SamEvery place on this earth is unique. That’s what makes travelling so exciting and addictive, there’s always more to see, and new experiences to be had. The new experiences are also what can make travelling so terrifying. Being in completely different surroundings than you’re used to can be disorienting. However, you can’t let fear stand in your way, so here are some tips on preparing for and dealing with culture shock.
Research!
The most important advice I can give anyone who is feeling anxious about going to a new place is to research. Prepare yourself for cultural and environmental differences, and familiarise yourself with the societal customs of your travel destination. Having a plan of action can make you feel more self-assured before setting off on a new adventure.
Language Guides
We’re lucky enough to live in an age of amazing technology. There are a variety of language guide and translator apps at your fingertips. If you’d rather go the traditional route, there are also numerous hard copy dictionaries and guides to choose from at your nearest book store/website. Memorising a few useful phrases can really relieve the stress of a language barrier. Duolingo is a great option if you want to have fun trying to pick up a new language.
Tourist Friendly Areas
If you really struggle with picking up a new language, or you’re intimidated by drastic cultural differences from what you’re used to, then it might be best to stick to tourist friendly areas. Most major cities are welcoming to tourists, and easy to navigate. They are also more likely to be accommodating to non-native speakers. There’s still a lot of amazing sights to see while on the beaten path.
Be Respectful
Always remember that you’re a guest while visiting new places. Social customs and conventions vary across the world. Do your research so you know how to act appropriately in a new environment. Show respect to other cultures, and treat your surroundings with care. If you’re not sure what to do in a new situation, be polite and ask for help.
Volunteering/Group Tours
If you’re longing to go to a certain place, but aren’t sure if you’d feel comfortable going on your own, then try volunteering. There are tons of volunteer and work abroad programs that give you the opportunity to travel, while helping the community as well. IVHQ and Go Abroad both offer amazing international volunteering programs. If you’d rather keep your focus on exploring, then you could try joining a guided tour group. Intrepid and G Adventures offer great options to get the most out of your trip, and make new friends along the way.
