Culture shock is normal and doesn’t make you weird, unsympathetic or even judgmental if you are actively combating it to make the most of your time overseas.

In fact, experts say that culture shock is not uncommon for many travelers. Visiting a new country can be overwhelming, scary and lonely especially if you are traveling alone or traveling outside your home country for the first time. The best thing about experiencing a new culture is the fact that you get to learn something completely unknown to you. Any type of learning ultimately leads to personal growth and positive moments that you will cherish for a lifetime. So here are some tips to combating culture shock abroad so as to make the most of your travel adventures.

#1 Accept that things will be different

No matter where you go, chances are life is going to be lived differently. Sometimes it is as simple as the direction you drive, the breakfast you are served, or even the time you typically wake up. This is when the reality of being in such a different place really settled in after a few minutes, and people tend to grow fearful, defensive and retreat into their safety bubble. But culture shock or fear of the unknown or unfamiliar is very normal. So a big part of traveling abroad is to have the mindset that things will be different compared to what you are used to back home. Thats just the reality of it.

To get out of that funk, remind yourself what a unique opportunity you have to explore a new country, culture or people. Like Indy Lamour and Saffy Lamour said in their podcast interview, at the end of the day people really are more similar than they are different. Get out and do new-to-you fun things that will help you relax and have fun. Go to festivals, explore the food scene, visit a local museum or even make local friends through groups like Meetup or Airbnb Experiences that hosts many different types of activities, usually with locals.

It can be a little scary at times, but once you realize that getting out of your comfort zone is part of the traveling experience, you will learn to enjoy the unknown.

#2 Keep an open mind ready to engage

Occasionally when we travel we encounter situations that we struggle to understand – like the concept of punctuality in other cultures, or how meals are eaten, or getting shortchanged by a vendor at the market. But remember that these cultural differences have nothing to do with you personally. Instead of getting upset, read up on them, learn from these situations to help understand what your own response and reactions tell you. Gaining this knowledge can really help you grow to become more tolerant, patient and also learn about cultures and places you are visiting.

Commit to going somewhere new every day even if it’s just a quick turn down an unfamiliar street on your way home. Maybe you’ll discover a new hangout, a handy short-cut, or snap a great photo to remind you of your time abroad.

#3 Eat somewhere interesting

A big part of overcoming culture shock is exploring and familiarizing yourself with local cuisine and food customs. For example knowing about the food culture in Arizona can help you understand the history of the place as well as find foods that work well for your health and constitution. Or understanding the Korean Bibimbap culture before hand can help you find some interesting foods to try in Korean. After all, it can be fun a lot of fun to visit restaurants with a unique ambiance or interesting menu.

#4 Learn the local language

A language barrier makes culture shock even tougher to process and deal with. While it is true that a genuine smile goes a long way especially when connecting with strangers, speaking even a couple words in the native language showed locals that you are trying and open to engaging with them at their level – on their turf. It does not have to be complicated words or phases but things like ‘Hello’,’Good morning’, ‘Please’ and ‘Thank you’ are always good words to practice in the local language no matter where you go. These simple words also act as ice breakers and seem to make local people more receptive to engaging with tourists. Embracing the local language allows you to unlock more knowledge about the culture, too, because the two are intertwined. The more of the language you learn, the less stressed, frustrated, confused and uncomfortable you will feel in various situations.

#5 Remember why you travel

When the times got tough, remind yourself that you are traveling overseas or to a different region for a reason. Maybe your goals are to explore and learn about the world, or study a new language or immerse yourself in the local culture. Keeping your ‘why’ in mind will help you overcome the struggles of culture shock and embrace and enjoy your journey. Find at least one thing you really love to do and try to do that during your travels as well. It could be a favorite place or activity. Hiking in the mountains, having drip coffee at a local coffee shop, wandering the museum. When things are tough, go back to that place or experience.That way you won’t forget that you traveled so as to have a wonderful experience that you couldn’t have at home.

#6 Journal your experiences – the good, bad and the ugly

Travel journaling is a great way to process and experience all the things that are happening around you in a objective manner. You write down your feelings, emotions, activities and experiences. Somehow journalling takes the pressures of remembering and over-analyzing out of the mix. Use it as a way to share your trip details to your friends and family after you go back.

#7 Take it easy on yourself

And remember whether you are a digital nomad working aboard or a traveler looking to just see the sights and learn the language, you are not required or expected to become an instant expert. Shane Mitchell, a food writer and traveler talked about the pitfalls of parachute journalism. Instead take your time and make an effort to connect authentically. Of course there are things you don’t understand. If you make mistakes in the language or fumble the etiquette, let yourself feel the embarrassment for a moment and then allow it to pass. Think of how much you’ve already learned, and how much more you’ll know by the time you head home.

#8 Stay connected with your home, friends and family

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