How to Become a Real Traveler

Ah, vacation! Each of us has its own idea of vacation, but almost always it comes down to one of the most exciting activities - travel. Travel is definitely worth it, but it is better to do it correctly and wisely. Why turn into a lazy tourist who walks on the beach with his mouth open and occasionally snapping the shutter of a camera hanging by his navel? Enjoy every minute of your trip! Live life to the fullest! Become a true traveler, not a banal tourist! These simple tips will help you with this.







Learn more about the country before you go.

No, you don’t have to memorize a guidebook or a Wikipedia page, but it’s always nice to know where you’re going. Where do locals like to spend their free time? What's the culture here? Is tipping welcome or can a local worker be insulted by tea? Of course, it is impossible to be fully prepared for everything, but both sides will do the best if you keep the awkward moments with the people here to a minimum.



Ask permission before photographing anyone.

It's very important. It’s also a great way to show others that you respect them. In some countries, it is believed that taking a photo means losing a piece of soul, in others, locals are photographed, hoping to get a tip for it. And if this street artist in bright clothes riding an exotic animal refuses to be photographed, respect his desire.



Meet people.

The best thing you can find abroad is friends. You’ll remember “that time...” for much longer than some ridiculous souvenir that crashes on the way home. In addition, you can learn a lot about other countries and cultures by reaching out to someone who lives here (or even better, if they can show you places you don’t learn from guidebooks).



Visit foreigners at home

Nothing will give you more knowledge than spending time at home in a foreign country with a foreign culture. There is something unique about homemade food, no matter what country we are talking about. Again, you support local families, you look into the real life of the country and maybe make new friends.



Breathe.

One of the main differences between traveler and tourist is the goal. Tourists mostly dullly collect photos of the main attractions, although no one knows that in doing so, you walked past the Louvre just 10 minutes on the way to the Eiffel Tower. If you try to do everything, you won’t get anything in the end. Slowing down, stopping, and breathing in full is what will really allow you to see everything as it is.

Travel can be stressful, especially when you miss a bus, get lost in an unknown place, or lose your wallet. Stop! Stop and take a deep breath – after all, it’s just part of an unforgettable adventure.



Get lost... it's fun!

No, seriously, get lost. Take a deep breath and remind yourself that everything is fine. Then give yourself the opportunity to get to know the place for real, rather than looking at the map. Take a trip to the streets, dive into the alleys, ask for directions, and explore the city for the first time.



Choose untrodden paths

And we are talking not only about the paths not beaten by excursion groups, but also about the roads not beaten by anyone at all. Do you know some interesting places in your hometown that few people know about? In other cities there are similar places. Maybe it's time to find out about them.



Take public transport

If in doubt, do as the locals do. All locals (no matter what country) use public transport. It’s a lot cheaper and you’re sure to meet a bunch of interesting people and get to know the places a lot better.



Travel.

It does not matter whether you are an advanced traveler, a simple-minded tourist, a true Magellan or something in between, the most important thing is to just travel. We live on an amazing planet full of miracles that will not last a lifetime. But you should at least try to see them. As much as possible. As often as possible.

Source: koffboy.com/

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