CURBING CULTURE SHOCK

Visiting a new place for the first time always offers a substantial amount of personal growth. But before you’re able to seize the opportunity that lies before you, you first have to wade through a sea of unfamiliar cultural norms. Regional traditions, different languages, varied expectations—all of it plays a role in how we experience a place. While a new city with a new set of rules will throw anyone off their rhythm, there are a number of things you can do to curb the culture shock and better absorb and appreciate this exciting new experience.

LEARN THE LANGUAGE BASICS

This one is really easy but requires some studying before you set out to your new destination. Dig into Duolingo, Memrise, Babbel, or any other language app to lay the foundation for a better cultural understanding. If you’re the overachieving type, give yourself a couple months to get to know the local language, and you’ll get to experience your destination on a whole new level. For us normal humans who can’t absorb a language in a matter of a couple months (speaking personally), just learning the basics can help a lot. "Thanks", "I’ll have...", "Where’s the bathroom", "Sorry, dumb American, no French." Making an effort to learn the most simple of phrases will give you a leg up while in any country, while also making your stay feel a good deal less isolating.

Even knowing a small amount of the language makes you feel less of an outsider. Download this app and get to learning.

GET YOU SOME HISTORY

My favorite way to feel out the vibe of a new place is to make a visit to any major historical site in the area. Your places—museums, art galleries, what have you. Whether it’s the Tower of London or some grand cathedral in Italy, visiting landmarks like these sets the tone for how to take in the city. Hell, even a quick Wikipedia crunch on the flight over can offer enough to contextualize a city’s history and culture.

Spaces like Serravles, a gallery and museum in Porto, give you a glimpse of what makes up the soul of the city.

Dive into museums and galleries to understand the aesthetics and style of the region.

Iconic landmarks like the Opera House in Olso, Norway help to establish a visual tone.

EAT THE FOOD DAMMIT

There’s a huge difference between just visiting a place and taking the opportunity to truly experience it. The two could not be further from each other. I know which one I would choose each and every time. Learn a few new phrases, try something you’ve never tried before, dig into where you are past the superficial, and you’ll uncover an experience you’ll never forget.

Grab some Swedish Meatballs in Stockholm and you’ll better understand the city.

Grab a bite, sit back, and take in how the locals live and interact.

Comfort foods, like Portugal’s Francesinha, give you a sense of what’s it’s like to eat like a local.

There’s a huge difference between just visiting a place and taking the opportunity to truly experience it. The two could not be not be further from each other. I know which one I would choose each and every time. Learn a few new phrases, try something you’ve never tried before, dig into where you are, past the superficial and you’ll uncover an experience you’ll never forget.