Beyond the frothy definition in the dictionary, we all know that travel is more than moving from a destination to another: is our need of exploring the world or at least parts of it; is curiosity and desire, impulse and courage; and it offers us the chance to experience, to be free, to expand our horizons, to grow and to live life at its best.
Statue in Asturias, Wikipedia
To become better travelers, we should never forget a few basic unwritten rules required to move around in different environments, cultures and civilizations.
1. Locals are not always welcoming and travel is not always a good thing
Lao Liang Phi Island – Thailand, Wikipedia
While travel usually generates beautiful memories and long-lasting friendships, there are also exceptions. People are generally good, locals are friendly but not all of them are happy with guests and this is totally understandable.
In recent years, tourism in lesser-known destinations has become very popular among travelers, but while we are more and more interested in exploring off-beaten tracks and remote places, some of the residents become increasingly concerned about their privacy.
There are places that locals want to protect, because with tourism boom they might be altered, even destroyed.
You’ve probably seen “The Beach”- the movie featuring Leonardo DiCaprio joining a utopian community on a remote Thai island untouched by tourism. The irony comes from the fact that although the movie delivers a very specific message, the consequences happened to be exactly the opposite. Filmed on the tropical island of Koh Phi Phi, the movie spawned a large-scale scandal, attracting so many tourists in the area that the paradise was easily replaced with a common place jam-packed with tourists.
The point is that locals are not always welcoming and they are usually right because travel is not always a good thing for their home environment.
2. Each experience is unique
Vienna, Wikipedia
Exploring Machu Picchu, traveling to Thailand, dinning at the Tour Eiffel or waltzing in Vienna are some quite memorable experiences that any traveler would like to try, but unfortunately, not all of us have the chance to fulfill all of our dreams. Maybe the world is too big; maybe some cannot afford it, but this should not prevent us from trying.
To travel doesn’t mean to cover the whole world, it means to explore, to experience, to learn new things, to see different places and even if you visit a lesser-known country, a city close to home or just a common beach, get the best of your experience, try to perceive it from a different perspective, learn something, do things you’ve never done because you have a chance to explore something unique that might not come back.
3. Each journey is a valuable lesson
Feature Image, Wikipedia
The world is fascinating and we all have the right to enjoy it as much as we can. Travel, in any of its forms, maybe more than anything, allows us to discover it. But most of all, travel is about re-creating ourselves – as each journey enriches our spirit with something new.
For example, climbing a mountain will probably teach us many things such as: to be patient, to be careful, to protect and to trust ourselves, to be free, or maybe it will make us see the world as we’ve never seen it before. In the end, the experience, like all the hardship and all the great moments in life, will pass, living behind maybe some photos, a fleeting memory, and at least one lesson that we need to learn to grow.
4. Planning is good but sometimes rules are made to be broken
Feature Image, Wikipedia
There is nothing wrong in having a plan when traveling, but from a bit of organization to a rigorous strategy, there’s a long way filled with wonderful things that sometimes we might miss if we don’t deviate from the plan. If we always tend to follow some pre-imposed rules, then how can we still enjoy the spontaneity of a moment or the pleasure of a new discovery? Life is constantly changing and challenging, and we should take advantage of the little pleasures bestowed upon us every day.
5. Going local is great
Feature Image, Wikipedia
An all-inclusive vacation package will never compare with a trip on your own, not even when the package targets a charming destination.
Imagine yourself traveling to Paris, visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, the Versailles Palace or attending a 2 hours line just to climb the Tour Eiffel. Maybe your experience will be great (that depends of your expectations), but you could also return completely disappointed by the “City of Lights.” Why? Because Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but is also very touristy one, crowded, and loud – a far cry from the romantic city portrayed by artists. And then again, paradoxically… not. Paris’s attractions are stunning, definitely worth a visit, but limiting yourself to this while traveling to Paris, will never give you the chance to know the city as it is, to really understand it and to feel its sweet old charm. For this, you should try harder, go to a local market, attend a free concert, relax in a park, roam the streets, get yourself lost, make friends, spend time in small local cafes, just do whatever you want, without being constrained by a few “must see” attractions. You cannot miss these anyway, just go with the flow.
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Wonderfully written and useful reminders. I'm sharing this with my friends. My favorite part: To travel doesn’t mean to cover the whole world, it means to explore, to experience, to learn new things, to see different places and even if you visit a lesser-known country, a city close to home or just a common beach, get the best of your experience, try to perceive it from a different perspective, learn something, do things you’ve never done because you have a chance to explore something unique that might not come back.