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Travel

How To Not Look Like A Clueless Tourist

Make it authentic.

Nour Elshazly

Oct 23, 2018

UCLA

100

Nour Elshazly

Traveling to a new place is always exciting, but there are things you can do to make your experience feel a bit more authentic. Instead of looking like a very obvious tourist and coming off obnoxious, try to really get in tune with the culture of the place you're visiting.

Try and learn some words/phrases in the language

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It really will feel like you're in a new country if you can say common phrases such as please and thank you in the native language of the country you're visiting. Sure, you could consider English the universal language but it does make a difference if you at least make the effort to learn a little. Also, the people of that country will really appreciate that you made the effort to try, even if you're saying it wrong.

Ask local people their suggestions/favorites around the city

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I know we all turn to Google to give us suggestions about where to go and what to see, but the best suggestions often come from people who live there themselves. I've asked bakery employees, people who ask me to take their picture, really anyone who works there have suggestions you might not have known otherwise by trying to search online.

Ditch the selfie stick

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Your picture will turn out so much better if you just ask someone around to take the photo!

Immerse yourself in their culture

Eat the traditional food of the country and wear some clothing pieces that they're known for so you're not walking around the city in your college hoodie. (As a side note, escargot really is not bad at all, it doesn't even look like snails).

Be aware of different social norms

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Different countries have different norms in regard to personal space, how loud they speak, and other various things. Be aware of these and avoid doing things they find disrespectful.

While you don't have to do any of these things per say, it will make your trip a bit more memorable because not only did you visit different counties, you learned about their culture as well. Step out of your comfort zone and give new things a try, you won't regret it.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Recommended for you

How To Not Look Like A Clueless Tourist

Make it authentic.

Try and learn some words/phrases in the language

Ask local people their suggestions/favorites around the city

Ditch the selfie stick

Immerse yourself in their culture

Be aware of different social norms

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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