TV adventurer Bruce Parry has stressed the importance of open communication when encountering new cultures and communities.

Speaking to BBC News Magazine, Parry claims that communicating with new cultures and tribes while on a gap year or career break is simply “common sense”. Regardless of any language barrier, getting along with people is about eye contact, physical contact and smiling.

Parry happily admits that if he had taken a gap year in his youth he would likely “have travelled the world with judgements”, but he encourages others to forget any preconceptions.

“People can sense when you are listening. Normally we’re thinking of our answer before the person has even finished talking, thinking of how to make ourselves sound better.”

“Coming from where I come from, we’re so convinced that we’re right. Only by stopping and listening do you realise that their perspective can be much more wholesome than ours.

Parry’s comments are good advice for both gap year and career break travellers.

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