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.
I took this image - Petronas Towers, KL, Malaysia
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 💗
