Reasons Why You Should Try Experiential Travel by Emma Lawson
Consumer attitudes are changing in every aspect of our lives, and travel is no different. The shift from tourism to travelling is one of the most obvious changes. The popularity of packaged tourism is quickly fading as people are gravitating toward more authentic ways of travelling. They are increasingly opting to experience the destination of their choice to the fullest. The most important things on your travels are not just about what you saw anymore. Instead, what determines the quality of your time there are the people you meet and the things you do. If you still have doubts about going on this type of travel, here are some great reasons to dip your toe in the water and experience travelling from a different perspective.
Immersing into another culture
A tourist will come to Paris, go to the Eiffel Tower and take a couple of photographs, visit the Notre Dame de Paris, take a stroll down the Elysian Fields, and then go back to the airport and travel back home with average memories and the same photos millions of people already have. What will an experiential traveller do differently? They will explore the hidden passages of the city, go shopping on a flea market, meet a book salesman alongside the Seine and learn how to make croissants. This type of travelling will open a whole new world and help you to actually experience how people live in that place.
Creating lifelong friendships
There is nothing more valuable than friendships, and experiential travelling enables you to meet new friends all around the globe. You see, as a tourist you will only communicate with the people from your travel group and have short casual conversations with hotel receptionists, salesmen, waiters, etc. As a traveller, you will base your whole trip on spending time with local people, and that way, you will not only get an insight into their culture, but also connect with them on a more personal level . Those people will later become your “pen pals” and they will ensure that you always have where to come back to if you decide to travel to the same place again.
Trying something new
How often do you have the chance to do something for the very first time? Experiential travels provide you with such opportunities over and over again. You can go grape picking in Swan Valley or fishing in Broome, while at the same time befriending the people who do the same job. You can learn how to cook the perfect pizza in Palermo or how coffee is picked in Brazil. Also, volunteering is another great way to try something new and at the same time make a difference in the world. Volunteering positions usually include accommodation and you are provided with help from more experienced volunteers.
Leaving your comfort zone
People are creatures of habit, and we are easily accustomed to specific patterns of behaviour we are later afraid to break. We get up at seven, go to work at nine, work until five and then we get back to our home. If anything changes, we tend to panic. Travelling raises a million questions we are sometimes scared to answer. What will happen to my career? Who will take care of my house and my pet? It is important to know that all of these questions can be answered. Your career won’t go anywhere, and you will be emotionally and mentally more fulfilled and mature when you return from your trip. As for your house and pet, that can be resolved by letting your friends live there or opting for a house sitting service.
Making memories for life
Getting the best holiday package that includes the hottest destinations and the most luxurious hotels will definitely ensure you get the much-needed rest, but what will you actually remember? The hotel robes? The huge pool? The soft sand? You see our point? With experiential travels, you will create long-lasting memories about people you’ve met, things you’ve seen and experienced, sensations you had when you first tried local food, and the neighbourhood where you stayed. These travels are more personalized, tailored specially to your needs, so it is obvious that you will have more things to remember.
Are you convinced now? Experiential travel is much more than going on superficial tours to the most famous destinations. It is an unparalleled authentic experience that stays forever in your memories. It is all about self-exploration while discovering the world at the same time.
Check out the Lonely planet travel guides for great inspiration on places to visit if you decide to take the plunge. These books are a fab resource!
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