Seen all of the tourist attractions in your favorite place abroad? Read the guidebooks, visited the sites, and eaten at the international travellers’ best recommended places? It’s time for something different. When you already know what outsiders know, take a peek into the inside.
Whether you’re in your 20s studying abroad or a seasoned pro looking for adventure later in life, here are some tips for finding unique things to do while you’re away from home.
• Ask the locals. Don’t be shy; if you are, you could miss out on the best local recommendations about easy, cheap, and worthwhile daytrips and food. Your cultures might be very different, but people generally enjoy recommending good food or entertainment because it’s a quick and easy way to express an opinion.
• Be open to new things. For the most part, people will reciprocate the vibe you give out. Be conscious and observant of cultural traditions and customs, try to speak the language, and be friendly; that’s how you’ll get the best tips and ideas for activities abroad. Even if the recommendations include foods and experiences you don’t enjoy, you come out ahead: You’ll have great stories to tell.
• Safety first. While you want to be open and affable, you also should be mindful of your own security. Take note of your surroundings at all times and be cautious about whom you approach.
• Get to know the culture. Being aware and observant can include watching local television, reading the newspaper and talking to locals so you’ll be up on what’s happening now and what has shaped the place you’re visiting. Don’t miss a chance to participate in an activity unique to the culture you are visiting.
• Practice what you learn about the culture. Countries abroad obsess over different sports, types of music, and shows. If you are looking for something to do, try to feel for a moment the passion of a British soccer fan or a Spanish bullfight aficionado.
• Volunteer. Besides doing society good, this also can help you get to know people, feel like more of a resident, and experience a sense of belonging as a member of the community.
• Envision yourself as a resident. It doesn’t matter if you can’t fully understand a culture’s language or traditions. If you familiarize yourself with the culture of the street when you’re abroad, you will know what it is to be a resident. Pick favorites-buildings, streets, shops, trees-so that every time you see them you can feel a sense of belonging. Once you understand what it’s like to be a resident, you will open up more opportunities for meeting locals and for becoming one yourself.
• Know how to become a local. If you’ve fallen in love with the place and you are absolutely sure that you don’t want to leave, you should familiarize yourself with the real estate market in the area. The process of buying or even renting a home abroad usually works totally differently than in the U.S. (especially in Asia and Latin America). Before buying a second home in another country, you should also check to see if your current home insurance provider will cover your primary residence or second home abroad. If not, you can compare a variety of different home insurance carriers at homeownersinsurance-quotes.org.
It isn’t difficult to find fun activities abroad. Keep your eyes and your mindset open and you could have life-changing experiences that will last forever.