Familiarizing Yourself with the Foreign Country You're About to Visit

You're ready to travel outside your home country by yourself! Exciting, ain't it?

Now as crazy and liberating a decision this is, it's also one that you shouldn't just jump into without knowing about the country or countries you're going to be visiting. If you're going on a guided tour, you'll be learning about the countries on the agenda so long as you're on the trip, but it's still beneficial to know a few things about these places. And if you're planning on going it alone, it's absolutely imperative that you know something about the culture of the countries you'll be visiting.

So, where do you start when delving into the information about your destination?

Today we're going to look into some different methods of familiarizing yourself with the countries you'll be visiting. Some of these items will seem obvious, while others could come off as unorthodox. Remember that everything that makes my list is what has worked for me, so if you are a traveler yourself or looking to become one, you may come up with different methods of preparation. But that's one of the beautiful things about traveling: it opens you up to new experiences so that you can grow as a person.

Before we begin, most of the examples I will be using will be from the UK and Ireland, mostly because I spent extended amounts of time there. So if it seems like I'm favoring them more, that's why!

And now, let's set a course of action and set off into a different world!

History

Yeah, we'll start with the obvious choice. If you're going to spend more than a few days in one country, it's usually best to know a little something about the place.

Exhibit A in what you DON'T want to come off as

It's up to you to decide how you want to research this country. There's the tried and true method of doing a basic search through your favorite search engine and checking historical sites, or even just Wikipedia. But for the best resources, try to find sites that are from the actual country itself. Especially if they're a non-English speaking country. Thankfully, most websites today have translation algorithms so that you can read from that particular site.

The reason behind this is that for the most relevant and up to date information, selecting American websites to look at the history of another country will be far less informative because, let's face it, they're a different country. There may be American historians out there who have spent time in the country they're an expert on that do provide relevant info, but generic history sites won't have what you need.

And keep in mind that doing just the bare minimum of research is usually just enough when you reach your destination, your tour guides and hosts will tell you the history and significance of your locations. Be ready to have an open mind to hear this country's history without allowing what you learned beforehand to taint your understanding. Travel isn't just about being in foreign locations, it's also about learning about a different culture, and that includes their story.

In that regard, travel is a wonderful way for you to learn how to become truly open-minded.

Religion

Some areas in the world may seem to be utter no-brainers when it comes to this topic, but in reality, you should always check on what the dominant religion is in your destination. It may surprise you. And not only that, every country has different levels of religious traditions.

In Israel, a country that whose primary religion is Judaism, there will be many churches and synagogues open for tourists to come visit. However, some of these religious sites will require their visitors to have their heads covered if they would like to enter the building. If you are a single woman going to visit this country, I would highly suggest keeping a scarf with you at all times if you aren't the type to wear hats when you're traveling.

A different example would be countries whose primary religion is Catholicism. Let's use two examples of these countries: Ireland and Italy. When I visited Catholic churches and cathedrals in Ireland, there were no head covering requirements, and clothing, so long as you were decently covered, wasn't that big of an issue. Then there's Italy, where, if you want to go into the Sistine Chapel or visit many of their churches, you must have your knees covered. There will even be signs outside of these tourist attractions that will tell you that they won't admit you if your knees are exposed. I missed out on one in Florence because I was wearing shorts!

There are many countries out there that practice the same religions but have different means of exercising those beliefs. Regardless of your religious beliefs or lack thereof, it's best to show respect to these people and what they believe. You probably will come across locals who will try to convert you, but it's fine to politely inform these people that you aren't interested. There's a difference between being respectful of a country's belief system and allowing yourself to be conformed.

Music

Believe it or not, many foreign countries will still have popular American music playing wherever you go. That being said, if you take the time to listen to the country's music, you'll find yourself not only familiarizing yourself with their sounds, but often their culture as well.

Before I went to Ireland and Scotland, I delved into the genre that is Celtic music and found some artists that I absolutely fell in love with. As I studied Irish music more, I found that much of their history is sung about, from their folk heroes, to their battles against the English, and the families that left their country. Yes, they have many songs about drinking as well, but their music conveys a deep love for their homeland, which is also felt when you visit the country for yourself.

