For a lot of people, getting a new passport stamp is an adrenaline rush like no other. Even people that travel a lot may have troubles adjusting to being in a new place. Some people want to over plan every minute of a trip, while others want to ease in. There is no right way to visit a new country, but there are ways to help you appreciate the experience more.

There is no need to over plan your first day in a new city or country. Keep reading for some tips and tricks that will help you not only adjust to your new temporary home, but also ways you can subtly start exploring and learning more about the culture and history of where you are.

Free Walking Tour You will find free walking tours hosted by individuals that are paid by tips in every major city. These tours are a lot of fun and not only will you learn about the history of the city as you walk through it, but also will see and get tips on what restaurants and bars are the must sees while you’re in town. Plus, you can meet other travelers and make plans to explore more later!

Sit at an outdoor cafe or bar Maybe you’re a bit tired after your flight in. You don’t want to take a nap and mess with jet lag, but a walking tour also sounds like something to do tomorrow. After checking in to your accommodations, head to the city center and find a bar or cafe with outdoor seating. Sit outside and people watch and you perk up on a coffee. Start to make you sightseeing plans while you take a moment to breathe in the smells of this exciting new place.

Walk around right after sunset It wouldn’t be smart or safe to suggest an overnight walk in a new place on your first night. But what you could do, is plan on a walk after dinner and meander slowly back to your hotel. A new place is exciting once the sun starts to set, as the lights turn on and bars and clubs come alive. Just walking around can make you feel the energy and excitement of a new place.

Talk to someone This may be more for the extroverts, but even introverts can benefit from pushing their boundaries and striking up a conversation. Even if it’s just talking with a bartender, you can learn about less touristy spots to visit or get tips on local cultural norms you may not have known of otherwise.

Travel is a great experience that more people should take advantage of. Whether you are traveling alone or in a group, there are slight ways to push yourself out of your comfort zones to start experiencing the new place that you are in right away, which only helps you get the most out of your trip.