I took my first international trip in 2003 when the internet was still dial-up, we bought phone cards to call home on pay phones, and relied solely on travel books for where to go. My camera had actual film in it, I drank too much alcohol and slept off too many hangovers well into the afternoon. I was 18 years old and legally drinking in Europe was part of the allure.

My three-month stint in Norway, Denmark & Greece opened my eyes to the world around me, taught me that America wasn’t the center of the universe—and neither was I—and changed my life for the better. Yet, I look back and remember missed opportunities simply because I didn’t know what I was doing.

Getting lost and fumbling was the beauty of that trip, and I wouldn’t trade any of it if I had the chance. But now that 18 years and countless excursions have come and gone, I’ve learned how to squeeze more out of each trip I take.

Steps to be a better traveler

Give yourself downtime

If you’re taking a 10-day or a 3-month trip, you still need downtime. I used to cram every moment with activities only to return home exhausted, needing a vacation from my vacation. Every day doesn’t have to be so full that you feel drained when your head hits the pillow at night. Build in a few hours here and there for reading a book, writing in your journal, taking a nap. Give yourself the time to rest so you don’t burn out.

Visit sites outside the tourist track

Tourist spots exist for a reason and some of them are worth the hype. Try to mix the major tourist attractions with your own exploration. Venture out, meet people, get lost. Ask locals where they eat, or their favorite beach, and go for a long walk without a plan. Immerse yourself in each new place and you’ll discover more than you could ever read in a travel blog.

Take advantage of the free walking tours

Most cities offer free walking tours—we try to take them the first day or two in a new place so we can get the lay of the land, ask the tour guide for the best places to eat, and find out where to explore further.  Just don’t forget to leave the guide a tip!

Learn a few words in the language

Being able to say Hello, Thank you, and Goodbye is almost always appreciated and can open extra-friendly doors. We try to learn how to say “Cheers” in each language too—we’ve had some of our best experiences with locals after raising a glass together.

Research best practices and cultural norms

Learn about the country and visitor no-nos. In India, it’s offensive to eat with your left hand. On local Maldivian islands, it’s inappropriate to walk around in a bikini unless you are on a designated tourist beach called a “Bikini Beach.” These rules don’t apply on the privately-owned resort islands, but visit a local island and you’ll find signs everywhere asking you to cover up.

It’s impossible to know everything about each place you visit, but a little advance work can help you understand and respect the culture before arriving. If you make a mistake, be humble and correct your behavior for next time.

Be respectful

We’ve seen countless disrespectful acts from tourists on our travels all over the world. Cutting in front of people in long lines. Climbing on stone houses in Alberobello. Ignoring “do not cross” signs on hikes or sacred grounds in Hawai’i. Taking pictures of children without permission in Sri Lanka. Touching ancient guarded-off statues in Florence. Taking photos in the Sistine Chapel next to signs that read, “No Photos Please.” Hanging out of the train in Sri Lanka for a photo with no regard for the locals who are just trying to get to work. 

We know people acting this way don’t always do it intentionally and we’ve even made some of these mistakes ourselves, unknowingly. When I started traveling at 18, I tried my best, but wish I’d had advice on what to do. 

Don’t stick to the plan

It’s okay to make a plan and try to stick to it—but travel is all about the unknown. It’s about the spontaneity and challenges that get in the way. If an opportunity presents itself, take it! After six weeks in India, we planned to head to Thailand for a month to save money and have a home base for a while. When we ended up in Southern India, I realized we were only an hour flight from a place at the top of my dream list—The Maldives. We changed our plans, canceled our flights to Thailand and spent three weeks scuba diving and exploring the Maldives. It ended up being one of the best destinations of all our travels. Don’t be afraid to change your mind at the last minute, to throw away your itinerary, and try something new.

Wake up early

For fewer crowds and better photos at major tourist sites, set your alarm early. We visited major sites like the Taj Mahal and the Pena Palace in Portugal at sunrise and they were worth every bit of extra effort and planning.

It was a magical experience to stand in front of the Taj Mahal as the pink sky lightened and the only sounds heard were birds flying overhead. In contrast, 3 hours later we walked through the grounds surrounded by thousands of visitors standing in line for the perfect Instagram shot. The early bird really does get the worm.

Take nothing but photographs

 

It’s tempting to take home souvenirs from nature, but the impact may last for years. If everyone takes their favorite shells, rocks or plants, those spaces will eventually lose their appeal. To preserve nature’s pristine beauty, take only photographs, breathe in the moment, and try to leave each space as good or better than you found it. If you’re scuba diving, pick up some sunken fishing line or a lost bottle. Carry a bag to the beach or on a hike to pickup loose trash. 

As new travelers, we all get excited and can forget to take in the culture and differences that make each place so special. Hopefully, you already follow the tips I listed, but if not, it’s never too late to make a change.

Imagine how great travel could be if everyone respected the people and places they were lucky enough to visit.