New Year’s Resolution: Be A Better Traveler

New year, new you! This year how about striving to become a good traveler. Better yet, a better traveler. Here are 20 tips for how to be a Better Traveler in 2020:

1. Be open-minded.

Open up your mind to the possibilities of what you can do, see, and eat. Trips are not an everyday occurrence and you may not have another opportunity to visit that destination in the future.

2. Don’t act like a know-it-all.

If you know everything, then what is the point of traveling and discovering new things. Travel is all about learning and exposing yourself to new cultures and ways of life.

3. Learn before you go.

Educate yourself and learn a little bit about the country and destination before you go. That way, you can have more of an appreciation as soon as you get there.

4. Learn basic phrases.

Learning how to say “hello” and “thank you” can go a long way. The attempt and efforts to say phrases in local languages can even get you better service and smiles from locals.

5. Don’t expect everyone to speak your language.

While you can’t be expected to learn a new language, you cannot expect every local to understand English, let alone different accents of English from around the world.

6. Observe & respect the culture.

While the country may not have your culture, customs, and beliefs, you are just a visitor. Observe and be respectful of the culture and their ways of life.

7. Dress appropriately.

Part of respecting cultures is dressing appropriately. That can mean covering up if the culture requires that of all locals and tourists. That can also mean dressing decently in nicer places and not as though you are headed to the beach.

8. Show your appreciation.

Be appreciative. Say thank you. Smile! Showing your appreciation to all that help you or are simply nice to you makes everyone around you happier.

9. Tip the service staff.

An extra way of showing appreciation is by tipping the service staff. If the waiter did a great job, tip him or her a little more. That goes for people in hotels, as well.

10. Have a sense of humor.

Turn negatives into positives. Relax and have a sense of humor when it comes to mishaps. Seeing the funnier side of things helps to lighten and brighten the mood.

11. Be nice.

Be nice to everyone and to yourself. Just like having a sense of humor, being nice truly lightens up your spirits and helps you to enjoy everyone around you on your trip.

12. Have extra patience.

Traveling can truly test one’s patience. Your patience is tried when you get lost, get taken advantage by a taxi driver, and especially when your travel companion picks on your nerves. Take a moment and will yourself to have extra patience when it comes to traveling.

13. Don’t panic.

Mishaps happen. Getting lost, having something stolen, or your itinerary not going as planned. It’s okay – don’t panic! Panicking makes you forget things and makes you not think as clearly as you can. Slow down, think, reassess, and figure out your plan from there.

14. Be flexible.

Be flexible to the fact that your plans may not go the way you want them. Have backup plans. Have no plans – head to a cafe or bar and enjoy a leisurely afternoon. Or simply relax at your hotel and enjoy all those comforts.

15. Mind your manners.

Rudeness is universal and not appreciated in any country or culture. Mind your manners wherever you go.

16. Be mindful of your camera.

Some cultures do not want nor appreciate your invasion of privacy and personal space when it comes to taking pictures of other people. Be mindful of that and ask permission if you really want to take a picture of strangers.

17. Try new things.

New destinations mean new experiences. Try new things – even if that means tasting the local beers or local foods.

18. Speak quietly,

In many cultures, loud voices are considered rude and disruptive. Be mindful of the volume of your voice. Speak quietly to your companions and at a moderate level when speaking to others. And remember: speaking louder in English to someone that does not understand English does not help them understand you at all.

19. Clean up after yourself.

Whether at the beach, in a restaurant, or even in your hotel room – clean up after yourself! Trashing up any place is never respectful.

20. Tomorrow is a new day.

When you travel, if one day was a disaster, try to remember that tomorrow is a new day for new adventures and possibilities.

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