You are at your destination and the first task is to adapt quickly so that you can enjoy your time. This is “easier DONE than SAID” and if you follow the points mentioned below then you are NOT likely to have any problems.
Why are things so different?
It baffles me when someone goes abroad and says “Damn! Why are things so different in this country?” Well, wasn’t that the idea to begin with? You went abroad so that you can experience something different. Things will be different in another country and in some cases the culture shock will be more than what you can handle. So, choose your destination wisely if you are a first time traveler. You can read my first article in this first time traveler 5 tips series to get some information on how to do so.
No, talking louder will not help
Say this out aloud “If the locals don’t speak my language then it’s my problem, not theirs.” Whether you like it or not, that is how things are. Would you expect yourself to speak French when a French tourist comes to your country? Also, would you miraculously start understanding French if this tourist starts speaking to you in a loud voice?
A smile will not give you cheek cramps
As you are wary of a foreigner in your own country, a local will be wary of you when you are a foreigner in his country. That is just human nature. It can’t be helped and the best way to diffuse this tension is to smile. Always smile, smile when you are talking to the guy at the ticket counter, the air hostess, the waiter. In some cases the other person will not smile back at you but in others he/she will invite you to his/her house to have dinner. It’s better than having an angry face which will always lead to unwanted tension.
Money is the most important thing, right?
Nope! While in a foreign country, nothing is more important than your passport. Lose it and your worst nightmare will begin. This is not an exaggeration, really if you lose your passport then you will have a very tough time as you will have to deal with the bureaucracy in the foreign country and at home. Not to mention that you will not be able to travel until you get a new passport or some kind of official document from your embassy.
In that rare case when you do lose your passport it’s best to have a copy at hand. So keep a copy of your passport in your bag and leave one copy with someone dependable back home.
My friend ate off the streets
Repeat this to yourself “My experience in a country will not be similar to that of my friend.” All of us are different and unless your friend or relative is your clone from a parallel universe then your experience will be different as compared to his/her experience. This is why it is always a good idea to gather information from a number of sources and then do your own research to finally arrive at a common sense decision. Just because your friend ate off the streets in Bangladesh does not mean that you should do the same. If you have a weak stomach then stay away from street food.
Remember, locals in most countries like to meet people from another country but they do not like people who disrespect them. Things will be done differently when you go abroad and that is the charm of travel. When you see things being done differently then you might just learn a couple of things about your own culture and country.
This article is a part of “tips for first time travelers” series. The above article is fourth in the series. You can read the other parts by clicking the links below:
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