There are hundreds, if not thousands, of different incredible cultures in this world. One of the best ways to become familiar with them is to go on a tour of their birthplaces. If you desire to become a citizen of the world, here are some great ways you can start your journey.
Liquidate
When you travel to foreign countries, there’s a likelihood that some areas will not take either cash or plastic. If you’re going to travel, make sure that you have enough popular currencies such as the dollar or euro to get you going. If you haven’t been to Asian countries, there are reliable moneylenders in Singapore, Japan, or the Philippines that can help you with your financial needs.
Research
When travelling to a new country, it’s important to become familiar with their culture beforehand. One of the biggest challenges a foreign visitor can face is culture shock. This is when habits from your homeland are considered strange, taboo, or even criminal in others. Some cultures don’t consider the OK sign to be good because it looks more like a zero to them. Others kiss cheeks when they greet people, even strangers.
Get a Guide
In line with the previous piece of advice, it might be a good idea to hire a professional or local tour guide to help you get your bearings in this brave new world. Some of them also perform as host families, letting you stay in their houses for a minimal fee. They let you live in the very world that you are now visiting. You can also get an app that lets you go on a self-guided tour of specific locations such as museums, galleries, and national heritage sites.
Avoid Dangerous Areas
As much as you would love to see the best in people and explore every corner of the world, some areas can be incredibly dangerous or even fatal to the tourist. There are countries that have a specific ban for visitors from specific nationalities for their own reasons. You would be wise to either stay within international soil or avoid these places altogether. Check online or with your embassy to know which countries are off limits for you.
Go Local
If you want to experience the best that a culture has to offer, you might want to steer clear of the extremely popular places. You’ve likely seen too many posts of the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty already, so why not go for the hole-in-the-wall restaurants and bargain shops in the more rural areas? These places have people who’ve lived there for generations. They know how much time has changed and nearly left them behind. Support local businesses and buy from the little vendors.
Remember that the goal is not to travel to every single country but gain an appreciation of the world and its people. You may find them different, unexpected, and strange, but their lives are just as interesting and rich as your own. Come in peace, go with freedom, and leave behind some of the happiness you have brought with you.