So…I
previously mentioned I have had my vast experience working with tourist, in
Disney and the two souvenir shops I have worked in Old San Juan (Puerto Rico’s
old district) for two year and a half and Oh My God! Have I learned what not to
do if I ever visit some other countries that are unknown to me. I have written about all the s@#^ tourists have said to me, but trust me…you haven’t heard the half of it! I have been
lucky enough to have travel to more than 15 states in the US, various places in
Latin America and Europe, and I have always know how to behave, but trust
me I totally have picked up quite a bit
of don’t do’s.
- Know what currency you can use or is used!
· Know some of the country’s history before you open your mouth and say something you’ll regret, and do not voice your opinion over any political situation (unless you are an expert in political sciences)
Why? Because you neither live there belong to the society or culture, you do not see what happens day by day. By knowing a country’s means that as a visitor you are showing your true interest in the place you are visiting, shows you have respect for the country and that you are there to enjoy it. Do not assume, do not compare, and do not think that just because a country has similarities to another it is the same.
· Do not insult the culture, the people, the food or common beliefs
Oh…this is so important. I come from a culture that has so many different heritages that perhaps it is easy for me to understand this. You are in a foreign country, that you decided to visit, this mean… you must adapt to them, not the other way around. If there is something to be proud of is culture, it is what helped form the society you are visiting and you are not allowed to utter: “The music is crappy, the historical sites are boring, why do people celebrate (insert holiday or festival here) that is so stupid, why do you eat (insert typical food here) that is disgusting!” To you, it might not make sense or logic, but it’s not you place to say that your culture is better, your country is better…to you yes, to the natives no. There is nothing more disrespectful than a stranger acting superior just because they come from a certain place, speak a certain language or have a certain economic blessing.
· Going to a shopping mall should not be a priority!
For me it was insulting having someone say that they had to get to the mall before they saw anything else in Puerto Rico. There is nothing bad with checking out the mall, but it shouldn't be no.1 priority. There are always much more interesting places to go, check out the museums, the historic monuments, ask locals for restaurant tips, you might find yourself pleasantly surprised! I've had some of the best times by just asking for travel advice from a local.
· Never, ever, EVER treat the people that are giving you some type of service like garbage
Have you heard the phrase: “don’t f%$& with people that handle your food”? Well, same concept. Being nice to your servers, housekeeping, store clerk or front desk attendant, can be the differences between getting lost in a strange city or getting awesome travel advice. They are not beneath you; you do not know their level of education or social standing. Always treat them with respect and if possible leave them a tip or a nice note. I believe that if you get an amazing service, make sure it is known. Always tip your server if they gave good service and if you got amazing service, make sure they know it. It can make their day and if for some reason you were to return, they might just want to take care of you again.
