8 Tips To Become A Better Traveler

TMP 93 - Be A Better Traveler
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Meggan: Hey everyone and welcome back to the Travel Mug Podcast and it's our first episode of 2024. Hi. I know, I know, I know, I know. I am sure everyone feels quite similar in that. How is it actually 2024 When? 2019 was like just last year. I

Jenn: I mean, even yesterday, I'm pretty sure.

Meggan: But I digress because literally here we are. So happy New year, Jenn. How were your Holidays Overall?

Jenn: They were good. They were busy. We did some traveling. We went up to Cape Breton to my mom's, and then drove back home. Listened to my first audio book in the car on the drive. So that, that was kind of cool. I, I think we'll do that again. We both enjoyed our, our first audio book, so there you very exciting updates around here.

Meggan: Oh, I, no, I love that. Uh, we listen to podcasts sometimes, but we've never listened to an audio book. That's a great idea.

Jenn: Oh, there you go. I'm full of great ideas.

Meggan: Welcome to the New Year. Jen's gonna give us a great idea every single episode. Um, my holidays were good. Same like traveling and stuff, but really, really good. always good to get home, um, even no matter where you've been, but now we are heading back into real life and to start the year, we wanted to begin on a positive note, start the year by sort of putting some good out into the world.

So we are going to actually chat about some tips on being a better traveler as we get into the world in 2024. We just wanted to share some things that you could keep in mind. So to kick us off, my first sort of tip, I guess, on being a better traveler is to learn some of the language. Don't expect everyone to speak yours.

Now, I know in a smaller way, we've likely mentioned this before, and this obviously won't apply, uh, to every country you're going to, there are going to be some countries where the national language isn't yours. So let's say you speak English and you're going somewhere that's Spanish.

What can you do? No one realistically expects casual travelers to ensure that they're well versed in the native language. I mean, if you are, That's excellent. but before your trip. Learn at least some basic words and or phrases and why you might ask. Well, it shows respect and courtesy. It's gonna spread goodwill and it's going to make actually your life easier as well. even if it is a complicated language and you only learn to say hello. And thank you as an example, it does make a huge difference to service workers and really anyone you come in contact with, it sort of lets them know you're trying and they're actually gonna do the same back to you. I really find this happens even in Canada in Quebec, I find the exact same thing happens as well. So let's really just try put a little effort in and it really does bring everyone closer, and I think that's what we all need right now.

Jenn: Yeah, I agree. And I think it's also like part of the fun of getting ready for a trip is, uh, you know, maybe learning a few new things. And so my first tip, similar, like to what you said, Meggan, is, um, respecting culture and traditions and researching them in advance before you go. So it's about respect. Like we said, if you're traveling to a different country, do some research in advance on their cultures and traditions.

You don't need to become an expert. Of course, that's now what we're asking. Um, but learn a bit. Maybe read a book, talk to someone who's been there as well, or maybe someone who's from there. Uh, if you know them, that is amazing. you don't need to necessarily agree with everything that you see, but it is important to be non-judgmental and respect what you're witnessing.

Also make sure you dress appropriately. So especially when you're visiting religious sites, bringing a light, like light scarf type thing that you can like throw over your shoulders is great. Or a light sweater that you can throw on, can be really helpful. And it's also good to know, um, if you'll be traveling during any local holidays as well, right?

Like things might be super busy, um, or they may be closed. So , you don't wanna show up at things that you wanna do and realize that you are there during a national holiday and everything is closed.

Meggan: That's exactly right. Yeah, great point about the religious sites, because some places you have to remove your hat, you have to remove your shoes. So just having that in your mind in advance, it won't be a surprise. And Something else we've talked about in regards to this in the podcast before is too knowing local laws.

So I think it goes right along with what you've just mentioned, is being aware of what the law is in the, for a variety of things in the country that you're visiting so you don't get tripped up with something like that as well.

Jenn: Yeah, for sure.

Meggan: next up I wanted to talk about shopping local. So there are a few exceptions in the world, such as, you know, ones that we know as Iceland and Bar Harbor, and there are others where there actually aren't any chains. You won't really have to worry about this. So shopping local will be a breeze.

