Guest Post by Dhaval Patel; Photos by Doug Bardwell
Touristy destinations continue to obtain a bad reputation from the public. Because of them becoming hot, trendy spots, overcrowding and overpricing become apparent. This is why many travelers now try to avoid such places.
But, there is no denying that these destinations are still a gem, making them a “touristy” place in the first place. So, what to do if intending to visit these locations? How to gain an authentic, fun, and affordable experience in these spots?
If you are asking yourself these kinds of questions, then you have come to the right place. Here are some of the best tips and hacks for you to revolutionize your next trip:
Do Some Research
Before your trip, preparations are necessary, and part of it is doing extensive and thorough research. It is worth noting that researching your chosen “touristy” destination will help you a lot.
Aside from learning what the place offers, you can also discover how your visit will likely go. Upon doing this, you can, then, make a plan as to how you will spend your days during the trip.
Moreover, you can outline a suitable and appropriate budget. Through this way, you can save lots of your resources, like time, effort, and money.
Embrace Adventure
The planning and researching stage is essential. This is where you create an outline of your travel.
But, while you have a list or a guide to follow during your trip, you must also ensure to embrace any adventure that comes your way. Be sure to do more when you reach your destination.
Keep in mind that you may come across something during the trip. If it stirs emotions or it speaks to you in a way that you have never experienced yet, make sure to grab the opportunity. You will discover a lot more about the place, as well as yourself, allowing you then to have an authentic journey.
Keep an open mind all the time. But, be still cautious and calculating.
Take Pictures and Photographs
Taking photos is still essential, especially if you intend to keep the memories of the trip. You may want to learn some travel photography tips before you leave. This will help you obtain more stunning images that can fully capture the essence of your journey.
Take A Genuine Interest In Other People
Traveling is not always about the location. It has a lot of factors, which include the people and culture of the place.
If you want to have an authentic experience, take a genuine interest in these things. Explore more about the destination while you establish links with the locals.
You will learn a lot more in life when you connect with others. Build relationships with the locals, as much as possible, and try to understand their way of living. One of the best ways that you can do to educate your mind, touch your soul, and transform your life through a trip is to be one with the people.
Learn The Language
Alongside building connections and relationships, another thing you may want to do is to learn the language. Your trip will be more genuine and convenient if you know how the local lifestyle, and you can only fully comprehend this if you understand them. Accordingly, learning and using the language can get you places.
This does not mean, though, that you need to be fluent, not unless you plan on living there for good. Try to learn the basics and most common phrases and sentences that will benefit your trip.
Eat Where Locals Eat
One of the best ways to gain authentic and full experiences of the trip is to know the culture of the place. While you can do this through several ways, the easiest and most applicable among all is to eat where the locals do.
It is a form of immersion that will bring you much closer to understanding how the culture and their lives go. Through the dishes and cuisines, you will get the feeling of being connected with the place, as well as the locals.
Be Cautious About Volunteering
Volunteering is an effective instrument to help you gain an authentic experience. While there are tons of organizations and institutions that do a lot of work for the benefit of helping the locals, as well as the location, ensure to be knowledgeable of the “work.”
Be cautious, and ensure to research these organizations, along with their visions and missions. Unfortunately, there are fake and fraudulent volunteer works existing today. Make sure that you do not get into these kinds.
Final Thoughts
Traveling is a freeing and rewarding thing to do in your life. It can teach you a lot of things and even transform your perspectives in life. Explore various Photography ideas.
If you want to experience these things genuinely, these tips may help you out. But, overall, always keep an open mind, and enjoy every moment.