Don’t rely solely on what you read here to make your decisions. We all have our biases. Humans have selective memory by default. After a few years (or even a few days) certain memories stay and others fade. Some memories even become distorted.

Perhaps we don’t share the same interests, perspectives, and lifestyle. There may be many relevant issues that have not been addressed here. They might not have been thought of or were felt to be irrelevant, unimportant, or perhaps even improper. But they could be significant to you. They might even be things we would all benefit from knowing. Select Contact Me in the website’s menu and explain those things in the message box. You’ll receive a response, and perhaps those topics can be included in a future update. But for now, you’re on your own.

To be your own tour guide you must acquire knowledge that goes beyond guidebook snippets or things written on plaques. A basic understanding of the geography, history, and government of a country is essential.

Geography

Without a basic sense of geography, it’s impossible to get the most out of travel experiences. If you’re heading to Spain, do you want to see misty mountains, rocky coastlines, or searing-hot cities? These questions will decide whether you head to Torla, Basque Country, or Sevilla.

A location’s physical and cultural characteristics also determine or influence the cuisine, clothing, architecture, even social relationships. Every aspect of a culture is affected by its geography.

The history of a country is also largely determined by its geography. Perhaps it is strategically located to serve as a defender against invaders. Maybe its ports serve an important trade route. It may have been the site of volcanic eruptions. There are many factors that could have been at play.

History

Knowing the history and recent events of a country helps you connect with the local people. You will be regarded as less of an outsider. A knowledge of history also helps you understand the backstory and context of what’s happening now. And it provides insight into landmarks.

Even a magnificent building is seen in a new light when you understand the circumstances under which it was built, and by whom. Knowledge of the purposes for which it has been used over the years creates a new appreciation for what is seen. What lies beneath it? Who might be buried there? Even ancient ruins come to life with stories the walls would tell if only they could talk. Make it your mission to learn that information. Eliminate your need to pay to obtain selective accounts when you get there.

Government

A country’s history has been shaped not only by its geography, but also by its government. Forms of government range from anarchy to totalitarianism. Anarchism refers to a condition in which a nation or state operates without a central governing body. Such was the case in Somalia following the outbreak of civil war in 1991. Tribalism moved in to fill the void. Totalitarianism, on the other hand, is an authoritarian form of government in which the ruling party recognizes no limitations whatsoever on its power, either in the public life or private rights of its citizens. North Korea is the clearest example of a totalitarian dictatorship in the modern world.

Most of the world’s current governments fall somewhere in between these two extremes. What you can expect to experience and how you must conduct yourself in the countries you visit will clearly be determined by their governments.

Economic Development

A country’s economic development is also determined by government. Capitalism refers to a form of economy in which production is driven by private ownership. Open competition and limited regulatory control are valued. Communism, on the other hand, and to a slightly lesser degree socialism, refers to the idea of common, public ownership of the economy, including infrastructure, utilities, and means of production. Most capitalist economies have a degree of socialism, such as public health care in Canada and Social Security in the US. Similarly, private capitalists and entrepreneurs in China co-exist with public and collective enterprise. However, while capitalism and democracy go hand in hand in North America, The Communist Party of China retains control over the country, exercising an authoritarian form of government.

So, while it is useful to know a country’s form of economic development before you travel there, it may be crucially important to understand its form of government.

Food

When you’re traveling, food isn’t just about sustenance or even enjoyment. It’s culture, authenticity and experience. Food involves interaction with locals. If you want to get the best food when you’re traveling, you need to know what to look for. Do your research before the trip to find the local specialties, the dishes that are unique to each region, and the ingredients that will be in season when you’re there.

You may have been given a set of rules when it comes to eating safely in some parts of the world: If you can’t peel it, boil it, or cook it yourself, forget it. These guidelines are handy. However, they may also stop you from enjoying some of the best food in the world. Perhaps they should be judiciously ignored. Consider seeking out memorable, affordable cuisine, and taking a chance.

A local food market may not seem like a worthwhile tourist attraction, but it’s a window into the local gastronomic culture. It is a way to see what everyone’s buying. In local restaurants you can also learn how and what they’re cooking.

And don’t forget local supermarkets, which can be endlessly interesting for the food obsessed. In some parts of the world every aisle of a supermarket is a brave new world.

Culture

Many of us have spent a great deal of time and money traveling to places we still know little about. Nothing was gained but a general impression. We have no understanding of the forces that shaped the locations we visited, be it a place of great beauty or an area filled with poverty, pestilence and disease. Little was learned about local customs. Don’t let that happen to you.

Travel can be more than just sight-seeing, a shopping trip or a time to party. It should provide personal growth that comes from knowledge and understanding. Consider spending time to learn everything possible about a few features of the country you are visiting, rather than coming away knowing very little about a lot of things… or little about anything!

Books and movies

If you were motivated to travel to a certain location because of what you read in a book or saw in a movie, refer to that passage or scene when planning your trip. Make sure you remember it correctly, so you won’t be disappointed.

Perhaps you chose a location based on what you were told about it. If so, look for information that can confirm what you have heard, and which will provide insight. For example, watching Saving Private Ryan before visiting the D-Day Landing Beaches and the American Cemetery is a fitting introduction to what you will see. Similarly, The Third Man with Orson Welles (1949) is an excellent film that provides a unique look at postwar Vienna, where it was shot on-location,

So, start spending some time in front of your computer and television, or in your local movie theater and library. If you’re like me, planning and doing research will be almost as enjoyable as the trip itself!