In our travels, we've encountered so many wonderful people, from different cultures and places. While we're always excited to learn from these interactions, we've noticed that most of the people we meet fall into one of two categories: the travelers and the tourists. At first blush, you may wonder what the difference is. Well, we have one word for you: empathy.

Below are top 5 rules for being a traveler not a tourist:

1. Learn the language. Even a few words will make your hosts happy and more warm towards you. The words that will get you the most places include ordering good and drink, along with the usual pleasantries, like “please” and “hello”. Our best advice is to point to things and ask "how do you say X in Y language? For example, Tim asked a couple sitting next to us at dinner in Seville what they were eating, and alas, our love affair with boquerones began. In case you’re wondering, Spanish anchovies are nothing like the ones Americans put on Cesar salads.

2. Do some light research and leave plenty of room to wander. The more you cram into your itinerary, the less you absorb. Our trick is to pick 3 things each day: one site or museum, one neighborhood to explore and one restaurant. Of course, this isn't always possible if you're in a big city for only a few days, but you get the idea. It’s the random finds that really make your experience so memorable.

Pigeon during an 8-course tasting Michelin Star, Le Pavillion des Boulevards in Bordeaux.

3. Eat the food. Go out of your comfort zone, no matter how picky you are. Even just a little. You may surprise yourself! Remember, no chef in his right mind would put something on his menu that wasn't good. Tim and I are pretty adventurous eaters but are somewhat limited by his shellfish allergy. We always bring an allergy translation card along to show our waiter. Works like a charm! On our last trip to Spain, we tried crispy pig's ear, oxtail, artichoke with foie gras sauce, just to name a few.

4. Leave your selfie stick at home. Pretty self explanatory. Amiright?

Our friend Dave recommended his rooftop gem, also in Bordeaux.

5. Strike up conversation with the locals. Despite the language barrier, make friends. Natives have the best perspective and the best local tips, which you will not find in a tour guide book. If you show genuine interest in people, you’ll be surprised how excited they are to impart their wisdom and help make your experience in their country better.

Next time you head abroad, make sure you exude world traveler and enjoy!

My least favorite thing about flying internationally is waiting in the immigration line upon return to the US. Our return from Thailand was no exception, as our 13 hour connecting flight from Dubai felt even longer with an hour wait in the immigration line – groggy, smelly and generally perturbed (like everyone around us). It was at this time, I decided enough is enough – it was time to get Global Entry.

Before I go into the details of the program, here are a few particulars:

What is Global Entry? A government program (Customs and Border Patrol) where low risk travelers are given expedited access to immigrations and security lines.

Should you get Global Entry? It really depends on how much you travel both domestically and internationally. If you fly internationally at least once/twice a year, I’d say it’s totally worth it.

What are the benefits of Global Entry? Besides being able to move through the immigration line, you also get access to TSA Pre-Check. Say goodbye to removing your shoes/liquids/laptop when going through domestic security lines. TSA Pre-Check typically has an expedited security line for those who qualify.

How much does it cost? $100 non-refundable application fee, membership is valid for 5 years.

How long did it take me? 20 days (this can vary wildly depending on time of year)

What are the steps? Fill out application & complete in-person interview

I completed the lengthy application form on 7/10 – this includes verifying two forms of ID, providing five years of employment and residence history and confirming you have never been arrested. 12 days later, I received conditional approval and it was time to schedule my in-person interview in Logan Airport (Terminal E next to Dunkin Donuts).

The interview can be scheduled online and I was shocked to see the first availability wasn’t until November 5th! This was surprising considering Philadelphia, Newark and JFK had availability as soon as next day. Anyway, I scheduled the interview, hoping some availability would open up. Lucky for me, a whole bunch of spots opened up when I searched on a Saturday morning and I was able to lock down a 10:30 interview for the following day.

The interview itself was the easiest part of the process – I showed up 15 minutes early, was taken on-time, had my fingerprints and photo taken and was asked if I had any questions on the program. No tough questions at all – in fact, I don’t remember being asked any questions about my travel habits! I was out of there in 7 minutes and shortly thereafter received an email that my Global Entry was approved.

Now that I have Global Entry, the question that remains is where do we go next?

Tourist vs. Traveler

Breezing Through Airport Security