When you are new to travelling you can experience a little thing called culture shock. Landing in an unfamiliar place for the very first time, the stench of a different country lingers in the air, and your eyes see strange streets that resembled nothing like anything you’ve seen before. Often you struggle to convince yourself that you’re actually going to enjoy your new surroundings.
Trying to find foods can present a whole new challenge within itself. Then there’s an understanding of the local people. At times you can find yourself even questioning their friendliness.
When you feel like running, use these strategies to settle those first-time nerves and know exactly how to get on with enjoying your new surroundings.
1. GIVE YOURSELF TIME
Don’t judge a place within the first 48 hours of being there. Time allows you to grace your way into your new surroundings slowly and gain back your confidence bit by bit.
2. IMMERSE YOURSELF
Don’t just hide inside your accommodation when you first arrive. Do the exact opposite just when you feel like staying in and pretending the world outside doesn’t exist. Force yourself to get out there and see the country, this is when you will gradually begin to feel more comfortable and really begin to enjoy yourself.
3. REMEMBER IT’S NOT HOME
It is going to be different to where and how you live back home. You will be challenged, you may see things you never imagined you would and you will certainly question the beliefs of others and your own.
4. TALK TO LOCALS
Talking to the local people, asking questions, trying different foods and accepting invitations will surely educate you on the local culture. Once you make contacts, especially with locals, you will begin to experience things you otherwise wouldn’t have if you were on your own or with your travel companions. Hanging with locals provides you with a real experience of that culture and country. So be inquisitive, friendly, and accepting of things you may not normally be and your eyes will be truly open to the new world around you. Learn the basics of the language, like how to say thank you, how are you etc. This is when you will begin to feel alive in your new surroundings.
5. ENJOY YOUR TRAVELS
Enjoy every moment of your trip. Remember you are in control of your attitude and how you approach your trip. When you return home you will either have great memories or not so good. This is due to the attitude you adopt when you travel. Be a free spirit, be accepting, friendly, and happy even if you may at times not feel like it and you are destined to return home happy, satisfied and thankful for your experiences.
Have any other tips? Share them below.
