Be a traveller not a tourist
Life is not meant to be lived in one place. This great and vast world awaits with its hidden treasures to be grabbed and experienced by all of us. It’s so thrilling to realise that how easy and convincing it is now to travel across oceans only to arrive in unknown lands with diverse cultures.
But what’s the point of a good travel experience if you don’t qualify as an explorer? Are you a traveller or merely a tourist in your travels?
Here is how to be a traveller and not a tourist:
1. Ask questions
One of the prerequisites are to ask as many questions as you can about your trip. Do your interests align with your trip? Why are you travelling? What do you want to get out of it? Do you want to plan it or just go for it?
All of these questions are subjected to how creative and driven you are to have a memorable travel experience. One that you will never forget. Remember, your purpose drives everything you do in life. A life without purpose is a life without a destination.
2. Be a denizen
Research everything. Why? Because it helps. Knowing about the culture, customs, speaking local lingo and reading on what the country is like will help you be more local and more in touch with the people there. It is a very impressive trait of a traveller.
3. Get Lost
“Not all those who wander are lost.” said J.R.R. Tolkien. As hysterical, dangerous, reckless and exciting as it sounds, it actually is. Just wander off on the streets and interact with strangers because you can’t help it. You have been bitten by the travel bug.
4. See what you’re supposed to see
Take the road not taken, my friend! It does not always mean that when you are travelling then you must see all the major landmarks and attractions without fail. You can always go for what your heart desires and see what you want to see. Make the trip your own beautiful experience.
5. Locals have it best
What better way to explore different cuisines then at the place they were given birth. Authentic recipes, rich flavors and cultural garments. Try everything.
6. The eyes
The locals are the best resources to make your experience better. They are the eyes of the place. If you create a friendly environment and respect them then they can enhance your trip all the more.
7. A memento for your moments
It’s a great feeling to go back to your memories if you have something tangible from your trip. A local handicraft, a photograph, a ticket, a local product etc. ‘Materials materialises memories’.
8. Documentation
Sounds like a boring and nagging process but it is the best way to keep a record of your beautiful experience. A journal or some polaroids or a vlog if you have the equipments. Just writing in your journal on the trip or right after the trip will help record fresh memories accurately.
“Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colours. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” Terry Pratchett . Cheers to all the travellers of this world!