As for the Scottish music, I wasn't as lucky in finding popular music from their country since the majority of the Celtic music I found was from Ireland. What I did find though was one band in particular that I liked: Runrig. Now I have an older car that still has a CD player, so I buy CDs when I go to other countries. While visiting Scotland, we were at the Isle of Skye, and I found a small music shop that sold nothing but Scottish music albums. I found two Runrig CDs that I wanted to buy and opted for their "Stamping Ground" album. When I presented it to the cashier, he expressed that he was impressed that I not only knew who one of the country's favorite bands were, but that I was buying their best album.

Another reason to look into a country's native music and groups is because many of them are laden with historical tidbits. You may have noticed how I constantly reference the band Gaelic Storm in my blog. This reason isn't just because they're one of my favorite bands (did you know they were the Irish band in 3rd class in the movie Titanic?), but also that many of the things I wanted to experience in Ireland I learned from their songs! I've already blogged about the bachelorette parties in Galway and I've made mention of the Matchmaking Festival in Lisdoonvarna, both of which I learned about by listening to their music! And there are a few other items on my Irish bucket list to check out that I was introduced to by their music. By researching a country's most popular native bands and music, you may learn fun facts about the country that you'll want to experience for yourself!

When you show that you know and appreciate the music of the country you're visiting, you tend to develop a certain level of respect from the locals. From personal experience, I would say that it demonstrates that you aren't just visiting this country just as a tourist, but that you want to learn and understand their country and culture.

Never underestimate the power of music!

Comedy

Comedy is actually one of the best ways to familiarize yourself with the country of your choice. Comedians are often times the best sources for finding out about political stances in their homeland, crazy history stories, odd quirks about their culture, and how they are treated when they tour different countries. What else is interesting is how they often express their viewpoints on other countries, which sometimes reflects the country's views as well.

Take for my first example, a comedian I found from Scotland: Danny Bhoy. This Scottish/Indian entertainer does a wonderful job of pointing out the idiosyncrasies of Scottish culture and comes up with the craziest ways to explain the actions of the Scots.

Let's look at another comedian. This time, we're looking further south and going with a British comic named Russell Howard. Russell doesn't think that British accents are particularly sexy and does this brief bit on why British accents from all over his country are the least sexy thing you can come across. While reading a passage from Fifty Shades of Gray.

If you aren't familiar with this horrendous book, please be forewarned that this piece of trash that somehow passes for literature is not for children. But the line Russell adds at 1.30 makes the whole thing worth it!

Keeping on the British train, if you can find comedy panel shows that take on current events, you can educate yourself on what subjects are important at present. An English show that does just that is Mock the Week, which also features a Whose Line is it Anyway? styled game of "Things we'd like to see" and "Unlikely things..." that are quite a laugh! Here's a clip of one such game tackling the subject of trains, one of the most common means of transportation throughout the UK and Europe.

With comics like these, you can experience for yourself the unique ways that daily life or social commentaries are handled with humor in different countries. You will also come across phrases and terms you aren't familiar with that you can take note of and look up afterwards so that you can understand the vernacular and not look like an ignorant tourist.

Language

Notice that what I'm saying here is language, and not accent. Take it from a trained actress and improv performer whose strengths are in character voices and hopes to break into voice acting someday: do not try faking the local accent! You will only appear to be mocking these local peoples, and they will not appreciate that! Seriously, here's an example of how you'll look, even if you are trained like me:

Just catch the first 15 seconds of this clip, and watch for Iain de Caestecker's reaction. Seriously, how has that actor not gotten an Emmy nomination yet?

Learning common phrases, on the other hand, are often appreciated by the locals. If you already know the language, way to go! But if you're like me and it's difficult to understand languages that uses a different syntax from English, just pick a few lines to show that you're trying to embrace the culture.

Funnily enough, I have a personal example to use for this. I read travel articles whenever I can, and I often came across the tidbit that many French people don't like Americans. While going through France, my group's tour guide suggested that they appreciate it when Americans try to speak French so long as they keep it simple. So everywhere I went, whenever I interacted with the French, I would smile and say bonjour, which would either be accepted as it was, or reciprocated with a smile.

