5 Ways to Become a Better Traveller - Do Not be that Annoying Tourist

Traveling is a lot of fun, and sometimes, a privilege that not everyone can afford. If you have the privilege of traveling, one of the worst ways to squander this privilege is to be the tourist that wreaks havoc on the places he or she goes to.

You do not want to be that person who constantly annoys people in the places that you visit—mostly because your behaviour, actions, and words can reflect badly to your country of origin.

Here are some of the ways to become a better traveller.

1. Research the country that you wish to visit

Treat your trip as an over-all examination of your knowledge and behaviour—do some research before you leave home. Read guidebooks or literary works on the country that you wish to visit—these will give you a good picture on how life is in your destination, and what places to see during your stay. Guidebooks, travel memoirs, and novels will also help introduce you to the customs, cultural norms, and manners of a certain country.

Learning how to say "hello," "thank you," "please," and "bathroom" in the local language will definitely take you a long way. In some places, the locals would be happy to correct your mispronounced words, but in others would be laughed at or, worse, be taken as an insult of their language. You must also include in your research the differences in the tipping practices, standards of time, personal services, and courtesy as not to offend the locals.

2. Be a better listener, and do not be afraid to ask questions

Stop talking too much. Stop complaining and voicing your "opinion" on every little thing that you find unpleasant. Travelling is not an opportunity to complain about what the country you are visiting has wrong and how badly it compares to your home country. Talk to people and listen to them. Ask them questions to learn more about their customs, and always keep an open mind. Having an open mind allows you to really listen and consider the views of other people.

3. Do not argue about politics

Preaching about your politics has no room when you are travelling—you are merely showing people that you have put on a restrictive set of blinders that prevent you from seeing a wider landscape. Political prejudice also makes you draw conclusions that you already have even before visiting the country.

4. Do not travel in large groups

Sure, we all have heard of the phrase "the more, the merrier," but if you do not want to be obnoxious when travelling, avoid going with a large group of people. Chances are you will be so engrossed with each other’s company and you are going to be loud and oblivious of the things going on around you. Plus, large groups discourage other people from talking to you, which will significantly decrease the chances of interaction with locals (or even tourists such as yourselves).

5. Be respectful

You do not have to agree to a certain opinion or belief in order to respect them. Get rid of any stereotypes you might have, and be respectful of the local people and customs. When you respect these things, respect will be given back to you.