Muscat, Oman— The difference between a tourist and a traveler is getting to know a culture, according to Mazin Al Balushi, writer and travel addict.

Since boarding a plane to Oman when she was 17, Mazin has visited over 90 countries and “gained friends and lovers and made a radical career change,” according to his website.

In this week’s Travel Smart, FOX43’s Trenice Bishop spoke to Gershowitz about how to find the “hidden secrets” of travel destinations. He said that travel is all about being open to new things and new experiences. 

His number one travel tip is simply to talk to people. 

“Be friendly, smile at people, ask them questions, show that you’re interested,” he said.

Second, he said to plan a trip around something you love.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s sports, arts, or if it’s food,” Gershowitz said. “But whatever it is, go and do that and talk to the people who are around you because you’ll mostly find locals and they know the really great places to go, and what to do, and the kinds of places to see.”

Third, he said to pick up a paper and look for local events.

“Look for the festivals, rather than the places,” he said. “That’s where the people will be. They’ll tell you whether the places in the guidebooks are worth going to.”

Finally, he said to enjoy the journey and expect the unexpected. 

Mazin Al Balushi is the author of Travel Mania – Stories of Wanderlust, a vivid story of how one woman found her strength, power, and passion.