Traveling is an incredibly rewarding experience, especially when you have the chance to exchange culture with welcoming locals. There is definitely a travel etiquette to adopt if you want to have the best experience and be kindly received by the country you are visiting.
Show an interest in the culture
If you are going to eat in local bars and shop in local markets, show an interest in the culture that you are experiencing. Praise the things you admire about the place you are in and generally show interest in learning about the local’s way of life.
Learn the language
Realistically, there’s no way you can learn a new language for every country you visit. Learning how to say “hello” and “thank you” goes a long way though and shows locals that you’re making an effort.
Be patient
And if people don’t speak English, be patient with them. Don’t get frustrated when they don’t understand your requests. After all, they’re speaking your language and not their own.
Leave Tripadvisor reviews
If you enjoyed your stay or experience at a local business, leave a Tripadvisor review. In developing countries, these reviews make a big difference. If someone goes the extra mile, mention them by name as it might mean a bonus for their hard work.
Shop locally
If you are traveling countries like Vietnam, the chances are that you will have a lot more money than the average local. We’re not saying to give your money away, but you can still try to make considerate choices. Instead of getting your coffee at Starbucks, why not contribute to the local businesses by trying out an independent cafe?
Smile
General friendliness can go a long way. Be warm with those around you and your smile is likely to be returned with equal warmth and friendliness.
Bring friends
If you stumble across a local restaurant that you love, bring your friends. Support local businesses by spreading the word and bringing in new customers.
Don’t look down on street vendors
Standing on the side of the road selling fruit all day is no one’s idea of a fun time. Many of the street vendors are forced to do this work out of desperation and being rude to them just makes their job harder.
Listen
When you’re traveling in developing countries, it can be tempting to assume that your way is better because you’re from the West. Instead of coming in with a superiority complex, listen and learn from the cultures you are lucky enough to experience. You never know what you might discover.
