1. Do Not Disrespect People’s Culture
Let’s start with the thing that is of utmost importance. When in a new place, it is really important that you don’t disrespect the people there or disregard the place’s culture. This is not even argumentative because you are in someone’s home and you play by their rules while you are in their territory. So, kindly stop writing “Rahul loves Pinky” on monuments and please don’t make fun of people’s features and/or their traditions. Not cool.
2. Don’t Order More Than You Can Eat
Of course, you want to eat and try out every possible thing that you can get your hands on at your destination. But that doesn’t mean that you get greedy and order more than you can eat. We all have a tendency of overcompensating and ordering a lot of food only for most of it to go to waste. Unless you are in a food eating competition, go easy on the ordering because wasting food is always frowned upon.
3. Don’t Just Rely On English
You come from a place of privilege if you assume that everyone is comfortable speaking in English. Contrary to popular belief, not every person is well-versed in the language. It is considered rude to not know at least a few basic phrases in the language of the place that you are visiting. Make sure you brush up on your “thank yous” and “sorrys” in the native language before you make your way there.
4. Don’t Skip On Travel Insurance
This is SO important. Trust me, nothing is more important than having your travel insurance in place. A lot of people assume that it is not a necessity but whatchu gonna do when someone steals all your money while you are out having a great time in a foreign country? That’s where your travel insurance kicks in. You don’t want to be a crying mess, do you?
5. Don’t Over Plan
Getting excited about an upcoming trip is normal. Planning for it is also normal. But going overboard with the planning and charting out what you are going to be doing for every second of the day is a bad idea. You are on vacation, it’s time to kick back and relax and not run on a tight schedule. Plus, spontaneity is key!
6. Don’t Over Haggle
We Indians love to haggle. I’d go as far as to say that it is one of our favourite pastimes and we could win a gold medal in it if we could. But as much as you love getting your value for money, we all know that most of the times we only do it to get that sense of triumph. Unfortunately, bargaining doesn’t work like that everywhere. So, don’t go around haggling unceremoniously and ruffling feathers.
7. Don’t Spend All Your Time Behind The Camera
The best thing about travelling is seeing the world in a different way. And we get it, every frame is a picture when you are vacationing in a gorgeous spot but would you rather live through your pictures or by watching the real deal? It doesn’t matter if you didn’t get that perfect Instagram picture or if you didn’t record a sunset. At least, you got to see it without a lens and a filter on and now it is etched in your memory forever.