markbroadhead

Hi...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Another atypical sight is to go to a court case.

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

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

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.

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

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

St Kilda General Cemetery, Melbourne

Recoleta Cemetery, Buenos Aires

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.

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

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.

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.

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.