Each traveler has their own style of travel, some like traveling as a backpacker, some travel in luxury. Some prefer to do everything spontaneously, some organise everything in detail. There is no right or wrong of traveling, as long as you do not break the law. You can decide what suits you better, because you are the one who knows what you like and dislike.
I am a mix-match style (haha I just made up a new style). I do like to organise everything in detail, but I also give a lot of room for spontaneity. I do sometimes stay in luxurious resorts, but I do like sleeping in a tent or in the back of the car, if that mean that I can spend more time exploring and enjoying nature. One thing that never changes is that I prefer travel as a local not as a tourist.
Travel as a local gives us the chance to experience how to live as a local in our travel destination. It does not mean that we have to suffer, but that we can taste the local life. I personally think, this is the essence of traveling. Moreover we can see the local's hidden gems and find the beauty that lies off the beaten tracks. There is nothing wrong with going to major tourist attractions, but you might miss out the real beauty of the places that you visited.
If you're interested to try and travel as the local, below are some of my tips that will hopefully help make your travel enjoyable:
The places that you visit may be very different from your home-town. This can be a bonus of your travel. Traveling is all about going to new places and getting new experiences. Enjoy it, divergency is beautiful.
I am a mix-match style (haha I just made up a new style). I do like to organise everything in detail, but I also give a lot of room for spontaneity. I do sometimes stay in luxurious resorts, but I do like sleeping in a tent or in the back of the car, if that mean that I can spend more time exploring and enjoying nature. One thing that never changes is that I prefer travel as a local not as a tourist.
Travel as a local gives us the chance to experience how to live as a local in our travel destination. It does not mean that we have to suffer, but that we can taste the local life. I personally think, this is the essence of traveling. Moreover we can see the local's hidden gems and find the beauty that lies off the beaten tracks. There is nothing wrong with going to major tourist attractions, but you might miss out the real beauty of the places that you visited.
If you're interested to try and travel as the local, below are some of my tips that will hopefully help make your travel enjoyable:
- Do your research: Prepare your self, search as much as you can about the local culture, to avoid any cultural shock.
- Learn some basic phrases in the local language (thank you, greetings and sorry etc). Knowing a bit of the local language can bridge your relationship with the local.
- Make sure you have enough time to travel, do not rush yourself.
- Stay with local people when possible. Do keep in mind your safety and cultural rules about sharing accommodation. This is will help you to get insight about the culture and where to go.You may even make some new friends.
- Choose your guide carefully, some guides provide more private tours that bring you closer to the local life, some just show you the main attractions. I sometimes ask local students to be my unofficial guide as they usually like to help.
- Try food from where the locals usually eat, choose restaurants or food stalls that look popular among the locals. You can always ask people around you or search on google.
- Always be open minded.
- Take advantages of a working holiday visa if you can get one.
The places that you visit may be very different from your home-town. This can be a bonus of your travel. Traveling is all about going to new places and getting new experiences. Enjoy it, divergency is beautiful.
Me and the papuan children
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