I’ll start with a couple across Thailand.

Seek out all the Khao soi in Chiang Mai Thailand.

Also, Avoid any elephant attraction that let’s you ride them there (“Elephant Nature Park” is one of the few ethical places to get up close to elephants there)

Smile and keep your cool. This one sounds dumb but saving face is more important in their culture, so even when you’re frustrated or having a bad day, curb the attitude…this might be more universal than we realize.

Another one that kind of breaks my own rule on the location specific part, but, book a food tour early on in your trip - not to shill for a specific company, but I’ve always had good luck with “secret food tours” - the guides give a great walking tour loop around a city center with 5-7 stops so you learn the immediate area, a handful of great eateries to go back to for more/other dishes or treats they offer, and you learn a bit of the history of the city along the way. Also, talking with a tour guide early on for any other suggested spots they may have - must eats/sees, etc…

Another rule breaker, if you like trying all the local delicacies, take some time to research the best places to eat and drink and drop pins on your map app… Then, when you’re wandering the city and pull your map up for directions, you can make pit stops at the places you had interest in eating or checking out - makes planning things on the fly easier.