Traveling Might Not Make You a Better Person

in #blogtober5 years ago

Have you read those articles that tell you that an Eat Pray Love experience will lead to some transformational breakthrough? And that traveling will (gasp) turn you into a better person? Well, that’s all bunk. Sort of.

Getting that iconic shot, hopping on a cruise around the Mediterranean, and taking a ride in a tuk-tuk will not suddenly turn you into a kinder, fairer, and more empathic person. No, you’re not automatically made more worldly with each new stamp in your passport.

Here's how travel can help make you a better person

Travel to visit, not just to vacation

When you vacation, you go to a destination with the intent to be waited upon by hotel and resort staff. (Or you’re just there to party.)

When you arrive as a visitor, you’re there to experience the place and appreciate its unique culture in meaningful ways.

Travel to learn, not just to lounge

Listen, I can veg out on my couch— I don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on flights and accommodations to be lazy in a hotel room. Sure, slow and sleepy beach days are sacred. But a trip to a different locale deserves your attention dedicated to the area’s offerings, customs, and history.

Travel to mingle, not just to be a tourist

The beauty of modern travel is that we have the ability and privilege of exploring the world, all with relative ease. We can meet people from all over— so take the time to make new friends, or at least talk to people!

Take photos for the memories, not just for the Insta

I recently wrote a post about the ethical impact of living in an Instagrammable world and how influencers should approach content creation and influencing with respect. Srs, I’m this close to advocating for a “Responsible Instagrammer” course as a high school graduation requirement. Kidding! (Or am I?)

Wait, are you saying I can’t enjoy my vacation?!

Nope, not saying that at all.

Of course, you can enjoy your vacation guilt-free and with no responsibility to participate in some deep cultural immersion if that’s not what you want. My point is that there’s a difference between being a vacationer and being a traveler. The outcomes of each approach to travel are different but not necessarily mutually exclusive.

Are you looking for a break from the mundanities of your daily life? Go on a vacation and drink all the margaritas you want.

Are you seeking answers, perhaps spiritual and intellectual expansion, and maybe a bit of personal growth? Go travel, learn, and explore. (Or at least add a museum, a local cultural experience, or UNESCO tour to your vacation itinerary!)

Yep. About as excited as I expect them to be about an hour into a visit to The Met.


Heads up, this is my Day 10 post for Blogtober 2019 and is syndicated from my personal blog, Aspire to Wander. You can view the original here: Traveling Might Not Make You a Better Person


camera info

hello there

p.s.

This post may contain affiliate or referral links. That means if you click through and complete an action like registration or making a purchase, then I may get a commission or referral credit - at no extra cost to you.

Sort:  

Hi @oheyo, your post has been upvoted by @bdcommunity courtesy of @hafizullah!


Support us by setting us as your witness proxy or delegating STEEM POWER.

JOIN US ON

This post has been resteemed by @original.content.

Follow me to keep up-to-date with posts tagged #oc and the author on ocdb's follow list.

If you don't like this message, please reply STOP and I'll cease notifying you ASAP.


Powered by witness untersatz!

Congratulations @oheyo! You have completed the following achievement on the Steem blockchain and have been rewarded with new badge(s) :

You received more than 7000 upvotes. Your next target is to reach 8000 upvotes.

You can view your badges on your Steem Board and compare to others on the Steem Ranking
If you no longer want to receive notifications, reply to this comment with the word STOP

Do not miss the last post from @steemitboard:

The new SteemFest⁴ badge is ready

You can upvote this notification to help all Steem users. Learn how here!

All very good points. I couldn't agree more. I won't even consider visiting a new country unless I can stay for at least 6 months, make friends, get used to daily, etc.

All sorts of Yes to this! I was recently commenting on another article that when I travel I like to find the 'out of the way' places to eat; the hole's in the wall, mom and pop places and the like. And getting out to do things. I love waterfalls. I will hunt down waterfalls wherever I go.

Thanks for sharing!

Very beautiful thank you dear friend 🌹🌹🌹

Posted using Partiko Android