Being a good traveler involves more than just visiting new places. It’s about embracing new cultures, respecting local customs, and leaving a positive impact on the destinations you explore. You may be a seasoned globetrotter, but are you a good one? “Tourists are trampling the very attraction they’ve come to witness,” says Joel Deichmann, a professor at Bentley University in Massachusetts. Travelers frequently lack the proper mindset, which causes them to miss out on the full experience while also damaging the destinations visited.
Everyone must recognize that how we travel significantly impacts the world around us and future generations. So, how can we visit places without causing harm to them? Honestly, it can sometimes take almost nothing to transform from simple tourists to good travelers. Accountability, appreciation, reflection, and modesty may be your best allies. After decades of travel, I’ve realized that there are so many little things we can do to become better travelers. Follow these guidelines to be the best traveler you can be, whether you’re flying halfway around the globe or taking a weekend trip.
1). Conduct your research
If you want to be a good traveler, do your research before departing for a destination. Read all you can about the culture, history, customs, laws, social movements, economics, political ideologies, local issues, way of life, and anything else that comes to mind. Although you will learn more about this when you arrive, doing some preliminary research will help you to be a better, more responsible traveler. A little forethought always pays off because you’ll know what to expect and how to interact with the locals.
2). Accept the Culture
It is best to leave your judgments at home when visiting another country and be tolerant. A country’s culture is shaped by its history, ethnicity, diversity, and geographical location. It is visible in their choice of clothing, dietary habits, personal values, and way of living. The traditions and practices believed in many countries can be frustrating, confusing, and even hilarious at times. It is not always acceptable to blindly follow them, but keep in mind that it is not all about you. You’ve entered their home, their culture; shouldn’t your behavior reflect that? Kissing in public, showing legs in religious establishments, and walking around in bikinis are just a few examples of what is not acceptable in many traditional countries. It is best to respect,…
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