Whenever I have travel scheduled, whether it be for business or pleasure, there are a few points I like to apply to make my trip a little better. Regardless of how far away I’m going, be it across town or around the world, things will be different than they are at home. The degree of difference will vary, but there will still be differences. Keeping that thought in mind, here are a few points that can help you in your trip and create a memorable experience.
1. Don’t compare places you visit to yours. Home will always win. That’s why it’s your home. And that’s why returning home is the grand finale to any time away. So if you are always looking back home and comparing everything to it, you will miss out on seeing what the travel location has to offer, reducing the fun and experience of being there.
2. Look for those things you can’t get at home. It doesn’t have to be some delicacy from a far off land. But to create a new experience, realize that seeing how others live is a big part of what makes traveling fun. So the more you leave ‘home’ behind and get into the culture of your travel location, the greater your experience will be and you’ll have a better understanding and appreciation of that culture. Every city, town, village or even little settlement within a region, has its own special characteristics. Explore to find them. Your findings may be quite memorable.
3. Always remember that the place you are touring is home for someone else. Therefore, be respectful. This is commonly a problem in big tourist places. Every year people will arrive in town, throw down lots of money but make a mess of the place. And the locals start to look negatively upon the tourists because of the damage they cause. Remember the golden rule: treat others as you want to be treated, or in this case, treat their home as you want others to treat yours. This can even mean learning about their culture in advance, to know what is and isn’t acceptable.
4. Get off the beaten path. Even if it’s just briefly. Look at where the locals eat, or shop. It may be more challenging in the big tourist areas but if you ask around many locals will happily share things about their city.
5. Be engaged. Do it all the more if the culture is completely different from home. Interact with the local residents and ask about events happening there, about their lifestyle, their food and drink. Chances are there is a very interesting story behind it that locals will love to share. Recognize that on occasion you may have to hear how superior their ways are to yours. Just be kind, as these will be the exception to the rule.
It’s only through travel and interacting with the locals that you have a chance to learn indepth, how life is for others.
Most are very proud of their culture and may think it is the best thing going. So sit back, listen, ask additional questions and you’ll really create for yourself a travel time that goes far beyond just simply stopping by.
