9 Ways to Not Be an Ignorant Tourist When You Travel
Vastly improve the experience for everyone with these simple tips.
Hey friend! Thank you for being here. You’ll readership is greatly appreciated. Ok, let’s buckle up. 💺
Last week we talked about the importance of travel planning templates. You can read about them (and download one for free) here.
This edition is about something just as important…
Sometimes we all make the mistake of looking like an annoying tourist. I’ve for sure been there!
Here are some tips to enjoy your next trip while appearing savvier than other vacationers:
Know a couple of places to visit beforehand: If you don’t have at least two or three sites or activities in mind, you could miss out on the essence of your destination.
Read the history of where you’re going: I learned it’s best to read up on certain points of interest beforehand. You gain a deeper appreciation and understanding once you arrive.
Know some current events: Skim a few headlines and news articles about your destination. You will seem smarter when talking to locals and It could keep you safe during unprecedented events.
Be a respectful picture taker: If you discover a bar, cafe, or restaurant that’s a total hidden gem, don’t start snapping photos. You’re better off blending in and just enjoying the vibes.
Don’t dress to grab attention: I dress as basic as possible whenever traveling. Sure, I look totally boring. But it avoids unwanted attention. Don’t give pick-pockets the Bat Signal to rob you by being too flashy.
Know the local sports teams: After faith, sports is often the next most important topic for many people. If you know the local teams you can have more fun talking to people.
Know at least one top dish to eat: Every town, city, or country has at least one go-to dish. If you don’t know about it, you’re trip is missing a key ingredient.
If abroad - learn how to say “hello” “please” and “thank you”: It’s not hard to have basic manners. Also, it’s easy to learn at least one of these three phrases in a different language. Don’t worry about messing up! It will make for a fun story later.
Be respectful of religious, iconic, or historically significant landmarks: Many landmarks are just part of our bucket list. But for others, they can be sacred. So, please be as respectful as possible, don’t deface anything, and don’t take anything.
Am I missing anything? Let me know!
⚓️ Travel quote of the week
“Of all the things I am not very good at, living in the real world is perhaps the most outstanding.”
-Bill Bryson
🧐 Did you know?
I grew up playing the board game Snakes and Ladders with my parents. Little did I know, but this game originated in India.
According to The Forgotten Toy Shop, the original title for this board game was Moksha Patamu. With Hinduism origins, it was meant to teach kids the value of kindness and the consequences of bad behavior.
The game found its way to England in 1892 and eventually US toy company Milton Bradley coined the name “Snakes and Ladders” in 1943.
🎏 Culture Corner
If you've ever traveled to Belgium, chances are good you saw, tasted, or smelt a delicious waffle.
This soft and savory meal is ubiquitous for Belgian cuisine. They are characterized by deeper pockets than American waffles, yeasted batter, and pearl sugar to add extra crunch.
According to Reachtheworld.org, waffles are primarily served as street food. So, it’s normal to grab a takeaway waffle at a train station and snack on it on the way home from work. Waffles are an ode to Belgium’s Flemish origin. It’s rumored the first Belgian waffle recipe was created in Ghent.
There are two styles of Belgian waffles; Belgian style and Liege style. The first is the more traditional rectangle-shaped treat. Powdered sugar is essential. The Liege style uses a thicker batter and unevenly shaped edges.
Either style is a must-try whenever you’re in Belgium!
🌆 City Showcase
Calgary, Canada
Calgary is Alberta’s largest city. It has a long history of cattle ranching and cowboys. Hence, it has the nickname “Cowtown.” But don’t let the name fool you – it’s one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities.
Visitors can enjoy a metropolitan atmosphere and the great outdoors all in one trip. It’s one of the world's most livable cities.
According to Rome2Rio, it takes approximately five hours by plane to get to the Calgary Airport from my home airport in San Francisco.
Walk the Peace Bridge: The Peace Bridge looks like a massive bright red finger trap. This pedestrian bridge connects both sides of the Bow River. Thick glass circular panels protect visitors from rain and snow. Besides the look, it’s also unique because it doesn’t have beams or cables.
The world’s biggest rodeo: Every July, a ten-day event called the Calgary Stampede takes over te city. It’s the world's largest rodeo, featuring competitions and concerts.
Nature paradise: A short day trip away is one of North America’s most prized natural treasures. Visit Banff National Park for spectacular hiking, camping, and views of majestic mountains above Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
Please note: This park is a popular tourist destination. To limit traffic congestion use the park’s shuttle system to get around (available in the summer).Get the best view of the city: The Calgary Tower is over 600 feet high and the city’s most iconic landmark. Get top-notch views of Calgary's downtown.
There’s plenty more to see and do in Calgary. I hope this mini-list gives you some inspiration!
If you’re looking for help finding things to do on your next trip, then consider working with me and I’ll help you out!
Substacks I’m Reading
This week, I want to shout
. His Substack, Red Solo Traveler, offers a fresh perspective on different places to visit and history. There is plenty of travel inspiration in his writing!
Ok everyone, let’s have a brief one-week layover.
Thanks for reading. I appreciate you! 😊
Take care!
-Daniel
More articles you might like:
• What are Travel Planning Templates? (Freebie Alert)
• The Best Ways to Meet Locals While Traveling
• How I Learned a Second Language (and you can too!)
I'm not sure I'll learn the names of all the Departments. But I'll try to know the ones where we will be staying and the ones we will pass through. We are going to study Spanish. I'm hoping to push my Spanish to conversational. We will fly into Cartegena and then take a bus to Medallion where will start taking lessons. We will probably be in Medallion for a month or two, then, who knows!
I have not heard of Neiva. But now I know it is in the Department of Huila! I know 9ne Department now!
At the very least I try to remember the name of the president of the country I'm going to. And to learn, like in the case of Mexico, the name of all the states. I'm going to Colombia soon so I need to start memorizing their departments! There are a lot of them!