Having spent a good portion of my life traveling, I have grown up learning the do's and don'ts of tourism. Some of these may seem obvious but I cannot even begin to count the number of times I have seen these basics unobserved. Therefore I felt it was only appropriate to publish this Guide to Being a Good Tourist to share with all of you.
1. "When in Rome, do as the Romans do."
This proverb, as quoted as much as it is forgotten, means that when you are in a different country behave according to local customs. Do your research, know the laws, pack appropriate clothing, and be aware of expected manners. (It doesn't matter how hot it is, if it is offensive to expose your shoulders or knees then wear quick-dry clothing that will help keep you cool and covered. Scarves and pashminas are invaluable for versatile coverage.)
2. Hola. Bonjour. Konichiwa. Sous-dey. Guten tag. Swasdi. Hujambo.
Nothing has got me further with the locals then having a go at their language. I learn what simple things I can before I go: hello, please, thank you, bathroom, how much. However, it should not stop there. Engage with the locals, and have them teach you little words, numbers, phrases, anything to show you are making an effort to embrace their culture and immerse yourself in their world. If you make an effort to embrace their culture and language you will be surprised how many friends you will make.
3. Let Your Taste Buds Be Adventurous.
At some point on your travels you are bound to arrive somewhere you find the food more exotic than your destination. However, although you may find the food a stretch (to say the least), you are in a different country, surrounded by a culinary art vastly different from your own and although to you it may not look appealing, you will not know until you try it. Taste the local flavors! You never know something might surprise you.
4. Have an Outline.
The key to having a successful trip is to have an outline of what you want to do during your precious time in your destination. Spend some time googling the country you will be visiting to get an idea of what you would like to see and when it is open. If you take the time to create a list in order of importance then even if you don't get to check off everything you won't have to leave with regrets.
5. But Be Flexible.
Yes, it is important to create an outline for your trip but you must be flexible! Traveling is often unpredictable. Flights get cancelled, bad weather happens, people get sick, workers go on strike, life happens and that is ok. Find yourself obsessing over your plans and the tiniest hiccup can ruin your whole trip. Roll with the punches and see where your travels take you. Although you may have planned to visit a silk factory in the afternoon, if a local suggests something different, accept the adventure. You will rarely be disappointed that you did. (This is contingent of course on the fact that you have become friendly with the locals and trust their judgement. A perfect example of this is with Sophalla in Cambodia!)
6. You Are Not the Only Person Interested in What You are Seeing.
Don't forget this! While you are enjoying the site you have chosen to visit, others are too. Be aware and courteous, allowing them to take their photos as you want to take yours. Don't just respect your fellow site seers but respect the site as well! Nobody wants to see your name etched into an historic table and nobody wants to have your rubbish crumble under their feet. People have come before you and people will come after you. It is just basic human manners to be aware of your surroundings and leave them as you found them if not better.
7. Keep Calm & Carry On.
How much do you really need? Honestly? If you are travelling with one of the many major airlines you are allowed one small carry-on and a personal item. This should be more than enough for any destination hot or cold. Wear your jackets so you don't have to pack them and you will be left with more than enough room for your clothes. Going on a long trip? Get some Sea to Summit pocket laundry wash and clean your clothes in the sink, hanging them out to dry. It is worth it! Less to worry about, less to carry, and less to loose. Plus! When you don't check a bag it can not be lost and you will get through airports faster maximizing the time in your location. I have never checked a bag as a tourist and intend never to do so.
8. Show some Respect...
Seriously!!! I can not drive this point home enough! If PDAs are illegal then don't canoodle in public. If knees are provocative, cover them up. If it is rude to make eye-contact then don't. Know what society will expect from you and you will know what to expect in return. You can not be outraged if your inappropriate actions land you in trouble abroad for while under another's roof, you follow their rules.
9. Money is a Band-aid.
It is always hard while visiting a third world country not to want to throw money at the people whose heart wrenching reality surrounds you. If you want to actually make a difference and have a real impact to help the people then find a way to do so. Volunteer or donate useful materials to villages or schools. Throwing money at a problem does not help but for an instant and more substantial help is what is needed.
