You've planned the trip of a lifetime and you have finally reached your destination. At first, everything seems wonderful, almost magical, because you have dreamed of this trip for so long. Then, of course, reality sets in. Not everything in this new country is appealing, especially the part where you have to wait around or deal with seemingly-incompetent personnel. The truth is, you are in a different place, one with its own customs and way of life. The "annoyances" you must cope with probably result from cultural differences. Here are some suggestions for coping with the differences you discover when you travel:
Language Barriers
Even if you've spent time using language learning software or studying phrasebooks, communicating in another language is seldom easy. Carry a phrasebook or portable translator (you can use a tablet and online translator in a pinch), a piece of paper and a pencil. The first item will help you in most typical travel situations, particularly when you've forgotten a key word or phrase. The pencil and paper will help you sketch the item you are looking for, write down your hotel address for your taxi driver and allow someone to draw a map for you. Body language can be helpful, too, as long as you remember that some words do not translate directly into other languages. (For example, it is a waste of time to make check marks in the air when requesting your restaurant bill in another country, because "check" and "bill" are not synonyms in many languages.) Above all, resist the urge to speak more loudly when you cannot make yourself understood. Your waiters are not deaf; they just don't speak your native language.
Opening and Closing Times
"Time" takes on new meaning when you travel. In some countries, such as Germany, opening and closing times at museums, churches and restaurants are taken very seriously. In others, you may find yourself waiting for restaurants and attractions to open even though the official opening time has come and gone. Conversely, you may discover that you are being asked to leave a museum or visitor center even though closing time is still ten minutes away. If you do a bit of research before you leave home, you will be able to tell which cultures emphasize punctuality and plan accordingly. Should you find yourself waiting a few extra minutes for a museum to open, you can use that time to update your travel diary, write a postcard or look over your travel guidebook.
Siesta Time
Some countries, including Spain, Italy and Portugal, literally shut down for three hours every afternoon so that workers can go home to escape the heat, enjoy a midday meal and rest. This means that shops and attractions may be closed for three or even four hours each day. While this might seem frustrating at first, the siesta period offers you a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture. Go native; eat your main meal at noon, take a rest in your hotel room or relax on a park bench, and plan to stay up a bit later at night. You'll be able to take a twilight stroll or find a congenial piazza or café from which to watch the locals – and you will probably remember those "local moments" as highlights of your trip.
Transportation Delays
If the concept of time is relative, so are bus, train and airline schedules. Knowing this fact in advance will help you prepare for transportation delays. You'll still need to arrive at the station or airport on time, of course, but you will know enough to bring a book or some postcards along to help you pass the time. Be sure to bring your phrasebook, too, so you can ask about delays and cancellations. Even in the most efficient countries, mechanical problems can occur, resulting in unforeseen scheduling problems.
Restaurant Bills
For some unknown reason, the process of getting and paying your restaurant bill can be extremely stressful. Travelers from the United States are accustomed to getting their bills quickly and paying at the table, but things don't work this way in many countries. In France, Italy and Germany, for example, you must ask for your bill; your waiter will assume you are lingering over a wonderful meal until you indicate you are ready to pay. Take the time to research this process before you leave home, so that you know whether you should pay your server or find a cashier, and learn the words for requesting your restaurant bill. Bring a smartphone, calculator or pencil so you can verify your bill quickly and unobtrusively. (Tip: If a "cover" charge is customary in your destination country – Italy leaps to mind – do not argue with your waiter about this small amount of money. If tipping isn't the norm, don't leave a huge tip; you will embarrass your server.)
Your Fellow Travelers
You may find yourself frustrated not with the customs of your destination country but with your fellow travelers, even if you chose them yourself. Traveling with a group, however small, is an art form. The best way to deal with potential problems is to sit down with your travel group before your trip begins and discuss habits and expectations. Who likes to sleep in? Are dietary restrictions an issue? Will you need to plan extra time for your fellow travelers, who like to read every word in every museum exhibit? Don't be afraid to split up on occasion; avid museum-goers will not mind if their travel companions slip out and enjoy a late-morning coffee. Be honest about your hopes and expectations and ask your travel companions to do the same.
Pack Your Smile
The most frustrating travel experiences often make the best stories, and they are certainly unforgettable. Approach travel annoyances with an open mind and a healthy sense of humor; you will probably resolve problems more quickly, and you will definitely find ways to make the best of your situation.
