5 'absolute' rules to follow when traveling.

Traveling the world can be one of the most satisfying things you do in your life. We have all seen those pictures on Instagram, Tumblr or Facebook of exotic places and smiling friends and family enjoying crystal blue waters or delicious gourmet meals in some European capital. Yes, they make me jealous too!

But the truth can often be very far from what the images tell us. Chances are that those pretty pictures are not the norm. It does not take very much to ruin what would otherwise be a wonderful vacation. Traveling can be very stressful and it can be even more rigorous when its to a foreign country with unfamiliar customs.

So what can we do to maximise our enjoyment when we travel? 

Here are 5 rules to ‘absolutely’ follow that will ensure you make the most of your “summer vacation”.

1. “When in Rome.” If you travel to a country for its ancient history, incredible ruins or unique culture you will be in a country that has had customs much longer than we have.
   

   They have found particularly unique ways to live their daily lives that may be very different or even exactly contrary to how we do things. We may think that ‘our’ way is more logical, but they have had much more time to work out a custom or social norm that works for them based on their common background that may extend for many thousands of years. So the rule is; enjoy the differences and celebrate the contrasts and DO NOT COMPARE.
   

   

    
2. Give yourself time to relax where you are and just take in your surroundings. It’s fine to have a precise schedule of places and things to see, but it can get awfully hectic if you are rushing from one place to another with little time to actually take in the moment. You will miss so much. Our memories of a place should be more than just a photograph. It should be made up of sights and sounds and smells. Sometimes we miss the real ‘sights’ when we are photographing them. So, put down the camera after you get the shot and just sit and relax and contemplate the millenium that have seen people walk those streets. I like to research the history of the place I am in and I am always amazed at the resilience of the people whose ancestors have lived through very difficult times, and that is what I see in their faces as they walk past my table while I sip a hot tea. So, sit, have a cup of tea or espresso at a street cafe and just breath in and contemplate all you are so fortunate to see around you.
   
3. Be daring. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, even of random people on the street. Chances are that they are as eager to help as you would be if a foreigner asked you a question at home. If you don’t understand something, ask. Waiters will be hesitant and often annoyed if you ask them questions during busy times but if you wait until they are not so busy you will find that they are more than happy to explain any question. Show up at a restaurant you want to dine later on in the evening during a break between busy times and tell the waiter you are planning to go there later and if he would explain the menu to you so you are prepared for later. You will be surprised how helpful they will be. Don’t be afraid to ask people on the street for directions. Try asking young people, they are the most accepting and curious about Americans. They tend to know the city better and they are most likely to know English. You might even make a friend. Trust me, it happens.
   
4. Don’t be afraid to get lost in the old parts of town. Take the long way to your destination. You will discover amazing things that may not be part of your itinerary but will be your favorite discoveries. Give yourself enough time to get lost. Looking for your way back will become an adventure and you will become more familiar with the city. Don’t begrudge having gotten lost. Take it as an opportunity to learn about the city you are in. Make note of places to eat or cafes or bars.
5. Eat where the locals eat. This is a universally accepted rule. But how do you find those mystical places of legend? Three very simple and easy tell-tale signs are; find places where everyone is speaking the local language, where the menu is not in English and where most of the patrons are older folks. If the menu is in English steer clear. Very simple. When you see older locals at a tapas bar bellying up at the bar chances are that the place is a local favorite, it’s inexpensive and the food is good. It also helps if the place is rated by Trip Advisor. But be aware that if the place is on Trip Advisor then it  will probably be expensive. Be willing to try a few places before you find that wonderful, local restaurant where the food is incredible. You can also ask any locals you meet in rule number 4!
   

So there you have it. 5 very easy rules that if you follow, even loosely, you will enjoy your trip of a lifetime just a little more. But remember, allow the place to take you. Let the breeze flow and push you in it’s direction. You will be well rewarded.