So you are ready to travel the globe? Wise choice.
Maybe you are a frequent traveler who is looking to get a bit more out of your trips. We can help with that too.
Maybe you had nothing better to do for the next five minutes. You are also welcome.
The world is increasingly more connected and access to some of the world’s most remote locations is easier than ever. But for some reason, genuine cultural experiences are more and more difficult to come by. They are what all tourists crave and what fewer and fewer seem to find.
This guide is meant to give practical traveling advice that will help you to connect with locals, make friends, avoid tourist traps and get the most out of your travels. Some of these tips are ridiculously simple (see: #2) and some will require you to push the boundaries of your comfort zone. Remember, the more out of your comfort zone you go, the closer to the good stuff you get.
Tip #1: NO FEAR.
Regardless of where you go, remember that in many ways, you destination of choice will be very similar to the country you travel from. There will be people who are working and raising families and cooking and drinking beer and finding ways to enjoy their life. They will like good food and to dance and to laugh. Not everyone is there to rob you. Or kidnap you.
Remember that people have lived peacefully in these places for hundreds of years. While their culture may be different, most of them are not bad people. Do not be afraid to ride the public bus or to take a walk. Do not be afraid to rent a motorbike or to stay in a hostel that is a bit off the beaten path. If you insist on riding in white luxury vans and staying at all-inclusive resorts, it is because you want the security, not because it the best way to experience the local culture.
This rule extends far beyond accommodation and transportation. Push yourself to do things that are unfamiliar and outside of your comfort zone. Fear is often confused with actual danger. We all know very little of actual danger. Just because you are scared does not mean something is dangerous. Take the time to separate danger from fear in your mind and fight like hell against the latter. The favelas in Rio are dangerous. Riding a motorcycle through Vietnam? Well that’s just good ole-fashioned fun.
Tip #2: SMILE.
Told you it was simple. Smile when you meet other travelers. Smile when you walk into a hostel. Smile at your taxi driver, waitress and anyone you meet on the street. You may be the friendliest person on the planet, but how is anyone supposed to tell? Leave no doubt. Smile from the get-go and leave a positive impression on everyone you meet. If you need to, force yourself to smile. You will be amazed at how people open up to you and how these connections can completely transform your travels.
Tip #3: NO NICE THINGS.
If you want to travel; really travel and experience the best that each country’s culture has to offer; leave your nice stuff at home. Often, one of two things will happen. These things become damaged or they will be stolen. And if neither of those happen, your valuable possessions will certainly be a primary reason for you not following Tip #1. Your fear about losing or damaging your valuables will bring on unnecessary worrying and anxiety. It is so much simpler to go without. There is an incredible peace of mind in not having to worry about your material possessions. Embrace it.
Again, if your trip is intended for you to travel in the purest sense of the word; that is, to see and experience that which is new, then:
1) You do not need a computer or a tablet. Smartphones are sufficient for communicating with loved ones back home, booking accommodation and performing travel research.
2) You do not need nice clothes. Travelers often care very little about their personal appearance. You will likely wear the same clothes for days on end. And remember, you will most likely never see many of the people you encounter on your travels ever again. So who gives a damn what they think about how you look?
3) Professional-grade cameras, while they take amazing pictures, are not necessary. They are big, ostentatious and a huge sign that reads “I am a tourist.” They are also quite heavy and a bitch to lug around. Photos are great for memories but a smartphone will take pictures sufficient for this.
Remember that less really is more. By bringing less, you have less to worry about, less to carry, less to lose and less to stop you from doing something you might otherwise not do. Consequently, having less will push you more. You will have to think more, listen more and be more creative.
Tip #4: GET LOST.
Traveling, at its core, is getting lost. You go to a place that you know nothing about and try to learn as much as you can. Yet, when people travel, they choose to go on guided tours. The only problem with a guided tour is that you rarely get a peek into what the local culture is actually like. You are on a bus with other tourists at the mercy of a guide. What if the guide is lame? Or hungover? Or more concerned with making their commission than actually sharing their culture.
Tip #5: BE FIRST.
This is a great life philosophy, but is especially helpful when traveling. It will help you to meet people from all over the world. Be first. Be the first to smile, the first to say hello, the first to initiate a conversation, the first to ask someone a question. Do not wait for people to come to you. Remember, most people who are traveling are also looking to meet other travelers. People, for the most part, are very friendly. They just need some help. Again, there is no need to be concerned with appearances as you very likely will never see most of the people you talk to ever again. Don’t wait, be first.
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