How to Travel Beyond the Tour Bus
Try the local food., Walk around and explore., Look out for crowds of locals., Use an "off the beaten path" guidebook like WikiTravel, Lonely Planet or Rough Guide and figure out what most interests you., Follow your passions., Be willing to be...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Try the local food.
Ask a local where they get their groceries.
Visit restaurants where there are mostly local faces—your patronage will be appreciated, and your budget will benefit since often more pricey dishes in foreign restaurants are less expensive than an average meal back home. -
Step 2: Walk around and explore.
Don't just go from tourist destination to tourist destination without lifting your head.
Strike up some conversations with the locals, or even sit on a park bench and people watch. , Often a place where there are lots of locals there is an authentic cultural experience lying ahead of you. , Try to find neighborhoods within walking distance or easily accessible by public transit (if at all possible) that have a lot of things that you are interested in. , Do you love food? Ask if you can get a "tour" of your favorite kitchen.
You love glass sculpture? Find the artist and see whether you can be her apprentice for a day. , Don't go everywhere first class—one of the richest experiences of your life might be on a third class train in India on a wooden bench for over 14 hours, where you could meet a woman who invites you to her house, where they have one bed between 5 family members, and she says to you, "If you give an Indian your heart, they will share with you everything."
Reflect on what you see, hear, taste and touch.
Allow for transformation because if the journey doesn't affect your perspective, your sense of humanity, beauty, and the wonder of life, then it is time to do a little soul searching for a way to connect to your heart. , Be respectful of where you are, and act in a manner that will bring credit to where you came from.
Ask questions, and really, really listen.
Realize that even though what you are doing is perfectly acceptable where you come from, others may find it insulting, or awkward.
Be extra courteous to make up for unintended insults. , Laughter is a universal human language. , You will find that there is a whole world of kindred spirits who call themselves travelers, and avoid the tourist mentality.
Remember how it feels to share your stories with people who aren't interested, so when you do find a fellow traveler, if you really want to know about their trip, clear your calendar and pack your bag.
Your adventure awaits. -
Step 3: Look out for crowds of locals.
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Step 4: Use an "off the beaten path" guidebook like WikiTravel
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Step 5: Lonely Planet or Rough Guide and figure out what most interests you.
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Step 6: Follow your passions.
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Step 7: Be willing to be uncomfortable.
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Step 8: Expect to be moved by your experiences.
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Step 9: Be willing to pay the price.
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Step 10: Have fun!
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Step 11: Share your stories with others.
Detailed Guide
Ask a local where they get their groceries.
Visit restaurants where there are mostly local faces—your patronage will be appreciated, and your budget will benefit since often more pricey dishes in foreign restaurants are less expensive than an average meal back home.
Don't just go from tourist destination to tourist destination without lifting your head.
Strike up some conversations with the locals, or even sit on a park bench and people watch. , Often a place where there are lots of locals there is an authentic cultural experience lying ahead of you. , Try to find neighborhoods within walking distance or easily accessible by public transit (if at all possible) that have a lot of things that you are interested in. , Do you love food? Ask if you can get a "tour" of your favorite kitchen.
You love glass sculpture? Find the artist and see whether you can be her apprentice for a day. , Don't go everywhere first class—one of the richest experiences of your life might be on a third class train in India on a wooden bench for over 14 hours, where you could meet a woman who invites you to her house, where they have one bed between 5 family members, and she says to you, "If you give an Indian your heart, they will share with you everything."
Reflect on what you see, hear, taste and touch.
Allow for transformation because if the journey doesn't affect your perspective, your sense of humanity, beauty, and the wonder of life, then it is time to do a little soul searching for a way to connect to your heart. , Be respectful of where you are, and act in a manner that will bring credit to where you came from.
Ask questions, and really, really listen.
Realize that even though what you are doing is perfectly acceptable where you come from, others may find it insulting, or awkward.
Be extra courteous to make up for unintended insults. , Laughter is a universal human language. , You will find that there is a whole world of kindred spirits who call themselves travelers, and avoid the tourist mentality.
Remember how it feels to share your stories with people who aren't interested, so when you do find a fellow traveler, if you really want to know about their trip, clear your calendar and pack your bag.
Your adventure awaits.
About the Author
Rebecca Wright
A passionate writer with expertise in cooking topics. Loves sharing practical knowledge.
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