Be sure to familiarize yourself with the culture and customs of a country before your arrival.
Learn How to Say Hello
It just so happens that the first place I traveled to on my flight benefits was the enchanting city of Paris, France. I had always fantasized about the moment I got to see the Eiffel tower, sip champagne, and consume an endless amount of carbs. However, I clearly should have done more research on French greetings upon arrival, because I was utterly stunned when my host introduced himself with a kiss on the cheek! Turns out, the French give a kiss on each cheek, the Japanese bow, and North Americans use handshakes to “say hello” in their respective regions. Know the proper greeting within your country of destination on your next international trip.
Be Safe
Whether traveling solo or in a group, there are always safety risks involved when being in an unfamiliar place. Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night, as you learn to navigate through a new city. I personally ask locals which areas of the neighborhood I should steer clear of and never walk alone after dark. Additionally, control the amount of alcohol you are consuming throughout the day. It may be easy to get caught up in the moment when you are on vacation, but it’s extremely unsafe to be intoxicated to the point where your inhibitions are lowered.
Take Photos, Respectfully
While snapping the perfect images of historic monuments is a great way to cherish your memories, there are certain locations where photography is not permitted. Surprisingly, the Taj Mahal in India does not allow any pictures to be taken inside certain areas of the mausoleum. For example, there is a tomb within its walls that is considered disrespectful to photograph. These regulations are also strictly enforced throughout many museums around the world. Guards or other security members will have no problem imposing hefty fines on anyone who does not adhere to their guidelines. It is important to note that some cultures are more sensitive to the camera than others, so do not take anyone’s photo without their permission.
Watch Your Belongings
I possess a whopping four photos from my first international trip to Paris. This is due to the fact that I was pickpocketed via public transportation on my last day in the city! Even though my purse had been on my shoulder, I made the grave error of leaving it unzipped, thus leaving my phone vulnerable to theft. Devastatingly enough, I had not backed up my pictures on the cloud *sigh*. However, this could have been completely avoided had I kept an eye on my belongings. To avoid becoming a victim of pickpockets, hold your bag tight against your body when walking around in public. It is strongly discouraged to place any items in your back pockets! I recommend purchasing a crossbody purse or fanny pack when traveling abroad.
My best piece of advice? Chill out!
My first trip to Paris may seem like a disaster, but truthfully it was the most magical time of my life! I did not create a strict itinerary, nor did I see every place I had hoped to visit. My phone was stolen, photos were lost, and my feet hurt because I was delusional enough to think I could walk through the city in high heels! Guess what? None of that mattered. I was spontaneous enough to go with the flow and refused to sweat the things I couldn’t control. Create a small, flexible list of what you want to do on your trip and go from there. Abiding by a rigid schedule takes the fun out of exploring a new country.
Make your next trip less about checking boxes, and more about embracing the experience.
