Discovering the world

This is what you came to do! Make sure you take advantages of opportunities as they come, but be wise as to what you do.

Tourist information services

Tourist Information offices operated by municipal, regional and national governments are great resources and can generally be found in more affluent cities who like to think they expect tourists. You should be able to learn about them from your guidebook. They might be unbiased, but it is possible that they only give information, or positive information anyway, about services who are paying them a fee. It all depends on the level of corruption in the area. Then there are facilities that advertise themselves as tourist information offices but are really just glorified travel agents. They can still be of use but are obviously biased and hopefully you will be able to recognize this.

Helpful tourist information offices in general are good sources of information on places to stay, places to eat, local and long distance transportation and activities and tours. Good ones might be able to provide free maps and brochures. Consider asking about walking tours and areas to avoid, special events in the area, reservation services for accommodation, homestay and meet-the-local programs, opening hours for stores, banks and places of interest, entry fees to attractions and any tourist discounts or passes. They should also be able to help you with answers to logistical questions such as those involving currency and money, telephone, e-mail and postal services, tax refunds for tourists and visa arrangements.

Beware of tourist information gurus who approach you and offer you help. They are more than likely touts.

Pounding the pavement

As an independent traveller, you are likely to have times when you are showing yourself around the city or region. Pack your daypack for the eventuality of being out for the best part of the day. Bring a couple of alternative money sources and your passport should you need to change money. Leave as much valuable paperwork in the safe at your place of accommodation should a trustworthy one be available to you. Bring your camera, spare film and the applicable sections of your guidebook including a map of the area. Bring your phrasebook if you have one. Depending on the weather, consider packing an extra layer of clothing or rain gear. Pack comforts like a water bottle and a headache remedy. Don't forget your sunscreen, hat and sunglasses. If you are uncertain, ask your place of accommodation for a business card, brochures or piece of letterhead with its own address on it so that you are assured you will find your way back. If heading bushside, carry a mini first aid kit and adequate insect protection. Bring health insurance information and enough money should you need to hire transportation back into town.

Getting the most out of your self-guided tour means different things to different travellers but here's a couple of tips. Garner from you guidebook what you might like to see and plan a rough walking tour with your map. Remember that some banks and stores may close for siestas. If you have trouble getting from place to place, consider buying post cards of local sites to use for pointing at to get directions from locals. Keep in mind that major hotels, department stores or banks can be good sources of English speakers, whereas international fast food franchises and restaurants often have the cleanest, most recognizable bathrooms. For purposes of photography or getting home before dark, judge the amount of time until sunset by extending an arm towards the horizon and counting the number of fingers fitting between the ground and the sun. For each finger, you have approximately 10 minutes, or less as you get closer to the equator.

Sightseeing

Although the word 'sightseeing' might be a dirty word to those who fancy themselves true travellers, no one can (or should!) pass up visits to many of the worlds sights. For the museums and attractions you want to see, find out the details first. Most attractions have a certain day of the week they are closed (likely not a weekend day when traffic is heaviest). They also may have different hours of operation depending on the day of the week or the season. Watch for free or discounted admissions too, at certain times of the day, on certain days of the week or on national holidays. Watch for student and senior discounts. Family discounts might apply too for groups of three or more. Conversely, watch for rate hikes on weekends or during peak hours or peak seasons. Try not to be frustrated if some places charge locals or nationals lower rates of admission - they likely support these facilities through their own taxes or heritage. Check to see what is included in your admission as well as what you may need to pay extra to see. If you want to do your sightseeing with a touch more solitude, avoid crowds such as those on bus tours by visiting in the early morning or late afternoon, on week days or during off-season.

Heed instructions at sites concerning requests to refrain from taking photographs or flash photographs, obey "Do Not Touch" signs and stay on the legal side of barriers that request you to do so. Simple common courtesies, but also wise ways to respect the people and culture you are visiting and to make sure you don't get kicked out of places or have films confiscated! I have seen it happen.

Beware that you don't inadvertently hire a guide while visiting a site. Locals, sometimes children, have been known to strike up friendly conversation resulting in an impromptu tour of the area for which they will ask for payment or tips come the end. If you find yourself in this situation when you would rather not be, be polite and friendly but indicate that you will look around on your own. Be firm if you would-be-guide is persistent. Watch also for locals hanging around outside the entrance. They may be looking to take advantage of crowds of distracted tourists, or perhaps be trying to earn a buck or two by creating photo opps (such as with unusual or native animals or costumes) for which they will ask payment for after you've snapped the shutter.

Tours and activities

Sometimes, visiting certain sites and taking in certain experiences is best facilitated when you join a tour or excursion, or hire a guide or driver. Paying someone to help you with the logistics of transportation and other arrangements can not only make things easier, but can sometimes make them possible when otherwise they would not be. If you feel that what you want to do just can not feasibly be accomplished independently, don't be afraid to support the local tourist industry.

