Seasoned traveller, yes I'd call myself one considering I've travelled to many parts of the world multiple times. There was a time when I was not though, and nervous novice was a better descriptor.
Travelling can be a daunting prospect with complexity around flights and other transport, security measures, lost baggage, language barriers, not understanding cultural differences, medical risks, safety or lack of it in unfamiliar locations and other such things causing one's stress levels to rise. Daunting to say the least, but travel is truly rewarding all the same.
I played it safe at first, planned carefully, stayed in well-used tourist areas and made sure I had time; being rushed at train stations and airports can mean mistakes are made and they can be catastrophic in certain parts of the world, especially for a girl who doesn't speak the language. Over time I learned, felt more comfortable, and began to drift farther afield from established tourist areas to discover the true essence of the places I visited.
Nowadays, my partner and I feel very comfortable travelling and with that comfort comes a deeper sense of enjoyment and understanding of the places we visit.
Over the weekend I was scanning through travel photos from all over the place and was thinking about the moments and memories and the people we've met a long the way; it's interesting to note how enjoyable and memorable a chance encounter, interaction and connection can be; it's one of the nicest thing about travelling the world.
One of the most important things we've found is to be open and approachable, friendly and welcoming; we also try to open every interaction with locals in their own language no matter how badly we speak it and they appreciate the effort which helps things go more smoothly. Being open to interaction with other tourists, locals too, has been an incredible way to learn a little more, discover places and things we might otherwise have missed and has brought us to some amazing places which left us with incredible memories.
Getting off the tourist trail doesn't mean we miss the established tourist attractions, just that they're balanced with delving into the local people's world and taking the time and effort to find and visit less-popular places and that's brought so much value to our travels. We've found beautiful places to eat, historical locations, events, markets, cultural centres, museums and galleries, quaint streets, secluded or beautiful gardens and so much more just by being open and friendly, willing to chat a little...we're even still in contact with friends we've met in other countries years after that chance meeting and conversation.
There's so much value to travelling and it doesn't stop at tourist locations or events. It's those combined with the emotions and feelings gained from them added to the interactions with other people that help make travelling such a rewarding experience.
Becca 💗
Travelling is very enriching, you learn and get out of your comfort zone, so it's very good.
I wonder if you speak any Spanish, that's what I was thinking while I was reading you.
When I arrived in Spain, although I wasn't a tourist, there were many people around me, from all over the world, and a lot in English they asked me to take a picture, it was nice to interact and they always stop me in the street to guide them on the map, it happens to me all the time... I wonder why me... I wonder why me... for something.
A big hug Becca❤️
I do not speak any Spanish unfortunately, I speak a little French though. Do you speak much English, I assume you're more likely to run into English speakers there than I would run into Spanish speakers here.
Becca 🌷
My English is very bad, I'll be honest, I understand it quite well but I don't speak it so much.
There are English tourists here all year round, and other nationalities too, French, Italians, Portuguese, Russians, Germans... and many more.
Do you ever feel like you want to learn it a little better? I work on my French a little here and there, try to improve it.
Becca 🌷
It is a big pending account and if I try to improve it little by little, the more I am in contact with the language, the easier it is for me.
I can teach you some swear words, they're important you know.
And well, it wouldn't be bad at all 🤣🤣🤣🤣
That is very inspiring, and starting a conversation with the local language is a good tip. When I go to other countries, I think the tourist spots are worth it for the views and photos. But for the food, the locals know the best ones. Not only will it taste better, it usually is cheaper as well.
Those tourist spots are so crowded, people jostling for a photo, sadly not of the beautiful location, but a selfie of themselves at the beautiful location which goes straight to social media. We've not missed out on the most popular things but we actively seek the roads less travelled and are happier for it.
As for the food, we usually walk a block or two back from the main tourist areas and find amazing places where the locals eat...and are always rewarded with better food for less money.
Becca 🌷
So true. I was once a traveller way back then but as of now that I just gave birth 2 months ago. I stopped.
When might you travel again do you think?
Becca 🌷
When the kids are grown up I think. I just miss traveling. Your blog refreshes my senses though. Thank you.
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Thank you!!
With time and acquired skills you always end up enjoying yourself more than when you were a beginner. This applies to everything. And getting to know a city is almost like getting to know a person. You never get to know them completely, but what I am sure of is that you can't stay with the first impression: the one offered to tourists.
So, well done 👏
;)