Every time I travel, I learn about new cultures, new customs, and most of all, about myself. There are things I’ve learned to do, and what not to do.
Here’s what I have learned so far.
Do: Bring snacks on the airplane
And an extra bag of nuts or trail mix for those long bus and train rides when you are in your country of desire. You are going to get hungry, and your trip isn’t worth being spoiled by being a hangry individual.
Don’t: Stock up on sugary junk food
This will just cause you to be lethargic and give you an upset stomach when you are in traveling from point A. to point B.
Do: Talk to Strangers
Anywhere and everywhere: on the bus, in the taxi, on the train, and at the café. Ask them how they feel about your country, and how they feel about specific issues in their own.
Don’t: Challenge locals on local issues
When I went to Germany I wanted to hear about the refugee crisis directly from the German people, not what others think how the Germans feel about the issue. I didn’t want to argue, I wanted to simply learn and listen without judgment.
Do: Ask for help
Whether you are lost, looking for a good place to eat, or what sites you can skip and what ones you shouldn’t. It’s always great to get a recommendation from the locals.
Don’t: Think you know everything
Speaking of recommendations from locals, there is always someone who knows something better to see and something easier to do than you. You might think you know exactly where you are going, what place is the best to visit, or what food is the best, but you might not.
Do: Eat breakfast
If you’re a budget traveler like myself, you will often skip one meal during the day. Make sure breakfast is not one of them. It is the most important meal of the day because you will lack a ton of energy if you skip out on it, so don’t.
Don’t: Ignore the local flea shop or supermarket
Not only will you receive quality food at a good price, but you will also learn how to bargain at a flea shop, and learn what is most popular in the country you are a guest in. Plus, you will save money on food and if you eat enough fresh fruits and veggies, you will feel great throughout your stay.
Do: Watch what you drink
Pub-crawls are fun and having a drink, especially when someone offers to pay for yours (God bless the Irish who mastered this skill), is a great way to experience nightlife and culture. But that’s the thing: you are in a new culture, a new environment, and a strange and different surrounding. This isn’t your local pub where you know the doorman, be mindful of how much you drink and where you are receiving it.
Don’t: Travel with a hangover
I have never experienced a hangover in my travels. Never. That is, until I spent all night drinking in Prague with two hours of sleep. Traveling back to Berlin in a bus with loud, rambunctious families on little sleep and a headache is not the best decision I have ever made.
Do: Be aware of your surroundings, and how you are acting
This includes anywhere, but in transportation centers mostly – especially airports. Never leave your bag unchecked, and help with customs and security by having your passport in hand and having all things out of your pockets
Don’t: Bring on luggage that isn’t yours
For the love of all things holy, make sure you do NOT do this. I thought I would be the nice guy and deliver a friends luggage back to the states. This was a bad idea. Three time-consuming security clearances and being thoroughly checked by the TSA did not make my travels go smoothly. Needless to say, I took this as my most valuable learning experience.
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