With the world as small as it is, thanks to technology, sometimes travelers forget that going to another country means being immersed in a different culture. There is no point in going to a foreign country if you’re not going to admit to yourself that you’re not in Kansas (or Florida, or Michigan) anymore! Before you embark on your overseas adventure, there are some skills and knowledge bases that you could probably use, even if you don’t typically use them here. If you have time before your trip, here are some things to learn as you wait for your anticipated travel date:
-
Learn how to drive a stick shift. With most of the cars sold in the United States being automatic transmission, it’s very possible that you don’t know how to drive a manual shift car. In many places, this is going to be the predominant type available from car rental agencies. Yes, it’s often possible to arrange for an automatic transmission rental, but what if they’re all out when you show up? Your options include waiting for a new one and taking the stick shift. It’s not terribly hard to learn, and it will probably help you at some other point in the future, as well, so find a friend with a 5-speed and ask for some lessons.
-
Learn how to use chopsticks. If you are going to an Asian country where chopsticks are the normal eating utensils, then you should try your best to blend in as much as you can. Yes, they’ll know you’re a foreigner anyway, but it’s embarrassing and a little bit presumptuous to assume that your hosts have forks and knives available for your use. Luckily, you can learn this extremely easily by going into a Chinese restaurant, ordering a variety of foods, including rice and noodles, and eating them with the chopsticks provided. You may need to do this several times to really get the hang of it. It’s also a good idea to memorize a few key phrases in the local language of each country you are visiting such as Hello, how much is it, where is the bathroom, etc.
-
Learn the local laws. Just as 18-year-old Europeans can’t come here and expect to order a beer at an American bar, you can’t go to a foreign country and expect American laws to apply to you. This includes traffic laws. Whether it’s driving down the left side of the road, stopping where there aren’t clear stop signs or making pedestrians yield to you, you need to figure out what the local traffic rules are and adhere to them to avoid getting a ticket or causing an accident.
- Learn the local customs. These are usually unwritten, but are just as important, if not moreso, than written laws. Women in particular should be sure that they are dressing as modestly as the locals in some African and Middle Eastern countries. Find out what gestures are meant as insults and avoid using them. Also find out which gestures are used upon meeting someone of your own sex and of the opposite sex to avoid offending someone that you’ve just met.
- Plan ahead: There are lots of other simple things that will make your trip more enjoyable. Have a daily budget in mind so that you don’t overspend. Understand the currency conversion. Have some local currency with you when you arrive as it very expensive to exchange money at the airport and you may need it right away to eat a snack or take transportation. Make sure you have all of your chargers and adapters. Let your credit card or bank card provider know that you are traveling out of the country. (Research which ones have the best conversion rates.) Don’t take expensive jewelry or valuables with you. Pack a change of clothes in your carry on bag just in case your luggage is delayed. Leave copies of your passport behind. Have a copy of your passport and travel documents with you – packed separately from the originals. Pack a small first aid kit with Neosporin and band-aids.
Traveling to a foreign country is a fascinating way to get to know other people and to get acquainted with another culture. Keep in mind that there are some things that you can and should do to prepare yourself before you even leave to increase your chances of getting the most out of your trip!
