Taking on New Adventures

As some of you know, I wrote for a travel blog during the pandemic. It was fun to stretch my wings. Plus, I got to do some tips and tricks for traveling both domestically and internationally.

One of the biggest tips I researched with well-traveled friends was how to integrate with the local culture to get the most out of your trip, and not tick off those who lived there. But this is even bigger than that.

Recently, I’ve noticed on TikTok a bunch of “influencers” (PS-I HATE that word and rarely, if ever, take their opinions into account) talking about travel to various places. One decided to continue to Hawaii in the days after the wildfires devastated a part of Maui and displaced thousands of residents. I also have noticed a bunch of people talking badly about the Amalfi Coast and how horrid it is to climb the steps there and “nobody told them”. As if it’s not mentioned on every guide available.

I live in New Orleans, which is a mecca of people behaving badly when they come here. I’ve had people peeing on the entranceway to my apartment building, talk badly about how they can not believe anyone lives here and worse.

So with that, I offer these suggestions on how to travel smart and not be a jerk to those who live where you are going.

First, do a little research on the area you are going to before you hop in the car or hit the airport. It’s easy to check out various blogs, travel sites and even Reddit to get a sense of the culture as well as places to avoid and must-stop places. Also, there’s no excuse not to with nearly everyone having a smart phone and a vast array of public internet spots.

Second, treat everyone with respect. Living in a tourist area, I am often amazed at the entitlement people feel when visiting. I hear varied comments but the centerpiece of it is they should be served first, get the best service, and more just because they are in town spending some money for a couple of days. Nothing turns off a local more than that and you will likely get horrid recommendations by being like this. Remember that you are a visitor and if you treat everyone with respect, respect will be given in return. And that will make your trip that much better!

Third, if you don’t speak the native language fluently, try to learn some key phrases. There are a variety of language apps and online courses you can take. Find one that works for you and make a point to learn some basic, key phrases. You’ll be surprised how far that will go in an area where your language isn’t the primary language. Plus, you may be able to help a local with your language as well. It’s a fun way to learn more about the local language and help someone with yours in return.

Finally, or final for this blog, dress the way the locals do. If you are in a culture that is not like yours, make a point of researching (there’s that word again) the local traditions on dress. Some cultures may mandate a certain dress, especially in Muslim countries, while others will just look down on you for dressing inappropriately for their culture. You could even be fined or arrested if you are not dressed appropraitely in certain countries. And they don’t care where you are from.

All of this goes back to one thing: you are a guest in the area where you are traveling to. So make a point to learn about the local culture and do your best to respect that culture in your actions and the way you dress.