ out of a location with things to do and places to go, you can prevent yourself from enjoying what’s really wonderful about a location. Enjoy yourself, and you’ll be honoring the place of your attendance.
