Hello steemians friends, in the trips that I have made in several countries I have had the opportunity to know different cultures and I can give some councils which I consider valuable to share with all of you. Then I will talk about my experience when it comes to wanting to be a traveler.

Ask yourself your reasons to travel. Is the Eiffel Tower more important than experiencing French culture? Is San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge more important than an escape in California out of the ordinary? Do you really need the crowds of those destinations that are experiencing an excess of attraction or are you going to get more than you want out of that common trip going the other way? Investigate your options.

Read: Think about the goal of your trip, not just the destination.

Source Image

---

---

Try to make friends on your international trips and avoid bothering anyone.

If you want to break the ice in almost any social situation abroad, remember that you are a guest in someone else's country, so you should make an effort to speak the language. Obviously, you can not expect to be fluent, even the simple act of getting ahead can be difficult if you do not have the time or the aptitude, but any attempt, although embarrassing, makes a big difference. The first time I set foot in the United States, I knew only a few words, I heard people express themselves with comments I had never heard correctly uttered. In the first attempt to converse with a gringo, my conversational beginnings were so entertaining for my hosts that I quickly received a gift. So it's worth trying to meet local people and start a conversation. Even if you end up speaking mostly in a second shared language, you can learn a lot about the other. Once I traveled in third class on a train, partly because I thought it would make the trip of the night more interesting. As there were no free seats, I ended up standing. But it was not long before the guard took pity on me realizing he was a tourist and invited me to his cabin, where he piled me up with stories and refreshments until I could not take it anymore.

Tips when traveling.

---

Source Image

• Enjoy the surprises of the less popular cities in the selected country. It is not difficult to identify the destinations experienced by tourism. They are, essentially, the most popular destinations in the world are the best to select. There are many more places to travel. For example, do you want to go to Italy? Think of Bologna instead of Venice or Rome. Go to the United Kingdom? Think of Liverpool instead of London. For each country there are a variety of specific destinations, many of which you may not have heard of before.

• Stay out of the center of the most popular cities. If you are determined to go to Paris, London, New York, Madrid, Porto, Hong Kong ... consider staying out of the city center. You will help distribute the tourist dollar, you will probably save money, and you can easily access the city center, since most of the main cities have a great public transport.

• Be especially respectful in the cities that you will experience tourism. As more people travel, the most popular cities experience more damage in public spaces, struggle with increased demand for electricity and water and endure more stress than planned. Be careful while traveling. Follow the rules of the city. Do not leave the lights on or leave the tap open. Think about what you do and its impact.

Source Image

How to be a good traveler as you advance in your adventure.

While you explore a new culture, the people you are getting to know are also exploring yours. Being a "good" traveler will help you make the most of this reciprocal relationship in your travels. You will be better received by the locals, you will have better and more authentic experiences and will return home having left a better impression of your own country in them.

✔ Think as local. Is your hotel locally owned or will the proceeds leave the country? Try to support the local economy in everything you do. Whether it is a seller in a popular European market or a tour of Morocco in its street shops, if you explain, try to find ways to support the thousands of small businesses that you will find along the way.

✔ Consider the environment. When choosing a travel company, hotel or cabin, check your policies regarding environmental issues and support the local culture. Choose travel companies that act responsibly.

✔ Learn and read a little about the destination. Before traveling, learn about local problems. Are there specific needs that you can help with? Could you bring school supplies, basic necessities, clothes or medicines that would be of great value to the locals? This in case you want to help if you go to an area that requires help. For example, in Cuba all this is very well received by its inhabitants.

✔ Be respectful. Do not judge. There is not a country on earth that has everything calculated and does not lack something, neither one of its own nor the other, so let judgmental attitudes at home. Be respectful and look for the good in the culture and then bring some of that home.

✔ Be careful when taking pictures. There are ethical issues related to taking pictures while traveling. This is especially true when it comes to children and for any photo taken in developing countries. In general, it is not advisable to take photographs of children unless the parents or teachers give their permission (or request it as is sometimes the case).

✔ Be curious. To really understand a culture, you should ask questions. Be careful and respectful if you are venturing into a political or religious territory, but still, ask. People usually love to talk about their country. But a question and an answer is rarely enough. Ask "why" and "how" the questions that are open so that people feel free to speak.

✔ Smile, laugh and share your energy. You are in vacation mode. The locals you know may be in work mode. Brings a little light to your day being cheerful.

✔ Touch the knowledge of your taxi driver or guide. Some of your best experiences could come from a recommendation from your taxi driver or guide ... almost anyone you meet along the way. Be friendly and share your local knowledge with you.

✔ Show your appreciation If you are in a hotel, do not forget to tip the cleaning people. They are often forgotten. For all those people who make your trip wonderful, but for whom tips are uncomfortable, offer a spontaneous coffee or surprise with any detail. At a minimum, take the time to learn something about them, smile and thank them.

✔ Keep an open mind. You will be surprised from time to time, possibly even astonished, by cultural differences. "Really, do you do it that way?" Yes, people from all over the world do things differently. Keep an open mind and try to discover why it is so different and why you are having an answer to the difference. Be tolerant of the way other cultures do things.

✔ Be patient. Remember that you are the guest. You are the one who does not know the system. If you are trying to get a visa or a train ticket and can not believe how difficult it is, stay calm and patient. You will be happier and you will leave a better impression behind you.

✔ Try new things. From strange meals to adventure day trips, try everything that catches your eye to experience your adventure, at least once. You may never have the opportunity again, so go ahead.

✔ Act appropriately. How you dress and act affects how they see you. If women are covered in public, you should do it too. If drinking alcohol is generally disapproved, you should avoid it.

✔ Be Flexible. Things will not always go well. It is inevitable, but it is not necessarily a bad thing. Things that go wrong can present new opportunities and experiences. Treat the unexpected in that way while being flexible.

✔ Do not get discouraged with a scam. I've been swindled many times. In fact, I almost consider it the admission price for travelers. Hopefully, you do not lose too much money in the transaction. Take those humble experiences and put them where they belong, in your list of humorous anecdotes.

As always, your travel options are your most powerful tool when it comes to being a good traveler. I hope you liked this little guide which will surely be of great help when planning your next adventure.

I do not want to miss this opportunity to name a person that I consider an excellent traveler, besides being a great human being @anomadsoul in his profile will see many of his adventures.

Remember to also participate and support projects for the community #ocd, #Stem-espanol #jerrybanfield #adsactly . ¡Vote as witness! Here: https://steemit.com/~witnesses