Not everyone has the opportunity to travel.Being a tourist means you get to experience different cultures, beliefs, people and food, but it also comes with a level of personal responsibility.It's your duty to act as an ambassador and to leave a good impression on the locals in the country you're visiting.Being open to new experiences, having cultural sensitivity, and having the knowledge you need will ensure you are a good tourist regardless of where you go.
Step 1: You can learn key phrases in the language of the country you're going to.
It's important that you are able to communicate while you're in a different country.Learning a couple of key phrases in the local language is not realistic for most people.Before you travel, make sure to pick up a translation book.Locals in the country you're visiting will appreciate and respect the gesture even if you aren't very good at speaking the language."Hello, goodbye, thank you, I need help, and do you speak English?" are some common phrases tourists should learn.Many countries teach English in primary school.If you try to speak in their native tongue, they will appreciate it.
Step 2: If traveling domestically, dress appropriately and check the weather.
Some countries have a wide variety of climates.Before you go to another region of your country, make sure you know what the climate will be like so you can pack clothing that makes sense for the place you're visiting.Florida and New Mexico get extremely hot in the summer and have a mild climate during the winter.South America has different climates from warm dry to hot and humid.
Step 3: Conduct research on the country's customs and traditions.
Being knowledgeable about the country you are in is a must for being a good tourist.You should find out what the local clothing looks like so you can dress appropriately.The local style of clothes you wear will help you fit in.Write down the locations that you would like to visit while you are there in a list.You may miss out on a unique cultural experience if you don't research the events that are happening in the city.
Step 4: Before you go, make sure you get the vaccines you need.
It is important that you get a vaccine because different countries have different infectious diseases.It is recommended that you get a Typhoid vaccine when traveling to Thailand.You can see what vaccines are recommended in certain countries using an online tool from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Step 5: Ask your tour guide questions.
A tour guide can give you a better idea of the country you are in.This know-how goes beyond what can be found in a guide.Ask your tour guide about local businesses that you can use.If your guide is a resident of the area, you can ask about bars and restaurants that they like.
Step 6: You should be aware of your speaking volume.
One way to make locals dislike you is to speak loudly in public.Don't yell in public and try to keep your volume down.In Japan, speaking loudly is a sign of disrespect.Loud speaking is a sign of disrespect in Muslim countries.
Step 7: You should dress according to the local customs.
It is advisable to dress according to local customs and be aware of their religions.Women in many Muslim countries wear a hijab in public.France does not allow clothing that covers the face.
Step 8: Local festivals and parades can be participated in.
You should be involved in local events instead of being a spectator.You should engage with the people who live in the place you are visiting whenever you get the chance.Many major cities celebrate different cultures and regions of the world in parades and festivals that the public can attend.The Macy's Thanksgivings Day parade has been a tradition in the US since 1924.In India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, people cover themselves in multi colored dyes to celebrate the festival of Holi.The Venice Carnival is a huge festival that happens in Venice, Italy each year and is one of the biggest costume and art celebrations in the world.
Step 9: Don't feed animals.
It is possible that the indigenous animals that live in the country or region you are visiting will be different from your local animals.This isn't an excuse to feed or interact with them.Feeding wildlife can hurt and endanger the animals you are feeding.The monkeys have become larger and more susceptible to disease as a result of tourists feeding them.If you don't know the species, feeding wild animals can be dangerous.Make sure you are hunting legally in the designated areas.
Step 10: Do not litter under any circumstances.
Trash on the ground is a sign of disrespect in any country or region you're visiting.Keep the trash on you until you have the chance to properly dispose of it.The penalty for spitting in Hong Kong is more than a thousand dollars.
Step 11: Buy locally made products and use local services.
Buy products or services from the people who live there.If you feel comfortable patronizing establishments in your home country or state, don't fall victim to that.People will appreciate tourism if the local economy is supported.Take an interest in how products are produced.There are different manufacturing methods in different countries.When purchasing products overseas, keep in mind the customs regulations.Some products can't be taken back to your country.
Step 12: Support local restaurants by trying different cuisines.
It is important that you try the cuisine found in local restaurants even if you are not a fan of new things.If you put in the effort, you can show the local people that you respect their culture and are willing to try new things.Food can vary from region to region when traveling domestically.In developed countries, be careful of unsanitary conditions.The food in some of these countries may be unsanitary and could make you sick.There are many local people in the restaurant.You can sample the local food at different restaurants in the area.
Step 13: When traveling abroad, purchase local currency.
Major credit cards are accepted overseas, but you can purchase products in local currency.You'll be able to purchase things from street vendors and local businesses who accept cash only, and get a more organic experience.Some major banks have international ATMs that you can use to withdraw cash from a foreign country.Inform your bank if you travel domestically because they don't think there's suspicious activity on your account.
Step 14: Talk to people in your area.
It is important to engage with the local culture when traveling abroad, even if you don't understand the native language.It could be doing business with a local shop owner, or celebrating local traditions.It's a good idea to go out of your way to talk to local people when traveling domestically.Sharing meals with people is a universal experience.Don't rely on people in your group if you are traveling in a group.You can experience different cultures by doing your own thing.