When traveling its best to look and sound like a local one

When I went on my first trip to Spain in 9th grade I was warned to blend in and not wear plaid or bright color tops.  My teachers said it was best to not stand out as a "loud" American and to quietly assimilate into the crowds of people.  This advise was given primarily as a safety tip to avoid pick-pocketers in crowded areas such as the Gran Plaza in Madrid.

Today with increased threats of terrorism and xenophobia worldwide this is still sound advice.  In today's Boston Globe travel section there was an article "Lost In Translation" that emphasized the importance to blending in, particularly in this current era of populism.  Travelers fare best when they are able to avoid the image of the loud American Tourist.   Click here for to read the article  Don't Talk Like An American Tourist.  It always makes an impression when you try to speak the local language and although it can be comforting when someone answers you back in English.

I advise anyone planning an international trip to do a bit of homework beforehand.  It is a good idea to have a translation app on your phone and learn a few key phrases.  It is also useful to download the cities you plan to visit on Trip Advisor or maps on another app called Here We Go.  You can save these downloads on your phone for times when you don't have wifi.  Also be familiar with the climate and types of clothing the locals wear.   In some cities people may dress more casually, while in rural areas shorts and t-shirts may be the norm.   Also  in certain religious areas it is inappropriate to wear bare shoulders or short skirts.

It seems like everyone uses plastic to pay for things.   No more are the days of carrying travelers checks.  Also in most places you don't need the local currency so it is not worth exchanging money or changing it back at the end of your trip.  You may be able to get a card that doesn't charge a withdrawal fee if you take out money abroad.  It is a good idea to have some small pocket cash to pay for drinks and small items.  I would use your bank card vs travelers cheques as you will be paying the way the locals pay for services and then don't risk the need to pull out your identification in public.  On this idea though,  I have learned from experience to be cautious when using a bank card.  You may want to open a new credit/debit card with enough money for the trip or the ability to transfer money to this account.  I have had my debit card number stolen a few months after my trip.  Fortunately this was caught and stopped by the fraud department but it is best to try to not risk this in the first place.

Finally when you do travel abroad try to take in as much as you can about the local culture. I often try to read a book about the destination ahead of time.  When I went to Cuba a few years back I read a book called "Finding Mañana" to learn about Havana prior to the revolution and this gave me an insight into the local pre-Castro history.  Speak to the locals and have real conversations to gain their perspectives on their homes and place in the global world.   This is how we can all learn to better understand the culture and history of areas we aren't exposed to on a daily basis.  Take lots of photos and try things that look,taste and smell different.  Buy a local cookbook to bring home and try some recipes to prolong this experience and share it with your friends when you return.  Expanding one's horizons is how we can all learn to better appreciate the world around us and gain a better understanding.  This is the best way to prevent the growing xenophobia surrounding much of the U.S. these days.

Wendy recently joined Coldwell Banker Needham.  She has been a realtor for over 8 years and knowing the area quite well can share a hands on local perspective.   Feel free to contact her directly or click here http://www.wendybcb.com if you would like to learn more.