When you travel to a foreign country there is so much to see and do. On top of hitting all the must-see monuments and museums, there is the food, the festivals and the general gallivanting that is necessary for the true abroad experience. But let me tell you about the things that don't appear on Lonely Planet's top ten things to do in [insert super cool foreign city here]. The things that you don't do (or more accurately, should not do).
Like forcibly walk on the right side of the sidewalk when everyone walks on the left. Decide not to learn a few basic words in the native language. Not go along with basic customs because they are weird or different. Be loud and obnoxious in religious or sacred places. Go shopping at the same old stores you have at your hometown mall. Get fast food instead of trying the local delicacies.
As a traveler it is your responsibility to be aware of your surrounding and willing to be flexible to the situations that you end up in (or get yourself into). That also means you have to give into the process a little. Learn to live like a local (or at least try to). When you stay rigid in your ways and what you are normally used to when abroad there can be consequences.
If you choose not to walk on the correct side of the sidewalk prepare to get death stared by an old Japanese man. If you don't take the time to learn the few words you would need to get yourself around the city ("thank you", "sorry", "bathroom" and "how much?" will get you so far) make sure to be ready for all the blank stares and confused frowns. If you yell and scream and chat loudly in places of importance just know you are not only making yourself look bad, but your country. As a traveler you are a constant representation of wherever you come from. You can go shopping at Zara, Gap or H&M during your travels or you can save your money for experiences that will last longer in your memory than that floral dress from Forever 21 that probably won't even make it through the length of your stay.
Sure you and your friends can order Domino's, but you'll probably just end up in the sweltering heat an hour and a half later on the phone with the poor pizza guy who can't understand a word you're saying and really what he is trying to tell you is the pizza delivery man hasn't even left yet even though the confirmation email said it would take only 30-40 minutes...
Not that I did that.
The point is, when traveling abroad don't just do the things that you do at home because those are the things you do. Do the things the locals do. Whether that is walking on the left side of the street, lining up to board the metro, saying "thank you" in the native language, observing social cues, not being so freaking loud all the time, or sticking to the local rice and noodles over the same Domino's pizza you can order at home (with a smaller wait time...again this totally didn't just happen the other day)
Travel with purpose. Travel with intention. And most importantly, travel with an open heart.
