The Other Spot

Culture Shock is not experienced by every visitor in Kenya. It usually occurs when you leave your home area or country for a longer period and is its effect is shown by mood swings, depression, and sleep depravation when away. Though it may seem insignificant during a short stay, it has serious effects when the visit is a long.

When traveling to an unusual habits and culture may lead to culture shock. Culture Shock comes from a lack of understanding of the new environment and how locals behave. Accumulation of anxiety due to this may lead to traumatizing experiences that may affect your visit. Language barrier also contributes to the above especially when you can’t enquire about a certain experience.

The following tips may help you overcome culture shock when you arrive in Kenya.
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<LI>When planning to travel to a new destination, do fine research on the peoples you are going to meet by reading books and over the internet.
<LI>Exhaustive planning in advance with a tour company about accommodation, pick up from airport, inland transport etc can also help reduce worry since most of the encounters with the locals is already planned.
<LI>Incase of language barrier, try learning some of the commonly used words e.g. greetings, welcome notes etc before travelling. These can be found on the internet or in travel publications.
<LI>On the day of leaving, go with an open mind ready to meet and learn new Kenyan cultures, traditions and ways of life from the  hosts.
<LI>After arriving in Kenya try and understand the people’s culture, religion and their traditions.
<LI>Show interest to the hosts’ language and culture and so they will to you.
<LI>After arriving try making friends with many locals, this way you learn more of their life and appreciate their cultures and lifestyle. Try visiting as much cultural and national heritage destinations so as to meet the diverse lifestyles of the locals and discover more by yourself, this also helps you feel more free and unrestricted.

<LI>If you have to travel alone without the assistance of travel companies, its advisable to hire a personal guide who will help you go about your activities with minimal difficult.
<LI>Remember the spirit of freedom lets you enjoy your visit and makes it difficult when leaving for home. Always strive to accommodate the positive you learn on your holiday.
Always keep in mind there are few incidents that are always bound to get on your way however these are minimal and should not deter your visit.

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