Asking for Help while Travelling

One of the things I have learned how to do over the years while travelling is to ask for help from regular citizens who are out and about around town like me. I understand that when it comes to asking for assistance, there are lots of reasons that may prevent a person from asking. Some people may have fear, or consider it a sign of weakness, or allow their pride to get in the way. For myself, I was this way. I always had the mindset of “Nope, I can do it.” Thankfully, I have now come to understand the benefits of asking for assistance.

Asking for Help = Less Struggle

When you are travelling to places, and there is no information booth, or a worker around to assist you, it’s very important to be able to ask for assistance from those who may be around. Otherwise there can be a lot of unnecessary struggle and uncertainty that can be avoided with the simple words, “Excuse me, but can you help me please?” These word have the potential to drastically change your travel experiences.

I remember using (what I typically like to call) my “impeccable sense of direction” to navigate to a local public market, which epically failed as I ended up on the other side of town because I didn’t stop to confirm with someone that what did not look right to me from the map, was indeed not right. I didn’t stop a stranger to point me in the right direction. Also not to mention the many times I have struggled with luggage because I wanted to do it myself.

Asking for help from strangers, and not paid staff who work at places differs because staff are paid to be there to help you. However, sometimes staff can be quite busy, or sometimes that is just not an option when I’m somewhere amongst citizens and not necessarily at these staffed venues. So what do you do? My strategy includes trying to find a person who doesn’t appear to be preoccupied (immersed in a conversation, reading through something, etc). Then often I apologize for interrupting them (I make a point of learning key phrases I’d most frequently use in any language of the destination I am travelling to. Having it written out is also just as helpful) and then ask if they have a moment to help me; ask a specific question.

Asking is OK

For some people, asking for help can be a sign of weakness for several reasons. This New York Times article mentions several good points, although it is more from a business perspective. Those who associate asking for assistance as a sign of weakness rather than a beneficial gain really do miss out on the convenience of being helped. I have been very fortunate to not have people ignore or decline my request for their assistance. I have never been responded to negatively when I have asked for help from someone else, and this goes for any place I have travelled to at home or abroad. Although I have had people who seemed almost unsure (based on their facial expression) when I initially ask, but I think that may be because I’m different, and I understand that they may not be use to seeing someone as petite as I am going about my business. Thankfully, I’ve never been declined. So if you’re lost or struggling during your travels, it’s OK to ask for help from those who are around you.

Finally, please remember the golden rules…ask nicely and don’t forget to smile! When you politely ask for assistance, you are asking them to take their time (however short it may be) to help or guide you when you need it. You have to appreciate that from them. It’s a nice gesture to give a helping hand, and people don’t have to do it. So genuinely smile and thank them afterwards. I truly believe a smile goes for miles :o)

I’d love to hear from readers who want to share their strategies for asking for assistance when they travel, or if they have any stories from about the benefits, or not, of asking for help :o) Don’t forget you can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.