Having traveled to a dozen plus countries over the past few years, I wanted to provide some thoughts as to what makes the experience and thrill of visiting another country so special. While one can build the argument that it is a new culture, cuisine, art, history and architecture that draws you to a country, it is only one thing that draws you back – the people.
I have visited the Central and South American region several times, and as I write this I returned home a couple of months ago from a trip to Nicaragua. There are several themes that I have noticed about the people of this region that I am sure are common to more places around the world I have yet to discover.
The people were so warm, friendly and some of the best hosts that I have seen. They are willing to help you at a moment’s notice even if you have walked off the beaten path a bit, taking the local transportation, or trying to find a place to stay. They are some of the most cooperative individuals I have seen even willing to walk or drive you to a location when needed.
While poverty is prevalent in these countries, these are some of the happiest people that I have seen. It actually doesn’t matter to me that I am not surrounded by some of the luxuries of the United States when I am travelling in the region. These countries give me a sense of adventure and unpredictability that is not prevalent in more touristic countries of Western Europe.
Again, what makes the trip so special are the people – and only the people. I question why I make friends so easily in some parts of the world than others – and I see several actions that have worked for me that may also work for you. Here they are:
- Smile and do it often. This is by far the easiest way of acknowledging someone’s presence and cherishing their existence. It doesn’t take any work and costs you nothing.
- Learn to say “Hello” and “Thank you” in their language. Say hello and introduce yourself. Thank you to anyone helping you out. If culturally appropriate, you may even want to shake their hand.
- Give a hug. This is one that I pondered over as it may not be culturally accepted in some countries, but giving a hug is a great way to show how much you care for the other person. This is usually done for someone with whom you have established some form of relationship. I am not saying go around and hug everyone out there for small gestures – a simple thank you in their language will suffice for that. But for those folks, that you have really built a connection with, it is a wonderful way to say “I will see you later.”
- Avoid political discussions. No one wants to hear about why one government is better than other or one political system is better than another. There will always be someone’s opinion about where you come from and which country you represent, but keep political positions in your pocket and don’t bring them out.
- Position yourself so you meet people from the country. Go on walking tours so you have an opportunity to engage with the guide while strolling through the sights of the city. Sit at a bar and talk to people around you – chances are they will come to you. Use home sharing sites like Airbnb where for a price you get a place to stay but opportunities to stay directly with a country host so you can engage with them directly.
- Go beyond being a tourist. Become a traveler and absorb the culture of the country at all opportunities. Get out there and do things as the locals do – try the foods at the local market, go to local bars and lounges, listen to live bands, go to a sporting event, go to the local fair or town festival, take the local transportation, walk into a school, rent bicycle and ride them through the city – or walk. Make one o your goals coming back to your home destination having learned something about the country.