I've been lucky enough to travel quite extensively in the last 15 years. At first hauling 25kg suitcases around, riding in taxis and staying in generic and bland hotels, but very quickly I learned the best way to travel was when I carried just one small pack, used public transport, walked or cycled as often as possible and stayed in simple guesthouses or homestays.
The responsible travel movement encourages us to conserve the environment and improve the well-being of the local people and this way, I know you will get a whole lot more out of your travels and at the same time be giving something back. It's a win-win.
This guide is really for people travelling to less developed and possibly poorer nations than their own, nothing wrong with 2 weeks all-inclusive luxury in Antigua for example, in the past I've done that sort of holiday too, but this is to help you get a more immersive local experience.
Here are a few ideas. Some mine, some from guides I read when I first set out on my journey!
Feel free to add your own in the comments section.
Read up on the countries you plan to visit and recognise cultural differences. This may seem like an obvious thing to say but always remember that people in the country may have different time concepts and principals from your own.This doesn't make them inferior, it makes them different, and it's those differences that we should embrace and cherish. Respect local cultures, traditions and religious buildings.
Travel like Gandhi. This is, of course, a well-known concept, the idea being you travel with simple clothes, open eyes, and an uncluttered mind. One of my favourite travel philosophies.
Find out where locals go when they are not working. Ask people in shops or who work where you're staying where they like to go, and what they like to do when they're not working.Showing an interest in this way has got me invites to weddings, parties, secret beaches etc. In fact, all my best memories have come from chatting with local people and been taken to and shown the places they love to go.
Ask permission before you photograph people. This can cause offense in some cultures and to be honest, it's simply good manners. If you ask, there generally won't be a problem.
( photo courtesy of pixabay)
Help the local economy by shopping in local markets and buying homegrown products, eating in small independent eateries, also remember that although bartering is often a part of buying something, that tiny discount you get that might not be important to you, may make a world of difference to them.
Use public transport, cycle or walk when you can. You'll meet local people and get to know the place much better. And of course be more healthy.
Cultivate the habit of asking questions. Again, by talking to and showing an interest in the local people and their lives, you'll find yourself experiencing deeper and more personal experiences than simply following the 'tourist trail'.
Carry a few small packs of coloured pencils and notebooks. It's amazing how kids you meet will love even the most simplest gift!
OK, that's 8 for starters, please join in and let's make a huge list of interesting ideas.
I would definitively subscribe to limit your luggage to a carry on only. Struggling with a mountain of bags is like dragging around your personal ball and chain. Also asking people for directions, starting conversations and dressing accordingly to the custom is huge. Flashy or provocative clothing will only isolate you and that is not what traveling is about. Lastly be humble. We make the mistake to judge everything by our own cultural standards. Especially Europeans and Americans are prone to that mistake. Just an example people, take note that it is not the one who is shouting the loudest that is right and will earn respect. There is a wealth of wisdom to be learned by taking ourselves a step back and observing open minded. I have learned to enjoy and admire the quiet voices that are full of strength and serenity.
Great post, I couldn't agree more. Humilty is a wonderful thing :-)
Thanks for stopping by :-)
Great list. I would add, limit use of the camera. I love taking photographs but I always make a point of spending at least some time in a new place without my camera. Just walking around without the pressure to spot the good photo opportunities enables me to feel more a part of the place I'm visiting. One of the things I sometimes struggle with when I'm travelling is a feeling I get that I'm treating other people's lives and cultures as if they are curiosities. I agree with you that talking to locals and being genuinely interested in their lives goes a long way towards addressing this - and for me having at least one camera free day also helps.
that's so funny you should mention cameras. For 6 years Id never carry a camera at all. I had an old regulsr phone id take an odd quick pic, but more to quickly capture a moment as opposed to taiing a view. These days I take a few more but like you say, i never waste time fannying around trying to get the perfect shot!
Thanks for calling by, have a great week :-)
Yeah, I like having the camera as I do enjoy looking back over old photos, and rediscovering things I’d forgotten about, but for a while I also didn’t travel with one.
Have a great week too :)
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STOPI met a traveler in Malaysia once whose only baggage was a paper shopping bag with one change of clothes he'd bought in country. He flew from France with only the clothes on his back, some money, and his passport, etc. We met on a bus. Super low-key guy, a real traveler, not just a tourist.
yes, I also saw a guy just before christmas doing his laundry just wearing a towel, he only had about half a dozen items of clothing !
I dont think I'll ever get down to that level, but i do fit everything in a very small carry on backpack. Just a few clothes, spare footwear, tablet and camera. I always suggest to people buy personal toiletries when you arrive. Saves carrying them and saves hassle at immigration when youre only carrying carry on :-)
Thanks for taking a look and commenting :-)
Great write up ~ indeed travel doesn't have to be so luxurious to truly experience the world from a real point of view:
I totally agree, you just have to immerse yourself and suck up the experience :-)
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This india right?
The picture is India, but its not my pic, I just used it for an example. I have travelled in India though. Thanks for dropping by :-)
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