Some local cuisine? Photo from Robin Esrock

One of the biggest reasons to travel is to expose yourself to a new culture, to see how things are done in another place.

As a traveler, you should strive to embrace cultural differences. But we are all creatures of habit and might not recognize our actions that are not appreciated in certain places.

For instance, in Japan, my friend blew his nose in public only to be met by odd stares and embarrassed looks. We later found out this no-no was considered distasteful, something Japanese only do in private. (Makes sense, actually!)

Some cultural taboos are culture-specific. Others are nearly universal. And fear of breaking cultural taboos can lead us to make the most inoffensive choices. But you can keep your travels interesting without offending anyone else.

Consider these 8 ways to make the journey a little less comfortable and a little more memorable.

DON’T Hail a Taxi

Stretch your travel budget by avoiding these gas-guzzling, wallet-draining rides as much as possible. Most cities ‘round the world have some amazing public transportation that is often clearly marked and easy to understand if you take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the system.

Traveling with the locals provides a great feeling of accomplishment as you navigate your way through the airport to the city bus or metro train.

DON’T seek the nearest McDonald’s

First of all, you can always eat at McDonald’s, KFC, or Starbucks at home. When you are somewhere different-take it all in by indulging in the many tempting treats at your fingertips.

From local food stands to gastropubs to sensory-overloading markets, trying local foods can be a cheap, fun, and a palette-expanding experience.

DON’T stick to expat bars

It’s time to immerse yourself in the culture of the city, including the people. One of the best places to meet people is at the local watering hole where the beers are cheap and the locals are (almost) always friendly.

Drinking with the locals is a way of embracing our differences and realizing how alike we all are at the same time. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to enrich your trip tenfold.

DON’T party at your hostel the entire week

Getting cheeky. Photo by Genista

Yes, hostels are great. We all know the amazing benefits and the comfort of having other travelers and your fellow countrymen to vent, empathize and share general travel highs and lows. Get out instead. You are traveling to discover new places and people.

DON’T blather on in English

We are extremely fortunate to speak English and even more fortunate that so many people in the world speak it also. But don’t expect everyone to speak English or understand you.

Take the time to learn a few words in the mother tongue of the country you are visiting. Challenge yourself to try and speak the local dialect. Greeting someone with a smile in their language is easy and goes a long way.

DON’T keep your nose in a travel guide

There is no denying that your dog-eared, coffee-stained Lonely Planet Guide is an extremely helpful amalgamation of maps, tips, and sleep/eat suggestions. But don’t become too LP dependent.

Pick up a local paper. Ask other travelers. Query your inn-keeper where he likes go. Then leave your guidebook in the room and explore.

DON’T keep your eye in the viewfinder

Travelers tend to sightsee with one eye looking into an LCD screen. It’s great fun to take home these precious memories, but don’t forget to enjoy the moment while it lasts. Put the camera away and focus on the here and now-breathe it all in-the sights, sounds, smells-of this boundless present moment.

DON’T expect things to be how they are at home

Whether you are in Tulsa or Timbuktu or Togo, remember that each place has its own way of doing things. Open yourself up to the idea that your way is not the right or best way.

Profound travel comes down to exposing all of your senses to this amazing world. If you travel wide open, you will know that travel is about more than sightseeing and souvenir-shopping.

The greatest gifts come not from what you see or buy, but from who you meet and the experiences you share with new friends from all over the world.

Community Connection!

Matador is a community of passionate, engaged travelers. We are dedicated to building empathy worldwide. Join the conversation by checking out the people of Matador today.

Photo by mcaretaker

You just landed in a foreign country after a 57 1/2 hour flight from Des Moines.

You’re tired. You’re hungry. You’re jet-lagged.

You manage to get through immigration and schlep your bags onto the metro. You emerge from the bowels of the subway into the blinding sunlight…and realize you have no idea where you are.

Sound familiar? Getting lost in a foreign city happens to the best of us, the rest of us, and the most seasoned of travelers.

We all get disoriented sometimes.What do you do when you don’t know where you are?

1. Don’t panic

First of all, you are in a city, not an Amazonian jungle. There is food and shelter (and probably a McDonalds) on every corner. Relax. Everything is going to turn out just fine.

2. Ask the locals

Not only are people almost always willing to help, asking for directions gives you a great excuse to talk to folks if you are feeling lonely.

If you’re female and feeling a bit scared, perhaps ask a local woman. This is a good way to practice your foreign language skills anyway (always learn the most important words: ‘thank you,’ ‘hello’, ‘excuse me’).

Don’t worry about a language barrier. If you are reading this article, you are fortunate enough to know a language that is spoken all over the world, and a smile is universal.

3. Look for big landmarks

In cities like Chicago, New York, and Paris there are some pretty tall, famous buildings usually visible no matter where you stand that can help you get your bearings.

Even the roughest New Yorkers sometimes emerge from the subway and need to find the Empire State Building so that they can orientate themselves and continue to the Carnegie Deli.

4. Pack a compass

Break out your trusty old compass, or go old school and seek out the sun. No matter where you are in the world, the sun will always set in the west (I’m making the assumption you aren’t lost at the North or South Pole).

If you know the general layout of the city, you can walk until you reach a river, park or major avenue.

5. Check out the tourist information office

Even if you’re not lost (yet) drop by this helpful place, if for no other reason than to get a good map. These goldmines of free maps and advice are typically located in airports and in train and bus stations.

6. Prepare in advance

If you are staying at a hotel that was recommended by your guidebook, there is often a city map in the book with the hotels marked on it.

While you are biding your time on the 10 hour train, bus, or airplane ride to your next destination, see where your lodging is on the map in relation to where you are coming into town and make a plan on how you will get from point A to point B.

7. Grab a business card

When you first check into your hostel or hotel, always take a business card (so you have the address and phone number with you at all times-to show taxi drivers, etc.) and also find the hotel on your map and mark it.

8. Retrace your steps

Always make a mental note of landmarks as you pass them, so that you can retrace your steps later if necessary.

9. Find a local pub or bar

Sit down. Take a load off. Have a drink. Repeat. You will start to feel better, I promise. And of course, you can then ask the bartender or friendly local next to you for some help.

10. Stay lost

You’re traveling! You’re in a city! How lost can you really be? Open yourself to serendipity and just wander around, taking in the sights and soaking up the vibe of the new place.

One of the best things about travel is embracing the unexpected, and being ‘lost’ is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, in most cases losing your bearings leads to a fun adventure.

Imagine you’re a contestant on the Amazing Race, even though there’s no prize money at the end.

Some final thoughts…

Figuring out a new city, its infrastructure, its transportation options, and its layout can sometimes be frustrating, but also quite rewarding once you master the system.

I always feel like entering a new country presents a fun, new challenge and if you can find your way in a place like Hanoi…well, you will feel like you can do just about anything.