As I travel in Hungary I want to share some of the things I keep in mind when in new places. The following can be applied to wherever you go.
1.Weather you are travelling or at home each and every day there are priorites. Always start the day with completing the priorty. If not, have a plan set in place to make sure you get it done. We always feel much better about ourselves when we know we have accomplished the days biggest tasks.
2.Be ready to give. Take something unique from your home before you travel. You never know when you will be helped by someone or invited to someones house along your journey. By having a gift ready, one that is characteristic of your home or country says alot about you and is always appreciated. For example, in Hungary there is no maple syrup therefore I brought a few extra bottles ready to give.
3,Make an effort to learn something of the culture prior to your visit. This will prepare you and make your feel less ignorant. Learn proper etiquette, attitudes, industries, history or language. On top of it all, make sure you learn something from the experienced culture before you leave as well. You will be asked about it when you get home.
4.Meet people. Meet as many people as you can. Because knowing that everyone on this earth has a unique role to play and expereinces to teach there is a lot to learn from someone in another culture. Do not limit yourself to not just being alone or to those most similar to yourself ie. do not just talk to the english speakers. Everyone has a story to tell weather english speaking or not.
5.Be openminded to experience new things. Along with meeting new people, try local quisine and dont be afraid to eat something you have never tried before. Pick something new from the menu.
6.Smile when you meet people even if just in passing. You are representing yourself and your country. May sound pretty patrotic but Canada has a good rep. Lets uphold that rep internationally.
7.Exercise. Even because your are away from your regular routine there is no excuse to get some exercise done. Walk, hike run, experience a bike tour or visit a local gym. Just get it done because there is no excuse just because you are travelling.
8.Drop a line to those people in your life who care about you. Stay connected with them, they will appreciate it even if it is just a note saying hello, I have arrived safely.
9.Take photos but try to expereince more. Much too often we are way to concerned with capturing the moments. Sometimes we try to capture every moment that in the process of doing so we forget to enjoy the actual experience or actual view from our own eyes.
10.Take public transit. It makes no sense to me to rent a car in the city. You will only experience more stress trying to figure out the roads and find places to park. Public transit is environment friendly, has less stress and provides another opportunity to meet new people and enjoy the view.
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