Interacting Effectively with Locals Abroad

After planning an affordable trip, through the purchase of cheap airplane tickets and discount hotel rooms, or cheap vacation packages, there is additional prep you can do help ensure your trips success.

If you would like to connect with locals:

1) Learn some key words and phrases in the local language.

2) While it is smart to tap the knowledge of local expats, do not restrict your interaction to only speaking to expats.

3) Remember some of the most rewarding connections one can make abroad are with the very old and very young, even if the only communication is through hand gestures and smiles.

If you would like to take photos of locals:

1) Smile so that you appear approachable and non-threatening.

2) Try to communicate even if you cant speak the local language other than saying key words such as hello, thanks, and goodbye. Hand gestures can often prove as effective as verbal conversations.

3) Do not be intrusive. People should be allowed to pray or meditate in peace. Wait for people to invite you to take photos when they are ready.

4) Make eye contact of the people you are photographing. If you want to take photos of children, make eye contact with their parents.

5) Share you photos with your subjects and make certain to follow through on any promises to send them copies.

If you want to haggle remember:

1) Haggling should not be a confrontation. Instead it is a means for a buyer and seller to come to a price that is agreeable to both parties. Humor can often be useful in such negotiations.

2) Try to learn a few sentences in the local language such as How much? or That is too expensive. Such phrases often result in the seller smiling and offering a lower price. www.cheapfares.com

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