How to successfully travel the world, make friends and not rub people the wrong way

There are only 2 words you need to learn in almost any language to endear people:

Hello
Thank you

If you can’t learn those words for the country you’re travelling to as a tourist, or you don’t at least try to them, then to be honest you should stay home.
And don’t complain about the hospitality of the host nation.

English may be the de facto universal language of the travelling world now, but 99% of the people in the world are good, kind people and appreciate a “hello” and “thank you” in their own language.

If nothing else, at least smile and try to show a friendly attitude.
Commanding attitude, arrogance, ignorance and self-importance just get you spit in your soup.
And a little small talk – even if you can only do it in English (or your native tongue) – goes a long way to create a bond that shows others you’re worth serving.

 

Bonus Words

Try also learning:

Yes [thank you]
No [thank you]
Please

Again, simple and common words.

 

That’s 5 words in total to learn that show you have put some effort into understanding and respecting the people you have chosen to visit.

 

And in case you don’t realise, all of the above applies when communicating with people in your everyday life.