One thing about me is…I’m not ashamed to be a tourist! However, there is a certain level of responsibility that every tourist should maintain when traveling somewhere new (or old).
Here are 8 important tips to take with you on every trip!
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If you are planning to travel, here are some helpful tips that I’ve acquired over the years that have allowed me to enjoy new places while also remaining respectful of different cultures. I try my best to be as gracious as possible when I’m going somewhere new, just as I would if I were to be a guest in someone else’s home.
This guide can be helpful if you’re traveling to a new continent, country, or even crossing state lines.
Do Research
DO YOUR RESEARCH! This may seem obvious…but there are plenty of times where people tend to brush this to the side and just go with it. It’s the 21st century – let’s get our phones out and quit it with the excuses!
I urge you to do at least a little bit of research, even if it’s just a quick article two – on the place you’re going to. This can be a relevant news article, a quick summary on the history, background, and current state of affairs. If you’re really crunched for time, you can even do this while waiting for your flight to board. Anything is better than nothing.
Country Summaries
Travel Independent has some great country summaries that give a rundown of each country, and highlights tourist visa strategies, tips on getting around, guidebook recommendations, and more.
BBC also has some great quick and easy country profiles.
Read, and Listen Up
Correspondingly, if you want to put some more thought into preparation, I urge you to read a book or watch a movie about the place you’re going. Reading can be a great way to get familiar with a country’s culture. You don’t necessarily have to read a historical nonfiction to familiarize yourself. You can dabble in fiction novels as well. Pick up a book as soon as you start planning your venture – not only will this acquaint you with some cultural context, but it will definitely get you hyped for your upcoming excursion!
If you’re not a reader or movie watcher, listen to a podcast episode to educate yourself.
However you decide to go about doing your research, make an effort and make it fun!
Be Aware of Relevant Issues
On a similar note, be aware of what’s going on in the place you’re going to beforehand. This can be related to ongoing geopolitical issues and safety, but also cultural matters as well.
For example, before traveling to Puerto Rico, I extensively researched the island’s history and cultural influences. But upon further investigation, I was able to educate myself on challenges that locals were, and still are, facing such as: a housing crisis – where the influx of Americans seeking residency on the island as a tax haven are pushing out locals and making it unaffordable to live, effects of natural disasters on the local economy, a shrinkage of population, and loss of culture.
Similar issues exist in Mexico City, Hawai’i, and numerous other places.
Knowing the prevailing challenges that these places face motivates me to be hyperaware of the prevalent modern-day colonization, religious voluntourism, the white savior complex phenomenon, the spread of ‘digital nomads’, cultural appropriation, and the the impact my stay will have on the place that I’m visiting.
Buy Local Art
As a small effort to support the local economy, if presented with the chance, I always make an effort to purchase art from local artists. Also, your house is bound to be much cooler with art from around the world rather than basic pieces from TJ-Maxx. (Nothing wrong with TJ-Maxx, but supporting local artists is cool, too.)
Make a point to peruse through local art fairs or galleries, you never know what you might find!
I’ve come home with a gorgeous canvas painting from Tanzania, hand-painted coasters from Greece, and much more. Hand-crafted décor can come in many shapes and sizes and will live on much longer than the cheap and trinkety knickknack souvenirs. Plus, displaying your collected art will be sure to be a great conversation starter whenever you have guests.
Know the Tipping Culture
Tipping culture around the world varies. Reading up on it before you travel is key – you want to ensure you have the right bills ready.
Understand the going percentages for taxi drivers, restaurant servers, tour guides, etc. and have the cash exchanged (in the local currency) and ready. Alternatively, know beforehand if tipping is considered rude in the place that you’re visiting.
Engage With Locals
If your trip allows and if appropriate, engage with locals. This may vary based on location, but if appropriate and safe (emphasis on safe!), step out of your comfort zone and strike up conversation with local residents.
Ask open-ended questions, ask for transportation tips, ask where the best food spots are, ask about their life and experiences. There is no better way to immerse yourself in a new culture than by engaging with the people who live there.
You never know, you could end up finding the best hidden dessert spot around, learning about a shortcut to get around town, or a new lifelong friend!
Keep the Land Clean
In Hawai’i, they call it ʻĀina. In many Spanish-speaking countries, they call it la tierra. In Thailand, they call it ที่ดิน. While these words may just translate to “land,” for many cultures, this meaning goes much deeper.
Love of the land, in many places, is deeply rooted in tradition and culture. However, a good rule of thumb for any place you visit is to respect the natural beauty (or unnatural, for that matter), don’t take anything (shells, leaves, rocks, etc.), and be a good steward of resources. Don’t litter or destroy, touch or go anywhere you’re not supposed to.
Seems simple, but you’d be surprised at the sheer disrespect tourists can have. Don’t be one of the bad ones!
Aloha ʻĀina
While in Hawaii at the Kualoa Ranch, I had the opportunity to go through the “Grown Tour” which helped me gain an extra level of appreciation for the native agricultural practices in Hawaii, and for our planet as a whole.
A Smile is Universal
Always carry this one with you – a smile. Whether you speak the local language or not, a smile is something that everyone can understand.
Remember, as a tourist, you are a visitor in someone else’s home. That means you should always practice kindness and respect wherever you are traveling.
Be an Advocate
While as a tourist you have a personal responsibility to be an ethical and responsible traveler, it is just as important to respectfully guide others who may not be as well-equipped. Speak up if you’re traveling with someone who is being culturally insensitive, start conversations on the dangers of colonialism and other current issues an area might be facing, and share this post as a gentle reminder that we can all find ways to improve our travel experiences.
ENJOY!
It is so important to be a responsible and respectful tourist and I hope these 8 tips can serve as a friendly reminder for you educate yourself & others. Keep this in your back pocket for any trip you take!
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