Encase you don’t already know, Ben and I are rabid travellers keen on checking out everything the world has to offer so when I came across this article couldn’t help but chuckle.
Here is my summery for those on the go.
1. Seek First to Adapt, Then to Complain (a.k.a., Adaptability)
Have you ever heard the saying “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”? same concept right here. After taking my first time traveller girlfriend to her first non-english speaking country this is a must. Be flexible in your dealings with new cultures, if there is a pizza hut and a local restaurant, try the local. Pizza hut will be there when you get home.
2. Plan With Multiple Outcomes in Mind (a.k.a, Planning)
A key part if planning is timing and I only have 2 times, now and later. Fortunately the people in my life are much better at it than me *cough* girlfriend *cough* so I best leave explaining it to the experts. For those times they are not their this is what I plan:
- Tickets and travel to and from the airport
- What I will do in transit
- Get some currency of the country you will be going too (and maybe transiting through) about $100 worth
- First nights accommodation in a central location
Any more than that and its hard work
3. Work a way in. Leave a way out. (a.k.a., Problem Solving)
This is for those rough nuts of us who don’t mind a bit of danger *cough* not girlfriend *cough* excuse me I seem to have something in my throat. Move in slowly, get out quickly and always leave a breadcrumb trail.
4. Find the Common Ground (a.k.a., Negotiation and Compromise)
As a natural born leader I tend to see everything as a negotiation but this can be a problem when travelling with friends. Just like in a casino you want to make them feel like they have a chance but the house always wins, this tactic is a must to keep everyone happy.
5. Tune In, Filter Often (a.k.a., Observation and Perception)
When you are at home thinking about your next destination there is always someone willing to give you advice and their opinion about something. Filter all the “I just want to be heard” (noise) and look for the “yes this is what I did to make it great” (signal) advice, you will almost always be glad you did.
6. Have Less, Do More (a.k.a., Resourcefulness)
What is easier, getting to the airport with a limosine waiting for you out the front and 3 hours to get there or $20 in your pocket and half an hour without a cab in sight? In the first senerio there is basically only one option (ride a limo to the airport) in the second you have to think hard and dig up resources that you don’t normally call upon. This can be the most liberating experience you can have.
7. Find a Common Language, Create One if You Must (a.k.a., Communication)
After travelling to many countries I have picked up the best first word to learn is, Thank You. For everything else I can use the translator on my phone which I have so far never had to do. You can get very far with english and very basic sign language although I have to admit asking for sunscreen in Thailand was very hard but we found it eventually. Be creative and dynamic in your communication we are marketers after all.
Source: http://www.uncorneredmarket.com/2009/09/7-habits-of-highly-effective-travelers/
