This post is written by travel enthusiasts – The Moonchasers
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” – Mark Twain
The world today poses complex challenges to the average human being, more than what it used to be 10 or 20 years back perhaps. The constant need for staying connected to the world propagates through generations like a wildfire and we all are into it, all the time. Traveling has opened up new avenues for those seeking clarity by untying themselves from the mundane, city life. In the age of Instagram and Snapchat, instant information sharing is standard practice, and traveling is a necessity to keep up with the lifestyle definition of a millennial.
Traveling does open up the horizons of our mind, by showing us differences of lands, cultures, practices and offerings. If only our kind was more cautious to inculcate more of nature in the standard definition of a city life, this need would have never arisen. However, it is the age of seeking the world, ticking places off the bucket list that proudly sits on your fridge door!
So what can one do to ensure that they make the most out of every travel experience, no matter 100 kms away or 10,000?
Here is what we have tried and tested in our journeys. Hoping it would help you gather the best of wherever you go and what ever you do!
Find your perspective:
Each new place that you set foot on, has something to offer that is only yours. Most often we rely on the internet, friends who have visited to know what to do, where to go. Each traveler is unique just like the place. Find out your likes and to-do when traveling to a new destination, own it and embrace the explorer in you. That way, you will have a great story to tell back home.
Have an open mind:
Whether it be the food, language, clothing, markets or the people, have an open mind. Don’t let preconceived notions cloud your choices. Try new things. If you like it, great! If you don’t, let it become an experience. Observe your surroundings and try to absorb the vibe, you don’t have to always act like the others are, but it never hurts to welcome new experiences!
A bit of knowhow:
The history and traditions of a destination adds to the richness of your holiday extravaganza. Reading a little on the history of the place you are visiting will help you assess the do’s and don’ts, understand why something is there or is popular. It will also help you feel less like a tourist and more at home.
Best time to visit:
It may so happen that you end up missing out on the best things to see, best activities to do if you land in a bad season, at a gorgeous destination. Off season travel comes cheaper, but assess your priorities well and ensure you get to see what you want. Don’t end up burning a hole in your pocket only to find everything closed or inaccessible in the off season. A bit of research on the best time to visit a place will also keep you safe from the perils of a treacherous winter or harsh summer or worse, monstrous monsoons!
Interact with the natives:
The best way to explore a new place is by interacting with the locals. Always remember you are a tourist in their home land, and approaching the locals for help on local timings, places to see, best eateries etc. will help you make a regular plan into something extraordinary. Traveling is nothing without the essence of the lifestyle of a place, so try to get the best ideas by talking to friendly, approachable locals. What could go wrong by asking a few touristy questions. Right?
Be immersive, don’t just be a tourist:
Gather memories via curating your own experiences. It is very important to make yourself and others feel comfortable with your presence. Try everything and only then you will be able to share your experiences with friends and family back home. Exploring a place like its your home will not only save the environment, but also add unforgettable memories to your travel diary.
Be responsible:
Vacationing like a mad tourist, destroying property, harassing others and being rowdy will not go well and may land you in serious trouble. If you have the opportunity to see a place in all its glory, its only fair that others after you get to experience the beauty in the same way. Try to carry your own water, eco-friendly alternatives to plastic and always remember to pick up your trash and dump it in a bin.
Lastly, take pictures! Take as many as you want, capture videos of happenings and add them to your travel diary. A good photo speaks volumes about a destination. What better than visual memories to transport you back to the same spot when life seems all mundane, again!
This post is written by The Moonchasers. Check out their travel stories here and here.
