Travel Tips by Sharon Wingler

Lasting Memories

February 29 2008

Tips for a Memorable Vacation For a richer, more memorable travel experience, try to immerse yourself in the local culture. Break away, at least for a few hours, from the tour group or companion and talk one-on-one with the locals. I encourage people to become travelers, not just tourists. Of course you must see the tourist attractions, but that alone will not give you a sense of the place. For that, you need to talk with the locals and, as much as possible, live as they live while youre a guest in their town.

Solo travel affords the best opportunity to meet people. With no one I know to talk to, I actively seek conversations with new people. I interview them for information about their culture. I like to find out about their lifestyle, their habits and what they do for fun. Often, invitations are extended. Here are a few tips to immerse yourself in another culture: Meet and learn the names of your hotel staff. This is your "family" during your stay.

Take local transportation (ask your hotel staff about after-dark safety) Shop grocery stores (a great source for inexpensive souvenirs such as coffee beans in Costa Rica, tea and jam in England, mustard and salad dressings in France) Browse pharmacies (look for scented soaps and lotions) Outdoor markets selling produce, flowers, antiques or bric-a-brac are colorful and fun to shop, as are flea markets.

Talk to the vendors and be sure to buy something. Attend at least one cultural event, whether it is a soccer game, bullfight, concert, opera or dance performance. Eat and drink as the locals do. Get recommendations from locals for their favorite ethnic dishes. Try their coffee, wine, beer, and specialty soft drinks such as guanabana juice in Costa Rica or sweetened soy milk in Malaysia. Get off the beaten tourist path, if only for an afternoon.

Take a bus or train out of the city and visit the countryside or small village. Learn a few phrases of the language, especially "Please" and "Thank you". Carry photos of your life at home family, pets, home, hobbies, friends and town. People you meet will be just as curious about you as you are about them. The more we converse with the locals, the more insight we gain into their culture. As our world grows smaller, we must try to put a human face on it. When you travel this way, you are much more than a tourist. You are an ambassador.