When you have lived in your country for a long time, it is easy to think that everything you do is the way of life around the planet. Yet, this is a very wrong misconception that confuses people going to a new country the first time. Once you decide that you want to visit country A or B, you need to expect a lot of different things.
The people you will meet might speak a different language. They may also have a different culture, foods you have never seen or hear about before, and many other things. Since all these things may be too hard to learn within the first few days, it is important to follow standard etiquettes, so that not to offend other people and cause chaos in a place where you are the unfamiliar being. Here are 5 tips that may help make your travel easy.
Be Polite to Everyone
Politeness is universal. Everyone wants to be treated with kindness and respect. Don’t you also like it when people are polite to you? It is a universal language that unites people around the world. When requesting something, start with the word “please”. And when you get help, always remember to say thank you.
It costs nothing to be polite to other people. Also, despite the differences in the ways of life of the people you meet, when you are polite, they are willing to show you around. If it is a hotel you have visited, ask the waiter to please explain what’s on the menu if you don’t understand.
The person will be willing to give you the details and even tell you which dish you should try out first so you can fall in love with the cuisine. Just as you ask a company for essay help when you are humble, you should maintain the same humility when in a new country.
Organize Your Things and Be Tidy
Being organized is also a universal way of life. No matter where you go, you will always find people trying to be organized. If you are traveling in an Uber, don’t throw your stuff around the car as it might create a bad impression. Lift your bag and place it in the car without banging the car. And when you get out, make sure to collect any food wrappings you might have dropped in the car.
People might try to be kind to you, but they may be bothered by your disorganization. It may hinder you from creating friendships that would last for years. Also, you might miss out on all the fun stuff in a new place when you are disorganized because people will avoid doing things with you for fear of dealing with your clumsiness. They say no man is an island, but if you are disorganized, people may create an island in you without your knowledge.
Don’t be Loud when on Your Mobile Phone in Public
No one wants to hear you speak through your mobile phone in public spaces. The truth is that everyone has things they are dealing with emotionally and mentally. Therefore, when you speak loud, you may irritate people. Besides, you, too, would not like everyone to hear what you are saying over your mobile phone. It may be a private conversation that no one else should listen to except you and the person on the other end.
Make an Effort to Learn a New Language
In most of the places you will travel, people will be conversant with English. Even if they are not completely fluent, you will notice that they make an effort to learn a few words. Therefore, why not try and do the same? Learn the language the locals are speaking. You don’t have to be fluent as you can learn the basics such as greetings, saying goodbye, please, and asking people their names. People appreciate it when you try their language because it makes them feel valued.
Also, if you are offered food, try some of it if you are not allergic. And if you have allergies, tell the person offering you so that they can understand instead of feeling offended. Besides, it will make your trip fun as you will remember the experience for the rest of your life and be happy about it.
Parting Shot
When traveling to a new place, always try to follow standard etiquette so that your trip may be enjoyable. Be kind to the people who serve you and those you travel with. Use polite language when speaking to people. Also, make an effort to learn the language spoken in the country and organize your things, so you don’t bother other people with clumsiness.