Five ways to get "in-the-know" for an international trip

Mumbai , India -- My Hindi was either pretty good or pretty funny, judging by this grocer's smile.

You've bought your plane ticket, reserved your room, and picked up a guidebook to carry along with you.  But while you're counting down the days to departure, what else can you do to learn about your destination?

 

1.  Read the travel literature

A guidebook is a good way to start learning more about your destination  But why not read some of the travel literature as well?  For example, I'm planning a trip to New Zealand, so I googled "books to read for a trip to New Zealand" and found a list of recommended books on Lonely Planet's website. When I finish my copies of Bob Moore's   The 1 Thing: A Small Epic Journey Down New Zealand’s Mother Road and  Slipping into Paradise: Why I Live in New Zealand by Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson  I think I'll have a better idea of the country and its people.

You can also look for recommended reading lists in guidebooks.

Don't forget to follow the country's tourist board on Twitter and like them on Facebook.  And by reading travel blogs about the destination you'll be exposed to a wide variety of opinions about the country as well as suggestions on what to do there. 

 

2.  Immerse yourself in the local ethnic atmosphere

Do you have a friend of a friend who has immigrated from your destination?  Meet up with them and don't be afraid to ask questions!  And if you know anyone who has friends where you're going, be sure to get their contact information if they might be open to meeting visitors.

Local ethnic cultural festivals where you can learn about the country's food, dances and traditions are another great way to meet people from the country you'll be visiting. 

 

3.  Dabble in the language

Sure, you may not have time to learn how to hold an entire conversation, but learning a few phrases of the local language will help when you want to order a cappuccino or ask where the bathroom is. 

A fun way to do this is by using LiveMocha, where you can chat with people from around the world in the language of your choice.  It's free to join, and most of their lessons are free as well.  Another great language learning site is Mango Languages, free through many local libraries.

Or, if you have enough time, join International Penfriends and request penpals from countries where they speak the language you want to learn.  You can try to correspond in your new language, or even just ask about the places you will be visiting and possibly meet up with your new friends when you arrive.

 

4.  Try the cuisine

Visiting Japan?  Check out the sushi at a local restaurant or take an ethnic walking tour that features Japanese cuisine.  This works for any foreign destination. 

In New York City, for example, City Food Tours offers several tours that visit ethnic eateries.  On their In the Steps of a Top Chef tour, I tasted authentic ‘Banh Mi’, Vietnamese Hoagies made with baguettes stuffed with pork or chicken marinated in lemongrass -- a great introduction to Vietnamese cuisine.  And the mini pineapple buns from the Chinese Double Crispy Bakery had me craving for more.

Likewise, you can shop in immigrant neighborhoods for ingredients, get an ethnic cookbook and attempt to do it yourself.

 

5.  Visit a cultural center or museum

Visits to local cultural centers or museums where you can learn more about the country you'll be visiting are a great way to absorb the culture, history and traditions of your destination. 

 

It doesn't take a lot of work to get in-the-know- about your travel destinations.  And when the day comes that you get on that plane, you'll be glad you did.  Your trip will be the richer for it.

 
 

Comments

[Melody]

Hi Angela, thanks so much for your comment! I've never been to China but I can imagine it would be uncomfortable to arrive there without knowing a word of Chinese.

I heard the same thing you did about India but also found it wasn't true. I tried to learn a bit of Hindi but the truth is most people looked perplexed when I attempted to use it, lol.

Still, it's always nice to try!

[Angela]

Great tips, I absolutely agree with learning a bit of the language, such a shock was for me China at the beginning. I admit I haven't learned Hindi before going to India because I was pretty confident everybody spoke English, while I saw it's not really the case. I love LiveMocha, I will try also Mango Languages!