Consider these ten tips for making the most of international travel experiences:
Embrace local culture. Find a cooking or crafts demonstration or seek out a place where you can listen to folk music.
Live in the present. Linger at a scenic viewpoint or relish a quiet morning walk. Take photos but don’t forget to enjoy the moment and where you are.
Try new foods. Choose local specialties at restaurants. Sample something new or unusual.
Talk with locals. Ask for directions or find someone willing to tell you about a point of interest. Engage the people you meet to learn new perspectives.
Explore without a plan. Walk through a neighborhood or take a trip on a city bus.
Learn some history. Study the places you plan to visit and make time to see locations associated with famous people and/or historical events.
Unplug yourself. Tell your friends and family that you won’t be available for a few days and shut off your phone. Relish time without commitments or expectations.
Accept that some things won’t go as planned. Be flexible and don’t be derailed by small setbacks.
Be gracious. Keep an open mind and treat the people you meet with patience, dignity, and respect.
Never forget that travel is a gift that shouldn’t be taken for granted.
