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How To Quickly Learn a New Language Before Your Next Trip

When it comes to traveling through a foreign country, speaking a little bit of the local language can help you a lot. First, it shows that you actually respect the language, as well as the country that you are in. And second, it makes things much easier for both you and the person that you are talking to, since not everyone will speak in your native language. Of course, maybe you will never pronounce a certain word correctly, but what really counts is the thought.

Anything you do to learn a new language will really help you out a lot when it comes to visiting a foreign country. So, if you would like to visit a certain country, but are afraid of doing so because you don’t speak their language, don’t change your plans, because there is always something that you can do about it. With this in mind, here are some of our best tips that should help you learn a new language before your next trip. Enjoy the ride!

Start Practicing As Early As You Can
Basically, the more time you have to learn a new language, the better. How much time you will need to spend on learning a new language depends on your skills and your learning style, as well as the language itself. For some people, two weeks is more than enough, while others might need up to two months. If you would really like to learn a new language, you need to practice.

Talk To a Native Speaker
One of the best ways to learn a new language is to talk to a native speaker. You can do this either online or in real life. Today, it is much easier to communicate with other people than it has ever been before. You can easily log into your favorite social media account and contact someone who is a native in the language that you are trying to learn.

You Don’t Have To Speak Fluently Right Away
Talking to someone on the Internet is a whole lot different than listening to a shop owner screaming at you for holding up the line for too long. Don’t worry if you don’t understand what people are trying to say to you. It is all a part of the process, and it usually just means that you need a bit more practice.

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Safety Tips for Traveling Solo

Traveling is an adventure not meant for everyone, and that’s okay. Traveling alone, however, can be a dangerous undertaking. If you are a traveler and your friends are not,or maybe you just need some “me time”, there are a few things you should keep in mind for staying safe while traveling alone.

Have a system

If you are traveling alone you should have a system with friends back home to make sure you are safe. Make sure you check in with them regularly. When I’m traveling alone I check in with something irregular like an inside joke so they know it is really me.

Make local friends

Try doing a homestay or hostel when traveling alone. This way you have locals or others in the area that are looking out for you. You don’t necessarily have to go anywhere with them but if you give them a rough idea of your plan and something happens, there is someone in the same city as you that can take charge.

Safe-travel

Don’t tell people you’re alone

I know this sounds like a contradiction, what I mean is don’t tell random strangers that you are alone. There are records of the people staying in your hostel or the hosts for a homestay house, but you should not go around telling everyone you meet that you are traveling solo. You can never be certain of who you are talking to, predators are less likely to prey on someone in a group.

Let others know your system

On this same train of thought, if you do let it slip that you are alone, do not be afraid to tell people about your security system. Again, having someone looking out for you increases the chances of a criminal being caught for any misconduct.

Watch your drinks

Everyone should do this, always. If you are alone or in a group, always be aware of your drink. This is the oldest rule in the book and this awareness should only increase if you are traveling alone. And of course, don’t drink too much. You need to be able to stay alert and coherent.

Plan ahead

Know where you are going so you are not constantly looking down at your phone. If you are distracted by trying to find directions you open yourself up to pickpockets and thieves. Also, people who look lost are vulnerable to other types of criminals. Furthermore, if you know where you are going you can share this with friends and family back home so if something does happen they have an itinerary to share with the authorities.

Choose a good place

Lastly, choose a place where you will be happy being alone. Think about what you want out of the trip and what will make you happy. If you are a social butterfly that lives to meet new people, you might like the city. If you would rather sit in a quiet area and read, maybe the woods or the beach. Whatever it is you enjoy, you will be safer if you feel comfortable.

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Top 3 Ways Traveling Makes You Smarter

When it comes to traveling, it is one of the purest pleasures that a person can experience in life. Not only is travel a great booster for your mind, but it is probably the only time you feel completely calm and relaxed. When you are on a road trip, you don’t have to worry about all your personal problems that you left at your home, because, after all, that is the whole point of traveling – to get rid of your personal problems, even if it is just for a few days.

Traveling helps you negate the impact that both your private and professional life have on you. On top of that, traveling also makes you a better person, which is always a good thing. But did you know that travel can actually make you smarter as well? You probably didn’t, did you? That’s right – travel can make you smarter, and here’s how!

You Become Open-Minded
When you travel, you have the opportunity to meet so many different cultures that you probably didn’t even know exist. Because of that, you become more aware of all the differences between each culture, which is why you let go of your personal prejudices that you may have had in the past. Soon you realize that cultural pride is nothing but a lack of experience, and as a result of that realization, you begin to respect people much more than before, which automatically makes you a better person. Simply put, you become open-minded.

Self-Sufficient Attitude
When a person travels, it is pretty much safe to say that they are responsible for everything. This includes everything from the preparation for the trip to maintaining their own well-being. Because of this, you develop a better sense of responsibility, as well as a self-sufficient attitude, which is great for your personal growth. Not only does traveling make you a better person, but it helps you stay in touch with reality as well.

Improved Creativity
As you travel to different cities and countries, you come across some truly amazing creations. Some of them are creations of nature, while others are creations of mankind. That being said, when you return back to your home, these beautiful experiences come with you as well, and as a result, you start implementing them into your own life.