10 rules to be a good traveler

Some only 'move around, some other actually travel around! If you master these 10 good habits, your travels will be fantastic!

To travel might seem the easiest and most natural thing to do in this world, but some travelers don't have the right approach, which leads to not fully enjoy the experience on the top of damaging the destinations visited.

We are not saying we should all behave as "Bruce Chatwin", but sometimes it only take almost nothing, like following simple gold rules to turn into good travelers rather than staying simple tourists!

And you, which of these 10 good habits are you used to when traveling?

1 - DO YOUR SHOPPING AT LOCAL STREET MARKETS

During any trip, a stop at the local market is definitely worth it. It's actually where you should get to experience the beating heart of the local communities, to try new types of food and new traditions, to mingle with the locals.

2 - WAKE UP BEFORE SUNRISE

We all know it, holidays mean also to sleep later than usually, especially after a party the night before. There is not a better moment than sunrise to fully appreciate a place: splendid light, rarefied atmosphere, silence, peace and no traffic at all. Make sure you do this, even just once, you won't regret it.

3 - RENT A BIKE

Many are the option to move around, but if you do it with a bike you will get a different perspective, at a controlled speed, ideal to enjoy everything without rush. You will keep you fit and will also help the environment!

4 - BUY PRODUCT PURCHASED LOCALLY BY CRAFTSMEN

It's always nice to purchase some souvenirs for family and friends, or simply for ourselves. Make sure you don't purchase mass production souvenirs, but only crafts objects produced locally. You will support the local businesses and, even if it might seem more expensive at first, it's going to be for something unique and really special.

5 - MASTER SOME BASIC WORDS OF LOCAL LANGUAGE

Let's face it: we can't possibly be proficient in the local language of every country we visit, it's obviously important to be able to make yourself understood; to learn some basic words won't take much of your time up, and it will be very much appreciated by the locals.

6 - ADAPT TO THE LOCAL HABITS

There is nothing worse than tourists traveling around the world and expecting to find everywhere else the same standard life they are used to at home. When you travel in a country different than yours, you are a guest: make sure you adapt yourself to the local customs and habits.

7 - WRITE YOUR TRAVEL NOTE BEFORE GOING TO BED

Whether you have a good memory or not, we suggest you write down some travel notes on a daily basis, before going to bed. In some years, you will have forgotten many of your best travel memories and to be able to review your notes and reflections will be a pleasant experience.

8 - ATTEND A CONCERT AND MIX WITH THE LOCALS

You might not necessarily be a big fan of traditional Irish music, but if you are in Ireland you can't but attend a folk concert in a pub; if you don't, you will have possibly missed out an important aspect of the local culture. If you travel to Portugal, even if you are very much into heavy metal music, you will have to leave this big passion of yours aside for one night and experience Fado. If Japan if your next travel destination instead, even if you might get bored, you must attend a theater show called nō o kabuki. We think it's crystal clear by now.... get the local culture under your skin and you will feel richer once back home.

9 - ASK FOR HELP IF NEEDED

Travel guide books are more and more detailed, smartphone and technology help us in finding the right information at the right moment. However there is nothing better than to stop local passersby to ask for suggestions, information or simply directions.

10 - SMILE

It goes without saying that it is essential to be respectful when traveling. The best way to get this started is to smile. Our smiles are the best wait to introduce ourselves and it's understood and appreciated in every corner of the world.

This is our decalogue of the good traveler. Add to the below comment box, how much you have scored from 1 to 10 and if you believe there are other gold rules we should add... any suggestion is more than welcome! :)