Better than a tourist

If I wanted to go to Scotland, or Ireland, or any other country, what would be the best way to do so? I don’t want to be a tourist and create problems, I want to be educated before I go. What laws do people outside of country not really know? Or the customs that are over looked? Is it frowned upon being loud? What do I look out for? Are there sacred places that are secret to the locals that regular tourists would destroy.

I know tourists can be a nuisance and ruin things and I want to apologize for that, this will be my first time leaving my country and I want to make a good impression and do my best to adhere to your laws and customs. I’m brushing up on my languages so I can better myself. Please and thank you.