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It's OK To Be A Tourist

Travel the world and fall in love.

Sep 26, 2016

I’ve talked about my love for travel before and as I write this, I’m on an 8 AM flight to Austin, Texas to attend Wizard World (nerd alert). I’ve traveled all over the country, and even out of the country, to Greece and the Bahamas. I used to be very insecure about going to a new place; I didn’t want to stick out like a sore thumb. However, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to the point where I don’t care if I act like a typical tourist. Whether it be your first time traveling to a new place or you’re uncomfortable in new places, here are some tips to hopefully help you relax and enjoy your vacation

1. Don’t be shy

I don’t know about you, but I love history. Every single time I go to a new city, I insist on going to the closest natural history museum. However, that’s not always an option for some people! Maybe you don’t have the money or you don’t have the time to visit a museum but I’d definitely try to strike up conversations with some locals! Ask questions, be curious about this wonderful new city you’ve found yourself in. The locals won’t bite, I promise.

2. Who cares if you walk around with a camera in front of your face?

A lot of people tell my generation that we should stop seeing things through our phones, through our cameras. I call bullshit. Take those pictures! Seriously, I can’t tell you the amount of times I’ve been so insecure to take a selfie with something I see and like. I’ve missed out on a lot of photos and possible memories. Photos allow us to travel back to the exact moment it was taken and it’s a beautiful thing.

3. Listen to the food suggestions

I know, I know. Some local directed you to a hole-in-the-wall diner and you’re scared to death. Go. 99 percent of the time, the locals know what they’re talking about! Something that my dad and I do when we’re planning a trip is we check out what’s been featured on Guy Fieri’s "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives," as well as the Food Network show, "The Best Thing I Ever Ate." More often than not, those are the restaurants we’ve visited and I can’t ever remember being disappointed. I’m a picky eater and I usually make a fuss over the littlest thing, but when I’m out of town, I don’t. I want to immerse myself in the culture as much as possible and if eating a regional delicacy is the way to do that, so be it.

4. Buy. The. Souvenir.

What are the chances of you being in hat exact same city ever again? Also, what are chances that if you did come back, they’d have that exact souvenir that you’ve just fallen in love with? Do yourself a favor and buy it, seriously. Whether it be a shot glass, a photo, a magnet or a snow globe, good memories are attached to souvenirs and it’s worth the 4 bucks you spend on it.

Everybody's experiences with traveling are different, especially the way that people react to being in a new place. It's okay to be a tad bit reserved, but please, please, please do not be a hermit. Engage in conversation, take a million photos, make friends, laugh, love and smile.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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