Check out the options of what to do and which tour and guide companies to do them with by referring to the staff at your hostel, hotel or guesthouse, tourist information offices, travel agencies and your guidebook. Do a little research though, to avoid biased advice. Ask fellow travellers for first hand recommendations. You will want to hire reputable and, if applicable through governing bodies, licensed guides from companies that are well respected within the community and among travellers and the tourism industry. Look for value for money but also look for companies that support local ecology, industry and people through environmentally friendly practices and the inoffensive use of local products and inhabitants.

Tours can vary from hours to days long, transportation only to all-inclusive. It is important to ask the right questions before you commit financially and before you climb aboard. Choosing the wrong tour guide or company can be costly financially and can also place you in dangerous, uncomfortable or vulnerable situations. Determine the length of tour, when you are to leave and when you are to return. Approve the mode of transportation for safety and comfort as you would in choosing any sort of transportation (see Transportation). Find out what is included in your price - what sights and activities you will see and do, if admissions to sights and equipment rentals are extra, if you have an English speaking guide or driver, and if any meals or accommodations are included. Ask how many people will be part of your group. Ask about how much time you will spend at each site and if the tour stops at any shops along the way. These stops can be a nuisance if you feel pressured into buying things, they can also last what seems like forever and eat into the time you should instead be seeing the things you came on the tour to see! If your trip is a longer one, or out into wilderness, find out about safety considerations (equipment and precautions), and look into the environmentally-affective practices of the expedition as well (garbage disposal, toilet facilities, etc). Make sure you see the license of your guide and if you wish, you can ask to see references - many tour companies can show you photo albums and guest books of the happy travellers who have used their services in the past.

Negotiate for price. The price often goes down if there are more people signing up together. Try bargaining a little, and ask for student discounts. Sometimes your Hostelling International membership can get you a discount too. If you have amassed a group, don't overlook the more economical possibility of hiring a taxi or taxi-van and travelling more independently as a group.

Entertainment

Depending on where in the world you are, there may or may not be an abundance of things to do in the evenings. Small towns might leave you sitting with your book or journal, but larger towns and cities often have options. Ask around for information on local entertainment and special events. There are often areas with free entertainment, bazaars, markets or lively atmospheres in the evenings. University areas might be good bets if you are looking for economical pubs, clubs and discos. Beware going into night clubs that cover charges may apply or may even increase at subsequent doors on your way in. Check out local theatres and enquire about standby or student tickets. Movies might be an option too - find out what languages the movie is spoken and/or subtitled in, and about rates for evening shows and matinees. Don't forget to ask when cheap day is!

Shopping

An entertaining and often inevitable part of you trip. Local craft and food markets actually provide marvellous insights into local culture and ways. Foreign countries are often also sources for quality jewellery, artwork and antiques at excellent prices. Do your research in this area to ensure what you buy is worth the price you pay. Don't be fooled by vendors' insistence of the possible resale value of the item back in your home country.

Bargaining for your best price is quite common - you will get a feel for whether it is appropriate or not. If in doubt, try it... with a smile of course. A general rule of thumb is if there are no price tags, you can bargain. In fact, it is usually expected and a good bargainer garners a fair deal of respect! In situations where bargaining is expected, not doing so makes you look foolish in the eyes of the locals while at the same time causing inflation and giving the perception that westerners have money to throw around. First choose your specific item discernibly and have a thorough look at it in good lighting. Then determine in your mind what you are willing to pay - find out what the item is really worth and ask others what they paid. Asking a vendor the price of an item can often start a bargaining session, but don't continue it if you aren't prepared to buy - never make an offer you don't intend to keep. Start by offering about half of what you are willing to pay and see if you can bargain towards a middle point. If you can't get a price you are willing to pay, try walking away. The vendor will usually prefer to sell at a lower price than to not sell at all. Use your discretion and remain fair; always haggle with a smile. And keep it all in perspective; you don't want either the buyer or seller to lose face nor spend ages haggling over what actually amounts to pennies once you have done the currency conversion. Pay with cash and preferably with the correct change.

If you make purchases on your credit card, it is wise to keep your card in sight to make sure it is not double swiped. Check to see that the correct currency is noted before you sign and request the carbon slips back. Save your receipt for customs or in case you are eligible for any tax back on more valuable items purchased from more reputable establishments. Receipts also create a paper trail should you choose to have the store mail the item home for you. If you do purchase an item for mailing, make sure you see the exact item you are purchasing, you may wish to photograph it for a record. It may pay to use a shop from which you have a reliable recommendation.

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