It’s all about the adventure and not just the major tourist sites…
“Maybe I need to include more draw card tourist sites,” I thought to myself.
Last week, when I was designing a tour to India that I’m running at the end of October this year I caught myself wondering if I had included enough draw card tourist places. Did I need to include more popular places? And then I remembered something. That’s not what it’s about.
“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.”
― Eleanor Roosevelt
And that sums it up perfectly. It’s not just about the major tourist sites, it’s about seeking out those little things along the way that make the trip a richer experience. From drinking chai with the locals to devouring the most authentic curries, haggling with a stall holder at a local market to holding a conversation with a rickshaw driver.
My memories of travel are not so much of what we saw but more of what we experienced and who we met along the way. Over time, I’ve realised something, not only about traveling, but also life in general that changed me forever – major tourist place or not: Every place has a history, every person has a story and every moment holds the opportunity for adventure, fun and wonder. It is this essence that I aim to bring to my tours.
And while the focus of the tour in October will be on the experiences, we will be definitely visiting some of the major tourist sites!
You are right Nick. Some of the best travel moments are those little things that create an authentic experience. I remember when in Nepal I visited a tiny restaurant, suggested by the Loney Planet. I was the only person in the restaurant. It was cosy, decorated like a mountain lodge and I enjoyed the best vegetarian MoMos I’ve ever had. I often dream of those MoMos.
Fantastic – nothing beats a good MoMo! And in Nepal as well – what better place to have them! Thanks for sharing Shannyn.