How to Travel With an Open Mind

Travel is an ideal way to learn new customs and appreciate different ways of looking at life; but we can't fully appreciate such concepts with a close-minded approach that clings to the tried and true. Here are a few suggestions on traveling with an open mind.

Instructions

1

When it comes to eating new and unusual items on the road, keep in mind that you wouldn't enjoy your current favorites if you had never given them a chance in the first place. Thus, something you might perceive as odd-such as lamb's tongue-is really just like pizza; you won't know if you like it until you try it!

2

Remind yourself how boring it would be if everyone-and everywhere-were exactly the same. With that in mind, try to embrace the differences in a new culture and location, rather than being put off by them.

3

Don't overbook your schedule if possible when exploring a new region or country. That way, when a new opportunity or experience presents itself, you'll have the scheduling freedom to be adventurous.

4

Try to chat with someone from a different walk of life or generation every day on your journey. If you're a doctor, chat up a fisherman, for example; if you're a teen, try talking with a senior citizen.

5

When traveling to a new locale, be it a foreign country or a town a few hours away, read up a bit before embarking on your trip. It's easier to comprehend a culture once you know a bit about its past and what made it the way it is.

6

Remember the "golden rule" of treating others the way you'd like to be treated. You'd probably appreciate a newcomer to your area not being judgmental, so you should in turn not prejudge when traveling yourself.

7

Make an effort to keep in mind that you're the stranger in this setting. So you're the one, not the locals, required to do the adapting. It's also crucial to remember that a new culture, while possibly a polar opposite from yours, is innately sensible to its citizens.

8

Take the approach that travel is pointless if we don't make at least a minor effort to step outside of our comfort zone to experience something new and different. As the acclaimed novelist James Michener once commented, "If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home."