Thankfully, there are also translator apps out there that you can download to your phone to assist you when going through foreign countries. Just make sure that if you do choose one of those apps that you have the appropriate cell phone plan!

And this is an exceptionally important point too: if the country you're visiting is an English speaking country, they're going to have different lingo than Americans!

I would highly advise that before you visit a foreign country that speaks English to look into what words are considered to be profanity there. You'd be surprised to find what basic words you may use in everyday life that may be considered rude where you're at. In my group travels through Europe, I've traveled with many Australians, and I've learn from them that using the term "stuffed" is equivalent to an F-bomb (which is also why I like inserting that word when I'm allowed to improv while performing!). 

Then there's non-verbal language to look into as well. Many people across the US like to flash the two-finger peace sign in their pictures, and often in other countries. Now here's what a peace sign looks like:

And here's what the British equivalent of the middle finger looks like:

The classiest "f-you!" you'll ever come across

I've noticed this little error across many of my friends' social media pages. Even I've been guilty of this one a time or two. If you're going to flash a peace sign, already remember that your thumb points outward. You do it with the back of your hand exposed in England, and you're going to offend someone.

Just because a culture uses the same language as you doesn't mean that the culture is going to be the same too. Do your homework and find out what words and gestures are taboo where you're going so you can avoid pissing off the wrong people. If you want to be a solo traveler, one of the best things you can do is get in good with the locals. Taking the time to educate yourself on what may be inappropriate in another country also shows a huge amount of respect for those people.

Currency

This is another big one, especially when it comes to Europe. Most European countries are associated with the EU these days, and by default, those countries use the euro as their main form of currency. Right?

Not all countries in the EU use the euro. In fact, there are 8 countries total in the EU that still use their own form of currency. And sometimes that comes in super handy when it comes to the exchange rate! And then there are European countries that aren't even part of the EU. Make sure you know which ones you travel to in case you need to exchange for another form of currency.

I made the mistake of not double checking this when I went to Switzerland. Of course, I was aware that they are a neutral country, but for some reason, it didn't occur to me that they might not use the euro. Sure enough, when I got there, I learned that they used Swiss francs, which I had none of! Thankfully, I was able to procure some, but it was rather embarrassing that I didn't check first.

As for the UK, all the countries involved using the pound, or GPB, but Scotland made a point of using their own version of the pound. Their bills, instead of featuring pictures of the Queen, have pictures of their folk heroes and kings, such as Robert the Bruce. As of this year, they have added pictures of famous Scottish women to some of their bills. This cash can be used exclusively in Scotland but isn't always accepted outside of the country, so keep that in mind if you're traveling from Scotland into any other part of the UK. For a fun example, have a listen to Michael McIntyre!

It's also important to keep an eye on the exchange rate because you never know if that particular country will have a sudden drop in value so that you can obtain more of their money for less of yours. And made the trade before you leave for the country by using a bank or currency exchange locations. You can also take American cash with you to the country of your choice where it may have more value. Just don't do the exchange at the airport!

And now you know!

There are plenty of ways to prepare yourself for another country and culture, not the least of which is speaking to friends who have been there or maybe have emigrated from that country. You can also check out movies and TV shows that were produced by film and TV makers in that region or shows that take place in that country that the same country highly values, among other things.

The show Outlander has had a massive affect on the Scots, and...and...

I'm sorry, where was I going with this?

The point is that by going to a country to learn rather than to just tour is what will make your experience more rewarding overall. And one of the best things you can do before you go is to do your research. Learn about these people and their customs. Indulge in their popular culture and folklore to find what aspects you like best. Listen to their languages and teach yourself a few phrases. Have questions about the country that you would like to have answered when you go there.

Above all, be ready to allow yourself to be immersed in a place that's not your home. When you do, you find that your entire mindset can change! That's definitely a trait we need to see more of in the world today.

I hope this helps! This post was a little late in coming, so my next post will be inspired why the reason I didn't have as much time to write this month. I'll be posting about how to get into physical shape before your trip. If you want to make it far on your solo traveling, you must have the stamina and endurance to cover as much ground as possible!

Thank you for reading, and here's hoping we can travel again soon!