It’s many of our dreams to travel the world, explore hidden locations, experience a different way of life and simply escape our daily lives. Travelling to different countries helps to broaden our mindset and allows us to learn about other people’s way of life.
To truly immerse oneself in the country you’re visiting, it’s essential to welcome cultural differences with a fully open mind. Not only will this avoid a significant culture shock upon arrival, but you will find that your time spent abroad will be enriched with interaction with the locals and authentic experiences.
Do Your Research
A good place to start is to research the country you’re visiting to prepare yourself for any cultural differences you might encounter whilst travelling. Make yourself aware of different norms for greetings, for instance, the French usually kiss on the cheek and those in Nigeria kneel to greet their elders.
Many travellers from Western countries experience an overwhelming culture shock when travelling to places such as Japan, India and Thailand. When embarking on Japan trips, be prepared for less physical contact when greeting and extra-loud slurping of noodles!
Engage With the Locals
Instead of ticking off a sightseeing list and getting the best photos for Instagram, spend some time connecting with the locals. Of course, there might be a language barrier, so take this as the opportunity to utilise small words you might have picked up along the way.
Engaging and communicating with the local community will lead you to the best restaurants for local specialities, enlightening conversations and perhaps new friendships. Be open to challenging your preconceptions by listening to their stories and perspectives.
Sample Authentic Experiences
Another way to truly understand the country you are visiting is to seek out authentic experiences. Take yourself off-the-beaten-path to lesser-known locations untouched by tourists to allow you to discover hidden gems. Or ask locals and experienced travellers for recommendations.
Sample the local cuisine at food markets, participate in local festivals and join guided tours led by local experts.
Learn Basic Words and Phrases
One of the most impactful ways to show respect to local people in the country you are visiting is to make the effort to communicate in their language. Learning basic phrases for greetings, social situations and emergencies is always helpful, but also allows you to immerse yourself in the culture.
There are plenty of apps available for you to get a head start on basic phrases to learn before you set off on your adventure. This will give you both a sense of security and more confidence to provoke interesting conversations.
Embracing cultural differences embellishes your time abroad with new opportunities that otherwise would’ve been missed. Start your adventure with an open mind and plenty of curiosity to make the most out of your trip.