So, our time in Ghana is coming to an end. I can’t believe how quickly this time has passed by. There are so many things I’m going to miss – buffaloots, yam chips, the goats, and (some) coworkers – but there are so many things I’m looking forward to returning to. Some of these things include not being the only white person in a room, Chipotle, my family, and even salad. However, it’s bittersweet to leave anything behind. Thank God for multi-entry visas.

I believe this marks my 33rd country that I’ve been to, so I believe I have some lessons from traveling to share. The majority of these lessons have proven to be true in just about any place I go. Whether it’s about packing or interacting with people, the list is has simply been building based off of things I’ve learned from various cultural differences and experiences.

And so the list goes…

• If it won’t fit on your back, then you probably don’t really need it.
• Some people don’t understand your culture in the same way that you don’t understand theirs. Doing your best to embrace their culture will promote cross-cultural communication and understanding.
• You’ll meet a ton of people along the way – some you’ll vibe with and others you won’t.
• Just because a language is considered “official” in a country doesn’t mean everyone speaks it. English is considered an official language in Ghana, but not everyone can speak it well, or at all. There are sometimes better ways to communicate with one another beyond just words.
• There is a difference between immersing yourself in a culture and cultural appropriation. You need to know the difference before you go out on a limb.
• Not everyone knows everything about the country you come from. However, there will be some people who may even know more than you. You owe it to yourself and the world to keep up on current events.
• There are tons of people out there who have good hearts and genuinely want to help you. There are also people out there who want to take advantage of the fact that you’re a foreigner. Know how to tell the difference between the two.
• The most boring places in the world might have some hidden gems. Sometimes, you need to make adventures for yourself.
• People have different definitions for what is deemed “appropriate.” You can disagree, but don’t force it on someone.
• You’re in a place to experience all that a country and its culture has to offer. Traditions, food, and all that jazz. If you come all the way to Ghana, Guatemala, Israel, or Germany and get a burger and fries every chance you get, are you really enhancing your experience?
• The only way you’re going to truly enjoy and experience a place is if you allow yourself to have the best experience possible. Any place can be “the worst place you’ve ever been” if you make it that way. Enjoy every moment you have in that place, because you never know when you’ll be back there again.

This list isn’t everything, but it is something. Keep traveling, keep learning.