If you are a seasoned traveler like myself, you know that each trip is different. When you take to the road (or the skies or seas), you never know what will happen. After all, that is part of the fun. When you get out there and see the world, you learn a whole lot about yourself and other people. Here are seven experiences you should have as a traveler.
Meet someone with different beliefs
The place you grew up was unlike anywhere else in the world. It is sad to think that some people go through their life believing that everyone is the same. The fact of the matter is there are people out there who believe different things to you. You can learn a load by talking to people of different cultures and religions. When you travel, you should make an effort to try to understand people and who they are
Live like the local people
It’s all well and good staying in hotels all the time, but if you want to experience the culture in-depth, you need a house. Sites like www.housetrip.com allow you to let a house or flat for a short stay. That way, you can truly immerse yourself in the local scene. When you stay in a hotel, it means that you never meet local people or talk to them. With a house, you get the opportunity to get a little closer to a place.
Spend nothing for a day
If you dine in fancy restaurants and pay big bucks to see an attraction, you need to cut it out. You can learn a lot about a city or town if you spend nothing there. For an entire day, try to avoid spending a dime. That way, you will find out what the place is like when you strip back all the gloss. Go to a park, eat at home and live like a true local. Doing so will change your perception of the place.
Learn to cook local cuisine
If you love foreign food, you might want to take a few cooking lessons from the locals. If you ask people, they will be more than happy to help you out. For example, if you are in Spain, you could learn to cook a paella, or in France, you could cook snails. Learning these authentic recipes is an excellent way to get to know the culture.
Meet a fellow traveler and tag along
When you travel, you tend to meet people along the way. When you meet someone new, you should tag along with them for a day or two. That way, you will have some company for a while. Getting to know people is one of the best things about traveling so make sure that you don’t miss out.
Follow an ancient trail
Sometimes, there are things you just have to do. I’ve followed the Inca Trail and learned a whole lot about the area. If you get a chance, it is always worth exploring new areas and learning new things as traveling should expand your horizons.
Learn a language
When you stay in a foreign country, the last thing you want to do is be ignorant. If you are in a country for a while, you should try to pick up a few phrases from the locals. That way, you can communicate with people around you and enjoy yourself amongst new friends. Knowing an extra language is always an excellent idea, and when you travel you get a chance to learn from native speakers.
Traveling should be full of new experiences. If you stay in your shell, you are missing out. Get out there and learn about the places you visit. the place that suits you inside and out.