Um, however, in a lot of the world you will find a Walmart. So even when you don't want to, comfort while traveling is understandable. So it's not a crime to go somewhere, you know and. What you'll, you'll know what you'll get if you go to a Walmart or something like that.

You know, it will bring that comfort of home. But we'd really like to encourage you that if you're buying any souvenirs to try to buy them from locals, there's usually a tag or a stamp. If it's made in China, for example, if you're in China, fill your boots. I mean, that's local. Done. but you can usually plainly see, so really be picky and even ask locals themselves where you can buy something that's been made there. You are a traveler in their country, so try to support them in this way while you're there and bring something home where you can look at it and fondly remember it, knowing that it actually was made there instead of imported there and sold there.

So shopping local I think might take a little bit of extra work, and sometimes we just want ease. But to be authentic, I think it would be great just to buy something you know was made there.

Jenn: Yeah, that reminds me. Of course we just had, our Christmas holidays here and when we were in nassau, we stopped and chatted with this lady and she was selling, um, and she definitely had Christmas ornaments 'cause that's what we bought. I can't remember what else. But she had made them with like local shells and stuff and put it together.

And we stood there chatting with her for like probably 15, 20 minutes. Like her, um, niece or nephew had come to Nova Scotia to go to university. So we chatted about that and bought the ornament. And of course now every year we hang on the tree and we remember . That really amazing experience. And so yeah, we bought it from the person who made it and it's just a really great travel memory now, so yeah.

Meggan: Yeah, we, I very similar. We had a, an ornament we bought on our honeymoon in Mexico, made locally and we said the exact same thing putting on the tree this year. We didn't have the, the great long conversation, but I do remember of course purchasing it and it was our first year married and it's just one of those things to look back on and it really does evoke memories.

Jenn: Yeah, it does. Uh, so my next tip is similar. So using local accommodations when possible and local restaurants and that sort of thing. So like we said, we love local and local accommodations and local restaurants and cafes are another great way to support the local people, even in your hometown. Like, you don't have to just do this when your traveling

Meggan: No.

Jenn: and I know how tempting it is to go to Starbucks or McDonald's because it's familiar and you know what you're gonna order. But grabbing a coffee, let's say at a local cafe or dinner at a local restaurant supports these amazing small businesses. And eating local could also mean trying the local cuisine, trying new foods and getting a little bit outside your comfort zone.

You don't have to like fully jump outside your comfort zone, but you could dip a toe. You.

squadcaster-7104_1_12-28-2023_110125: You know.

Meggan: Even a baby Toe to start.

Jenn: Try the local fruit. It's likely amazing, right? Instead of the imported fruit that we get here that traveled thousands of miles. , I just had raspberries this morning that were imported from Mexico, and I'm like, what am I doing?

Also when you're visiting a restaurant, ask the server for recommendations. They know the menu. So let them, uh, recommend something. And if you're feeling particularly adventurous, let them choose your meal. Um, I have a friend that does this often. They love the surprise.

It stresses me out. But, uh, they usually, and they're, they're a very adventurous eater, so they don't even usually like narrow down the menu, but sometimes they're like, oh, I'm between these three or four things you choose. And, uh, it's always interesting to see the server, like what

Meggan: I love that idea. I'm gonna do that in 2024. I'll report back. That is definitely a goal for me. Something I never even thought of, because I guess if I'm trying to decide between two things, I do ask an opinion, but then I still choose. So even if it's that, I'm gonna do that. That's a great idea.

Jenn: Yeah, it's kind of fun. So as for local accommodations, it can be trickier and we definitely do stay in larger hotel chains ourselves. However, if you can find a boutique bed and breakfast or an inn, it's likely locally owned. Now Airbnb and VRBO can seem like a good local option. And unfortunately, and we talked about this I think on our ethics episode, but these, short-term rentals have definitely contributed to the affordable housing crisises in many cities.

