Not everything is going to be the same as it is at home, but that\u2019s why you\u2019re traveling right?\u00a0 It\u2019s natural to experience some culture shock, especially when traveling to a place that is far different from what you\u2019re used to.<\/p>\n
Do not travel with certain expectations and stereotypes.\u00a0 Keep an open mind and don\u2019t compare everything to what is familiar at home.<\/p>\n
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II: THOU SHALL NOT FEAR LAST MINUTE GETAWAYS<\/strong><\/p>\n Planning a trip in advance can help you save money and be better prepared.\u00a0 Last minute getaways, though, can be exciting and sometimes even more affordable.<\/p>\n If you find yourself with some extra free time, look into booking a quick three day getaway.\u00a0 Airlines may be scrambling to fill empty seats and you could save hundreds of dollars by taking advantage of this.<\/p>\n III: THOU SHALL NOT CLIMB TO THE TOP OF THE EIFFEL TOWER JUST BECAUSE EVERYONE ELSE IS DOING IT<\/strong><\/p>\n Nothing is wrong with visiting the most famous landmarks, even if they are considered strictly tourist attractions.\u00a0 But make sure you visit the leaning tower of Pisa because you want to, not because some guidebook tells you to.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t fall into the \u2018everyone does it\u2019 mentality and beat yourself up for not doing a \u2018must do\u2019.\u00a0 If you\u2019d rather skip the line at the Eiffel Tower there\u2019s no reason to feel like you\u2019re missing out.<\/p>\n Life is too short to eat crappy food!<\/p>\n IV: THOU SHALL NOT EAT MCDONALD\u2019S<\/strong><\/p>\n I have never understood why one would travel half way around the world only to end up eating their lunch at McDonald\u2019s (or some other fast food joint). \u00a0Life is too short to eat crappy food!<\/p>\n Eating local delicacies and dining in non-touristy restaurants is all part of the experience when traveling.\u00a0 Don\u2019t deny yourself of this.<\/p>\n V: THOU SHALL LEARN THE LANGUAGE<\/strong><\/p>\n You don\u2019t need to be fluent in the language of the country you\u2019re visiting, but you do need to learn how to communicate basic phrases.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you\u201d, \u201cPlease\u201d, \u201cDo you know\u2026\u201d, \u201cHow do I\u2026\u201d, \u201cHow much\u2026\u201d, and \u201cWhere is\u2026\u201d are all vital phrases you should be able to say to locals.\u00a0 Even if they understand English, it\u2019s respectful to at least try and communicate in their language.<\/p>\n VI: THOU SHALL PUT DOWN THE CAMERA ONCE IN AWHILE<\/strong><\/p>\n It\u2019s natural to want to take a lot of photos to show your friends and family where you were.\u00a0 Photos are some of the best souvenirs.\u00a0 But if you spend your entire trip looking through the camera lens, how can you truly appreciate the moment?<\/p>\n You can make memories without getting the perfect shot.\u00a0 Take some photos, but don\u2019t be afraid to put the camera away and soak up the experience sans DSLR.<\/p>\n VII: THOU SHALL NOT STICK TO A SCHEDULE<\/strong><\/p>\n Remember how dad would rush you, your brothers, sisters, and mom along from one tourist attraction to the next, all while saying, \u201cWe\u2019re making great time!\u201d<\/p>\n Don\u2019t be that person.<\/p>\n Of course you need to be on time for flights and trains.\u00a0 But if you force yourself to stick to a scheduled itinerary you\u2019ll lose the feeling of freedom you left home for.\u00a0 If you\u2019re afraid you\u2019ll miss something, go back and read the third commandment again.<\/p>\n VIII: THOU SHALL KNOW THE CUSTOMS<\/strong><\/p>\n This goes along with learning the language.\u00a0 If you want to be a good traveler, you need to know and respect the local customs.\u00a0 Most locals will understand you\u2019re a tourist and forgive you if you make a flub, but once they correct you apologize and follow their suggestions.<\/p>\n IX: THOU SHALL BE PATIENT<\/strong><\/p>\n No matter how much you plan, something will inevitably go wrong.\u00a0 From missed connections to overbooked hotels, there are things you simply cannot control.\u00a0 Take a deep breath and remind yourself how fortunate you are to be traveling at all.\u00a0 It will all work out eventually.<\/p>\n X: THOU SHALL BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHERS<\/strong><\/p>\n Squeezing into a jet with hundreds of strangers is definitely one of the most uncomfortable parts of traveling.\u00a0 Often the best flights are ones when all the passengers seem to ban together to be considerate of others in order to endure the 19 hours in air.<\/p>\n No matter how grouchy you are, be considerate of others.\u00a0 Don\u2019t hog the armrest.\u00a0 Don\u2019t leave your window shade open when the person beside you is clearly trying to get some sleep.\u00a0 Don\u2019t take off your shoes and socks and proceed to prop your feet up on the seat in front of you.\u00a0 Don\u2019t eat a triple bean burrito before a long flight.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Depending on how you choose to handle the experience, traveling can be either rewarding or taxing.\u00a0 There aren\u2019t exactly any strict travel rules you should adhere to, but if you follow these 10 Commandments of Travel you\u2019re much more likely…<\/p>\n