Independent travel: a commitment to accountability
Travelling has always captured our imagination. Already in childhood many of us dream of exotic places and promise ourselves that one day we will go there. Unfortunately, as we grow up, we learn that it costs a lot of money to get to these places. Some of them are not even safe enough to visit them, others are located in third world countries that do not have much tourist infrastructure, making it difficult to travel in a conventional way. We reject our dreams as impractical fantasies because the world has taught us that travelling is difficult – at least without spending a lot of money. Travel agencies want to collect huge sums of money from us for high-end hotels, private transport, travel guides and expensive food. The question is: do we really need that? After all, guides travel by themselves without care, so it must be possible to do so independently. Maybe we just have to learn something that they know.
Many of us have believed that travelling alone in strangers (especially in third world countries) is terrifying. We hear news of how travellers died abroad, were imprisoned, kidnapped, etc., and we also hear a lot of news of how the travellers died abroad, were imprisoned, kidnapped, etc. I admit, there are some countries in the world to prevent this, and every type of travel must be taken seriously and carefully. But what we do not realise about these terrifying stories is that it has happened to a few tourists from millions who go abroad every year. The media do not tell us about the remaining 99.9% of tourists who have made a wonderful trip.
I am here to say that you can travel independently. You can do it for a fraction of the cost to the travel agent or tour operator, and I guarantee that your journey will be much more rewarding, knowing that you did it on your own. All you need is an adventurous spirit and little education about the country you will be visiting. You need to find out if it is safe for American tourists, what documentation is needed to get to the country, how food, water and accommodation look like, how public transport works, and some basic phrases in the local language. Much of this information can be found in the guide, some of it comes from government websites on travel warnings and disease control. But you can learn it, and what you’ve learned will make you more than just a tourist, because unlike a tourist, you’re ready to make an effort to really get to know the country you’re visiting.
Instead of driving through the village with a tourist guide pointing things out to you and explaining them in your own language, you can talk to the villagers and learn from them. Instead of asking the guide what kind of food people eat, you can go to a restaurant and order something from the menu or browse the local market to see what sellers sell. You are not limited to the isolated sphere that makes up the tour group. You do not observe the host country from afar and only connect to it through a guide. You are part of it and you can interact directly with it.
If you speak the language of the country you are visiting, you contribute to preserving its culture. When tourists do not speak the local language, some of the locals finally learn the language of the tourists to better understand their needs, and then earn money by meeting them. However, they should not learn another language to earn money in their own country. You don’t have to be fluent in the language before you travel, but at least try to learn the basic phrases you will need to move around the country. One of the main reasons why you travel to other countries is to experience a different culture; being an independent traveler with knowledge minimizes your impact on not becoming a “tourist” or “American”.
The more educated you are about your host country, the more authentic your experience will be. It will be easier for you to travel because you will learn to ask locals for tips and advice and to understand what they say. This will become cheaper as you learn about the food that is the easiest to get, the accommodation that is the most economical. You will become more funny as you make friends and memories, and you will be more fulfilled as you realize that the journey is about going beyond the comfort zone to experience a different way of life instead of staying in the comfort zone and bringing your way of life with you.
To learn more about independent travel, read the book “Vagabonding: An extraordinary guide to the art of long-term travel around the world” by Rolf Potts. It is available on Amazon.com and Vagabonding.net.
Adventure travel is an interesting exploration of a distant destination with a group of adventurers. For those looking for entertainment it is a great place. Everyone can’t embark on an adventure trip. More interest and dedication is the key to a great adventure journey. Travelers also need to consider their safety. They must be ready to face any dangerous moments during the journey. This means that they must be ready with the necessary precautions.
My friends, I would like to share some adventurous travel tips that I have learned from my travel experience.
Generally speaking, travellers prefer to explore a beautiful landscape, a fascinating foreign culture or unusual nature. I would probably use Jeep’s safari or shuttle kayak to travel. Sometimes a group of travellers have to travel on foot, because this area can be remote and has no access to any vehicle. Therefore, physical fitness is important for each type of journey.
Here are some tips on how to make a great adventure trip:
Choose the destination of your adventure depending on your physical condition. Many companies sponsor adventure packages. Choose wisely depending on your budget. There are three types of adventure destinations. You can choose between easy adventure travel, medium adventure and difficult adventure.
One good idea is to talk to people who have had many adventure travels. They will help you to travel to a destination you may not have heard of. They can also provide you with impartial information.
Travel practice varies according to the destination. For example, how to deal with rubbish and rubbish during a camping trip. Similarly, you need to know the practice of the destination you are going to visit. Get ready depending on your destination.