And it's a definitely a tricky thing to navigate. I know. A lot of people love Airbnb and vrbo, and I think they can be great, but in larger cities it can also be a large problem. But if you can support a local, small business over a big corporation, please do. That's all we ask.

Meggan: Yeah. I have less of a problem with, I never use vrbo, but I have less of a problem with Airbnb out in the country.

But you are right in bigger cities, it's always a bit iffy. We, we rarely do that.

So it's, it's a good tip for sure. I mean, stay where you can. Obviously if you need somewhere to stay, people have to make choices. But if, if there are choices, , and, and different varieties of places to stay, to choose from. Yeah, try to do local for sure.

Jenn: Yeah.

Meggan: My next tip is to be patient and I mean, is this a tip just for me? It, it might be, I don't know, maybe. but when you travel, you are out of your element, which I do like, actually, that part doesn't bother me at all. And really, like most days, not everything or the pace of everything, that's usually my problem, will be in your control. So patience when traveling is key. Lines can be long. You could encounter rude people. You might get stopped in traffic, you might even get lost, or you get to your hotel after your long journey and your room isn't ready.

These are just a fraction of the scenarios that really could arise when you're traveling and no one is perfect. But really being patient in situations that are out of your control will make your trip better for you and everyone you come in contact with. It is vacation after all. So relinquishing the fact that everything will go perfectly is something you should do as soon as you leave your home for your trip. after that, understand that, you know, we're adults, and not everything is going to go our way. It, doesn't always work, but Making sure that patience is a guiding principle will be a great way to start, and then hopefully, go through and end your trip. I am a, in my everyday life, I guess I'm impatient. I'm not so bad when I'm traveling because a lot of that isn't in my control. Every moment, am I gonna be patient? No, but I really do try to think of this every day. It doesn't really matter as much, although I'm sure Peter would love it. But, traveling, I really do try to keep this in mind. What's your sort of thoughts on that, Jenn?

Track 1: I feel like I've become much more of, much more of a patient person over, let's say the last like 10 to 15 years. And especially traveling yeah, I mean, stuff happens out of your control. I. All the time, and just like treating it with some grace and uh, you know, you get through it, you're, I just try to keep in the mindset that like, I'm lucky to be traveling.

And of course these things happen and they, some of them are extremely frustrating, but uh, yeah, a little patience goes a long way for sure.

Meggan: I agree. I agree. What's up next?

Jenn: All right, so traveling sustainably, this could be a whole episode, but I do wanna note that it is impossible to be perfect and traveling Does contribute negatively to the environment. That is just a fact. But small things like using public transportation, using a reusable water bottle and avoiding single use things as much as possible really can make a difference. So maybe sit in the cafe and enjoy your coffee in a real mug instead of getting a to-go cup or pack your travel mug as well.

bring a reusable bag for your shopping, eat in a restaurant instead of getting takeout. and taking the bus or walking or biking can be great ways to get around, um, or train as well. So I read that the global tourism industry is responsible for 8% of global emissions, which is more than the construction industry.

And I was like woof, that hurts , in the past I have used Tree Canada's Grow clean air program to help offset carbon emissions from flying. And I'd, I'd like to commit to doing that again in 2024. So basically on their website, I. You put in your travel information and it tells you how many trees that you need to plant to offset those emissions.

And then you can donate and they plant trees. So that's something that I'm putting on my, my goal list for 2024.

Meggan: That's excellent, and I assume you will put the link for that in the show notes.

Jenn: You'll, I will, I will, people can find it there.

Meggan: Excellent. , one thing you mentioned there that we do while we travel as well is, as you know, we've talked about before, we use the grocery store a lot when we're on our longer trips. Um, and even just buying a reusable bag your first time and then every single shopping trip after that, you take it with you, you use it, and then you actually bring it home and add it to your array, I'm sure, , of shopping bags that you have. But that's definitely a good way to do it as well. It's even a little souvenir.

Jenn: Yeah, for sure.