10. Have Fun!
You are on holiday! Sit back, relax, and enjoy yourself! You have earned it, so allow yourself to let the stresses of home melt away and get lost in your new adventure!
1. "When in Rome, do as the Romans do."
This proverb, as quoted as much as it is forgotten, means that when you are in a different country behave according to local customs. Do your research, know the laws, pack appropriate clothing, and be aware of expected manners. (It doesn't matter how hot it is, if it is offensive to expose your shoulders or knees then wear quick-dry clothing that will help keep you cool and covered. Scarves and pashminas are invaluable for versatile coverage.)
2. Hola. Bonjour. Konichiwa. Sous-dey. Guten tag. Swasdi. Hujambo.
Nothing has got me further with the locals then having a go at their language. I learn what simple things I can before I go: hello, please, thank you, bathroom, how much. However, it should not stop there. Engage with the locals, and have them teach you little words, numbers, phrases, anything to show you are making an effort to embrace their culture and immerse yourself in their world. If you make an effort to embrace their culture and language you will be surprised how many friends you will make.3. Let Your Taste Buds Be Adventurous.
At some point on your travels you are bound to arrive somewhere you find the food more exotic than your destination. However, although you may find the food a stretch (to say the least), you are in a different country, surrounded by a culinary art vastly different from your own and although to you it may not look appealing, you will not know until you try it. Taste the local flavors! You never know something might surprise you.4. Have an Outline.
The key to having a successful trip is to have an outline of what you want to do during your precious time in your destination. Spend some time googling the country you will be visiting to get an idea of what you would like to see and when it is open. If you take the time to create a list in order of importance then even if you don't get to check off everything you won't have to leave with regrets.
5. But Be Flexible.
Yes, it is important to create an outline for your trip but you must be flexible! Traveling is often unpredictable. Flights get cancelled, bad weather happens, people get sick, workers go on strike, life happens and that is ok. Find yourself obsessing over your plans and the tiniest hiccup can ruin your whole trip. Roll with the punches and see where your travels take you. Although you may have planned to visit a silk factory in the afternoon, if a local suggests something different, accept the adventure. You will rarely be disappointed that you did. (This is contingent of course on the fact that you have become friendly with the locals and trust their judgement. A perfect example of this is with Sophalla in Cambodia!)
6. You Are Not the Only Person Interested in What You are Seeing.
Don't forget this! While you are enjoying the site you have chosen to visit, others are too. Be aware and courteous, allowing them to take their photos as you want to take yours. Don't just respect your fellow site seers but respect the site as well! Nobody wants to see your name etched into an historic table and nobody wants to have your rubbish crumble under their feet. People have come before you and people will come after you. It is just basic human manners to be aware of your surroundings and leave them as you found them if not better. 7. Keep Calm & Carry On.
How much do you really need? Honestly? If you are travelling with one of the many major airlines you are allowed one small carry-on and a personal item. This should be more than enough for any destination hot or cold. Wear your jackets so you don't have to pack them and you will be left with more than enough room for your clothes. Going on a long trip? Get some Sea to Summit pocket laundry wash and clean your clothes in the sink, hanging them out to dry. It is worth it! Less to worry about, less to carry, and less to loose. Plus! When you don't check a bag it can not be lost and you will get through airports faster maximizing the time in your location. I have never checked a bag as a tourist and intend never to do so.
8. Show some Respect...
Seriously!!! I can not drive this point home enough! If PDAs are illegal then don't canoodle in public. If knees are provocative, cover them up. If it is rude to make eye-contact then don't. Know what society will expect from you and you will know what to expect in return. You can not be outraged if your inappropriate actions land you in trouble abroad for while under another's roof, you follow their rules.9. Money is a Band-aid.
It is always hard while visiting a third world country not to want to throw money at the people whose heart wrenching reality surrounds you. If you want to actually make a difference and have a real impact to help the people then find a way to do so. Volunteer or donate useful materials to villages or schools. Throwing money at a problem does not help but for an instant and more substantial help is what is needed.
10. Have Fun!
You are on holiday! Sit back, relax, and enjoy yourself! You have earned it, so allow yourself to let the stresses of home melt away and get lost in your new adventure!
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