Remember, too, that things could be unusual. The reason most people travel is to be somewhere different to home. It’s surprising, then, that so many tourists are disappointed when they can’t get their usual brand of chewing gum or when the shops close earlier than their accustomed to. When you’re not at home, enjoy the things that make it clear you’re not at home, because it won’t be long until you’re back in your own four walls wishing you were still on holiday. My experience taught me that the annoyance of always being served a strange-tasting fig jam for breakfast in Tunisia turned into a craving for a repeat experience once I was back home.
Learn a Little Lingo
If you’re traveling somewhere you can’t speak the language, don’t be scared – just be prepared! A mere few words can make a big difference. It’s true that English is becoming a really international language, and particularly people living in popular tourist areas often speak great English – but in this situation it’s often more the thought that counts. Picture going into a shop – you can say good morning or hello in the local language, and the shop assistant immediately realises you want to make an effort to learn about local ways. Add a few more words like “please” and “thank you,” be able to count from one to five and of course, learn to say “goodbye,” and you’ll really start to feel like you’re fitting in. Plus, when you come across someone who doesn’t speak English, you’ll be amazed at how much communication can occur with just a few phrases, and a lot of gestures. Many guidebooks today include a page or two of basic phrases – plus helpful hints on how to pronounce them – or surf the web for a handy page that might even have some sound files for you to listen to. After feeling a little bewildered the first few times I traveled in non-English speaking countries, I have now taken it as my personal challenge to learn how to thank someone in as many languages as possible!