Many people claim to have a love of travelling. However, there’s travelling, and there’s being a tourist. These two are different and provide experiences that are distinct from each other.
If you have a penchant for taking selfies at international landmarks and enjoy staying at the best hotels in Saadiyat Island and other places, then you’re probably mostly a tourist. If you love seeing new places, which don’t necessarily have to be prime travel destinations, and experiencing new cultures, then you’re the quintessential traveller.
Can you be both? Certainly. Many people like to divide their travels into two parts: following the standard tourist agenda and seeking authentic cultural experiences.
Tips for Authentic Travel Experiences
You might think you’re properly experiencing a place when you stick to the typical tourist activities. After all, you get to encounter residents, taste the local cuisine, see the sights, and even watch shows that highlight traditional art and culture.
Yes, these are all frequently included in the package, but these elements are typically put together for the tourists. Unfortunately, the tourist “special” usually varies considerably from the local “regular,” which is what travellers mainly seek.
What can you do to make sure that you get to experience more than the tour package?
1. Get “lost.”
Discovering is part of travelling, so plan on exploring some hidden gems or off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Do your due diligence, of course, and find out which areas pose safety risks, so you’ll know to avoid those. Keep your wits about you at all times as well, but find the courage to step out of your comfort zone and explore beyond the tour route.
Chances are, by doing this, you’ll get to interact with the locals and spend time with them at their hangouts, eating and drinking everyday fare.
2. Plan for some spontaneity.
Planned spontaneity may sound like an oxymoron, but you should make time for something that’s not part of a set itinerary. If you’re doing a package tour, which is often what many people prefer to take advantage of to control their expenses, you may want to set aside a day or even just the evenings for some unplanned adventures.
For instance, while in Abu Dhabi on a business trip, you could ask a guide, the concierge, or even some random local to find out where they like to hang out when off the clock and check out the places they mention.
When travelling from Abu Dhabi to Dubai or Fujairah, you could get off at an unknown town that catches your fancy. Spend a day or two there. Befriend the locals and participate in whatever activity they allow you to.
There are many ways to be spontaneous during your travels. All you need is a willingness to take the chance.
3. Stay at accommodations you’ve never tried before.
Staying at chain hotels and other typical tourist accommodations is well and good, but you might want to mix it up now and then. Consider reserving a beach house or private villa to elevate your experience.
If you like the comfort and convenience of a hotel stay, you might want to opt for smaller boutique hotels.
Go online to explore your options and how to fully experience the town or city you’re visiting.
4. Keep an open mind.
Often enough, people have preconceived notions about a place. It’s important, of course, to learn as much as you can about your destination, its past, and whatever about it is currently making headlines.
However, visiting a place without expectations could also enhance your travel experience. Not only does this do away with disappointments, but it also removes the limits you might have imposed on your trip otherwise. You get to experience what you can and appreciate it completely.
So, what if you were not able to go on a dhow cruise or desert safari? Whatever else you were doing instead would have still been a worthy undertaking.
5. Hook up with a nonprofit.
How about making your visit specific to an activity that helps a local community? There are nonprofits that offer tours designed to be uniquely educational for visitors and helpful to the locals at the same time.
Certain nonprofit groups put together programs that provide sustainable, hands-on service learning. Many allow immersion in indigenous cultures, something you’re not likely to have access to even if you end up temporarily living in a place. That’s taking it to the grassroots, making for a truly authentic travel experience.
If you’re in Abu Dhabi, you can learn about sustainability initiatives in the UAE and the practices the locals follow to contribute to their environmental goals, and become an eco-friendly traveller.
Enjoy Enriching Travel Experiences
Let authentic experiences enrich you beyond the bragging rights of “been there, done that.”
Allow your exposure to new things change you, improving your understanding, widening your horizons, and helping you gain deeper insights into humanity, which are definitely worth way more than the stamps on your passport.
Also Read: Discover Turkey : Some Exciting Things to Do
