Traveller Interview

markbroadhead Before you go or while you are there, read literature about the destination. Travel literature, preferably, or a novel.

markbroadhead Get up early in the morning. You'll see different things, and less tourists.

markbroadhead Try to talk to locals (other than the ones you're guaranteed to talk to in the service industry).

markbroadhead Learn at least a few phrases of the local language.

markbroadhead Use the public transport. Don't get taxis everywhere.

markbroadhead Get lost (in a safe area of town, obviously)

markbroadhead Travel as light as possible. You can always buy more clothes at the destination -- which will help you fit in as well.

markbroadhead Variety is good, but deeper contact can be made by being a regular. For example, instead of having your breakfast in a different place each day, go to the same place and get to know the staff and clientele.

markbroadhead Take your hobbies with you. If you're interested in architecture, go on a tour run by an expert in the field; if you're into kite flying, see if there is a local group and attend their meeting.

markbroadhead Eat the local food. You don't have to eat fried insects and the like, but do try a variety of the national or regional dishes.

markbroadhead Change your travel behaviour during the trip...If you are travelling solo then tag along with another traveller for a day or so. If you are travelling with another person, split up for a couple of days and experience the destination on your own.

markbroadhead Respect the local culture and customs and you'll see the locals wanting to talk to you or help you more.

markbroadhead Where possible stay at family run accommodation, rather than international chain hotels. You'll help the local economy, and get a more intimate relationship with the destination.

imogenb don't plan activities all day, every day. the best days are the days you spend sitting on a park bench chatting to someone, even thought you don't have a common language.

petercaddy Try to speak the local language and start conversations with strangers - you only need some basic phrases to make new friends.

lcfranks If you like jogging, take a jog around town on your first morning to get your orientation and sneak a peak at some of the top tourist attractions before they get crowded.

markbroadhead Similarly, if you're not in Bangkok or some other crazy traffic town, hire a bicycle and ride around the lesser visited neighbourhoods.

markbroadhead Take compass. Walking around a city becomes easier when you can orientate yourself.

markbroadhead If you get talking to a local (say a gregarious waiter) ask them what are their favourite things to see/do and if anything is on that week that may be worth seeing/doing.

markbroadhead Think outside the normal touristy things. For instance, go to a house auction. You'll get to see inside a local's house, etc.

markbroadhead Learn to do something while you're there that is relevant to the local culture... A cooking class, a surfing course, etc.

markbroadhead Another atypical sight is to go to a court case.

markbroadhead Make travel an experiment. John Steinbeck, for example, used to try to buy something in a city that he thought it couldn't possibly have. When one shop owner didn't have it he'd ask where else may. A wild goose chase will make you see a destination differently from a planned series of sights.

markbroadhead Vary your budget. Splurge on the finest restaurant if you're travelling economically or limit yourself to the bare minimum if you've been living in luxury.

markbroadhead Test your normal limits. For example, try something adventurous like white water rafting. Challenge your taste buds by eating a questionable local delicacy.

markbroadhead To avoid leaving things behind, develop an automatic "look back" when getting up from sitting down (at a cafe, etc.).

markbroadhead Slow down at museums and galleries. Sure, it's hard not to try to see it all because you may not return ever again. But getting know a few pieces well will stay with you longer than browsing the entire exhibition.

markbroadhead Locals like to see how/where you live. Bring a photo of your house and your family and you'll be surprised how much easier it is to be accepted in some countries.

markbroadhead Obviously take a guidebook, specifically one that helps you get around (many guidebooks are only arrival guides not travel guides). But remember that they are only guides, not the ten commandments. There are no set ways to see/feel/engage, etc., with a destination.

markbroadhead Vary your focus to get the full picture. If you're walking down a street, for example, look up at rooftops then look at the names on the door-bells to an apartment block. Experienced hikers do this instinctively in the wild: considering both the vista and the proverbial lily to get immersed at all levels.

markbroadhead Always remember that people rarely equate to their government (or, rather, your media's representation of their government). A good rule of thumb is never bring up politics or religion in a conversation with a local unless they do. And even then avoid bringing your point of view. You're there to learn, not preach.

monyetz Bring Toilet Paper! This is pretty important when visiting a place without a very good sanitation system.