This American Woman’s Guide to Global Travel- Part 2
Link to part 1 post
Part two in my mini-series of posts about my world-wide adventures.
Being There
So now you’re here, where ever here may be.
- You are a visitor- Remember this above all else. A great saying applies, leave only footprints and take only memories (or photos). This includes the ever important, don’t be an arrogant American (or German, or Aussie). People are kind the world over, you must be kind also. Locals are happy to help you enjoy your view of their land, if you respect them and that land.
- Ask a local- Ask for help when you need it. Ask a random stranger to take your picture. Ask a local for a good restaurant for dinner. Ask. Oh, I’ll include, admit to being a tourist and needing help from them, it’s ok.
- Be smart, not scared- Those things you read about stupid Americans winding up dead, raped or in jail? That shouldn’t be you. When you exit the elevator and some creepy dude seems to be following you and you’re uncomfortable? Turn around, go back to the lobby as if you forgot something. No big deal. A creep will get the point and most likely back off, and a good guy won’t be offended.
- Driving- Staying in big city? Do not rent a car. Really, don’t do it, use public transport and taxi, you will be a safety hazard otherwise. Venturing out past the big city, go ahead rent a car. That whole left side driving/right side driving is not as big a deal as you think. When everyone is doing it, you just do it too. Most of the world uses a set of common traffic/road sides, we Americans don’t. Learn the global ones.
- Be loyal- When you are stranded in a snow storm the week before Christmas and you need to fly from Munich to Denver, you want to be the loyal customer that the airline wants to help. Same applies to hotels. There are so many global brands out there, find one, any one, stick to it. Don’t whine about costly hotels, Holiday Inn has a loyalty program and very family friendly hotels worldwide (and I belong).
- Taxi- Learn about taxis before you go, but some are less reputable than others and if something is too good to be true, it probably is. One hint, when taking a taxi to/from the airport in Rome, tighten your seatbelt and make peace with your maker, ‘cause they drive fast.
- Cash- Keep some, you never know when someplace won’t take your credit card. In Japan most places won’t take credit cards, but theft is such a cultural dishonor, you’re fairly safe. In Brazil, don’t carry more than you need.
- Bad parts of town- Know where you are safe. In Amsterdam, don’t linger around the main train station longer than you need. The Red Light districts there are pretty safe, day or night, just don’t take pictures or harass anyone there. Read first, ask the locals, ask your hotel front desk folks.
- Blend- The less attention you call to yourself, the less attention you will get. That is the goal. However, I am realistic. I am a tall blond Caucasian woman; there was no blending in Japan. But in Brazil, though I am the tall blond Caucasian woman, I walk with my head up, not down, I know where I am and I do not draw attention to myself.
Comments