How to get the most out of travelling to different countries?

You could try contacting your destination's local tourism office. Almost every country has at least one. You should always research the place you're going. If it's very historic, learn a bit about it's background. Learn about landmarks like the Tower of Piesa, the city of Venice, and Big Ben and the work that went into them before you go. Knowing more about them will make you appreciate them all the more. Another note is to know when to go. For example, visiting Venice would be fun. Visiting Venice during Carnivalé (Italian Marty Gras basically)? Ever better. Finally, a lot of the "touristy" attractions can be rather fake. You should learn how modern natives really live, and not follow a company cashing in on stereotyping. Often, heading out on your own and seeing the city for yourself can have a much more rich and gratifying experience.

Hi there, I am from Southern California and have been backpacking throughout Latin America for over one year during the last two years. Presently I am on a 6 months trip mainly through Brazil and Colombia. To get most out of it you have to mingle with the local people, even if you don't speak their language. Get away from the tourist areas, go to restaurants/bars where most likely no tourists will be present, get food from street vendors and try to strike up a conversation if you speak the language a little, visit local events, visit places where most tourists won't go including some remote areas. Do some volunteer work if you have the time. I did a couple of weeks volunteer work at an animal refugee in Boliva, which was a lot of fun. I interacted both with locals and other volunteers from around the world. The best way is to go backpacking and stay at hostels. These are usually run by local people and a good source to get information from them about the local stuff. Also, at hostels you will meet backpackers from all over the world that are not the typical tourists. Sure, they are not locals, however, you will also learn a little bit about their culture. Have fun.

Go backpacking instead. I did that last summer in Europe with a planned itinerary. I did research on the internet - places & things that I wanna see & experience. After 32 days, I managed to complete my itinerary - Happy All The Way.....

Just don't drink the water in Mexico or you get the poopies. And get your vaccinations for worms cause most areas outside of the USA has worms and infectious water.

Stay in a non tourist area and keep away from tourist attractions is a good start.

u can use he internet