Is that title a little too pretentious?
Maybe. Especially, because a tourist is always a traveler as he is, well, traveling, and a traveler will always be a tourist to some extent (for example to locals).
But unfortunately, I couldn’t come up with better terms to describe the differing mindsets I wanted to talk about.
So, for the sake of this post, let’s roll with it. (Though I’m more than open for new suggestions).
Also, don’t get me wrong. It’s not about a snobbish differentiation between the two. It’s about a different mindset and different experiences. I love doing traditional “touristy” stuff, they are popular for a reason and often offer some of the most amazing experiences. But traveling also means a lot more for me than going on vacations and visiting the must-see sights.
I consider myself lucky that traveling has been a part of my life ever since I was a child. I got to see many amazing places and it became one of my missions in life to explore as much of the world as I can.
Yes, it’s a privilege, but it’s also a value that I prioritize above a lot of things.
I cherish every single trip I go on and would like to make the most of out them.
How to be a traveler
Take the time to prepare and move beyond travel guidebooks
Researching sights and reading the best recommendations on what to do is kind of essential to get information before a trip and make sure we don’t miss anything important. But how about a different kind of research? Watching an iconic movie filmed on the particular spot? Reading a book set in there? Listening to the most popular local artists? I love making up a mental image of the destination I’m about to explore through its art and culture. It’s such an interesting and rich way to get to know different deeper layers of a foreign place and its life.
Get up earlier
I love early mornings, especially in a new city. You can see the memories of the night before, but also the early hustle of a new day. Everything is calm, but there’s also some fresh energies around you. Be a smart traveler, and get a head start on the tourist groups (it’s also my secret for taking the most amazing travel photos).
Walk, walk, and walk some more
The best way to discover a foreign place? Walking. Everywhere. Yes, until it hurts. This way, you get to feel the soul and energy of the place around you, and the true life of the streets and the locals. You may even discover hidden gems. And, as a bonus, you can also check off exercise as well.
Get off the grids – find something unique that isn’t in the guidebooks
Somehow, a lot of my best travel memories are all related to getting lost. I’m all for researching and planning a trip for maximum enjoyment, but I also always leave some room for just wandering around, doing spontaneous detours, and, maybe, getting lost in the process.
The art of travel photography
It’s taken me a lot of years, and hundreds of badly-lit photos of cathedral interiors to realize what a valuable travel photo for me is. Sure, I take the occasional shots of the most iconic sights, but let’s be honest: I can find much better photos of it on Google. Instead I try to capture moments that really embody the special vibes of a foreign place – small details, street shots, that cute coffee place, interiors, food, street fashion, and photos of the people I’m traveling with having fun. I want to relive these special moments when I’m looking through those travel photos. For some inspiration, I tend to look at fashion bloggers’ travel photos – often they really have a great eye for style and details that come through in their travel visuals as well.
Avoid the cheap souvenir trap
Leave the Eiffel Tower key chains to others (unless you’re really into key chains). Go for something special and unique, something you’ll enjoy or use later. I either buy a local delicacy, something for the home, or clothing items, but never something I can easily get at home.
For God’s sake, please try local food
To each their own, for sure, but I will never, ever understand people who go to a foreign place and eat at McDonald’s. Food and cuisine are such important parts of a local culture; it’s truly a shame to miss them. I try to be as open as possible to new, local flavors – at least trying them once. Going to the local food market is an experience in itself. Also, buying local spices, condiments, and special food is a great souvenir opportunity and you can recreate the travel experience by making a themed dinner with local dishes for your family or friends once you’re at home.
Let it reshape you
Traveling can be a true transformative experience that goes way beyond of simply taking some time off work. Traveling gives me perspective. New inspiration. A window to the world out there. Gratitude. A chance to move beyond my comfort zone. A fresh and deep appreciation for the little joys and simple moments in life. Motivation to work more, travel more, do more, and be more. I always come back with a renewed sense of focus and energy. Taveling is empowering: make the most out of your experience and let it reshape you.
xx