Meggan: now I wanna talk about booking a local experience and being open just to new experiences. We've talked about shopping, eating, staying at local accommodations. So a little bit about local experiences, so booking a local experience and first and foremost, being open to that new experience when available. It will enhance your trip and make you feel closer to the country that you're in. So this could mean booking a cooking class to learn how to make pasta in Italy. It could be a resort excursion in Mexico, run by an actual local company, using a local driver and taking you to local attractions. Oftentimes, it's the cheaper way to do it as well, or maybe even hiring a guide, let's say in Belfast to show you around and get true understanding of the troubles that occurred in Ireland. We actually did that tour. It was a black cab tour. I can't highly recommend it enough. So he was local, his cab was authentic. He took us to places where we understood the history. It was a win-win for everyone, and it's these types of experiences guided and demonstrated by locals that will also leave you with a lifetime of memories. It's one of those experiences. Make sure you take some pictures in a little bit of video because of course memories deceive us after a while. So something to really remember, you know, the country for, and hopefully you can take a little bit of something, you know, uh, to hold away from that as well. So, you know, whether it's a piece of something or even, I don't know, an apron from your cooking class or something, you know, that you can look back on and, and know that you did something local and you have that with you always.

Jenn: Yeah, I love that.

Meggan: Now take us to the last tip, and I think it's my favorite.

Jenn: My favorite. Our last tip is be nice to everyone. AKA. Don't be a dick.

Meggan: I love that.

Jenn: We love it. I feel like it's just a guiding principle for life, but also for travel. So I felt like it's a good way to wrap up this episode. Just be kind to everyone. The airline cabin crew, your bus or taxi driver, the restaurant workers, the people in the hotel, just everybody you come into contact with, and not that this is a reason to be kind, but if you're asking for something or if you're in a frustrating situation, for example, your luggage is lost or something, your flight's canceled, being kind to the person you're talking to means you're much more likely to get a resolution to that situation.

So, yeah, but just really be kind. Every human being is deserving of respect. So. That's, that's the last tip,

Meggan: Yeah, I think that's a really good one. And we've all been in frustrating travel situations. I remember yours specifically with your car rental in, in Scotland. I believe it was. I've had a flight canceled here in the Halifax airport before, and I remember it was a long time ago. I'm gonna say 2005. And I remember being frustrated and not being as kind as I could have and in the moment, and we walked away and Peter's like, you weren't as nice to her as you could have been. And I don't think I had noticed because I was just personally frustrated. It was about me in the moment and it really just shouldn't have been. and I actually took a lot away from that and I probably go too far are the other way. Now I'm uber friendly and people are probably like, sim it down lady. Um, but it was a, it was a good learning experience for me, even though it was a frustrating situation. She was in a worse spot than I was. So I, I really love this tip. And, and, and not being a dick just every single day, but especially when you encounter people just trying to do their jobs out in the world, I think that's really great.

Jenn: Yeah. And I think I learned a lot as, you know, a young person. I was a server in a restaurant, in a restaurant that was chronically understaffed at times. And, uh, people, people who've worked in, uh, in the restaurant industry, people who have worked with the public. Get it, you know, , I feel like if you've been in that situation yourself, you are a lot more kind to people in that situation when you encounter it.

But, uh, yeah, there's uh, there's nothing like the public . If you've worked with them, you know.

Meggan: And you're exactly right. And I think too, I don't know why that was my learning experience. 'cause in the late nineties I worked in a hotel and I had keys thrown at me. So I, I, I have experienced it myself. So why I didn't learn from that, and it took me few more years to like truly become the kinder person that I am. I don't know. But you're exactly right. The public be public-ing

Jenn: yeah. Yeah. So on that note, we hope that you enjoyed this episode. If you did, we would super appreciate it if you would leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps new people find our show and, uh, we are looking to grow in 2024. We want more travel Loving Pals. So if you'd like to support the show, you can do that through buy Me a Coffee or by sharing a show with your travel loving pals.

That would be amazing. You can connect with us on Facebook and Instagram at Travel Mug Podcast or on our website travel mug podcast.com. And until next time, we'll talk to you again soon. Bye.