Charles Digal, Staff Writer

With poor planning and misguided assumptions, traveling can wind up disastrous. Here are some simple tips to turn a trip memorable.

First things first: find a local pub. Nearly every country besides the US legalizes drinking at 18, and you’re bound to meet some interesting folks along the way. If you’re lucky, you might stumble across fellow travelers who may or may not speak English. At the very least, you can all find common ground as aliens in a completely different country.

Bring a guidebook. Don’t advertise it by wringing it around your neck or hatching it onto to your purple Ninja-Turtle-knapsack. Keep it handy since there’s no question it’ll be a helpful tool to get around. Frommer’s provides the best extensive guidebook out there.

Don’t rely on your guidebook. As helpful as it may be, you don’t want to be too distracted from noticing your surroundings. You’re on vacation for a reason. It’s in our nature to rely on strict agendas, but that’s exactly what undermines all trips. It’s always an advantage to be prepared, but adhering to a strict plan of action hardly makes room to absorb and appreciate the culture we’ve come across. Just remember you’ll never get to see the Louvre or Arc d’Triomph every day, so take full advantage of your circumstance.

Be open-minded. In other words, do as the Romans do. Break free from whatever traditional habit you’re accustomed to at home and experience another culture by immersing yourself with new practices. Attend dances and festivities and participate!

Eat local food. Perhaps the best way to absorb another culture is to see what’s in their dishes. Forget McDonald’s; there are literally millions across the world, you can eat it any time.

“The best way to get to know a culture is to eat the food; street food. That’s how you get the most out of [a] culture, you really get to taste what home-style cooking is rather than commercialized food,” said Luis Fuentes, 20, who is a second-year nursing major and has travelled to the Philippines.

Make friends. Though you may be hesitant to do so, getting to know some people may result in lasting relationships. You could find yourself writing back and forth as pen pals, and who knows; maybe next time you visit you’ll have a place to stay for free! Keep in mind, too, that most people around the world agree that our government is corrupt, not its citizens.

Stay in hostels. No, you won’t find beautifully seductive women (maybe) who will trick you into a bloody, torturous death (hopefully). You will, however, find a dorm-like setting very similar to your typical college experience, so yes, you will have roommates. With an open mind, you could probably befriend them as well. Being on a tight budget ought to make this a no-brainer, anyway.

Learn the language. Mastering a language overnight is impossible, but locals find it flattering that you’d even try to speak in their native tongue, even if you butcher it. At least learn some basic responses and questions. It will show you’re putting effort and that you’re open to new things, including their customs, which will result in friendlier service and faster answered questions.

Buy a phone card. Calling is expensive and you’ll never know when you’ll have to phone home to re-fill your ATM card.

“[You] gotta have a mobile phone because that’s the only way people can communicate. It’s not just a first-world thing anymore; it’s universal. Everyone has a cell phone now,” said Fuentes.

Although the ideal approach to any trip is to relax and step out of your comfort zone, be aware of your surroundings and the people you meet. The most important thing is to be smart and responsible.

“Don’t wear anything fancy or fashionable; you can get jacked,” said Juan De Jesus, a 2nd year International Business major who has traveled to Mexico and the Philippines. “And don’t carry too much cash, keep it somewhere safe.”

Lastly, End your trip in Amsterdam. If you’re in Tokyo, who cares; book a flight to Amsterdam before you go home. It’s only fitting that you end your trip there. I mean, come on; it’s Amsterdam. Green coffee shops. Baked goods. Red. Light. District. “Oh, bring bribe money,” added Fuentes. “It will come in handy.”