This Journal Is an introduction to my blog series traveling as a local. All points are touched on in regards to what it means to travel as a local, solutions to the mind-boggling question of how to travel as a local that at first occupies all or mind’s capacity, what one will gain from embracing this way of traveling and safety aspects. Detailed posts focusing on each aspect are found at the end of this blog.
Have you ever asked yourself what it is that you wish to receive from a trip, vacation or travel you take? Or what it even means to take a holiday or do a travel? Everyone defines these words differently, yet most of us aren’t aware that there exists a big difference between a holiday and a travel. If you’re interested in understanding the difference between a travel and a holiday you can take a read at my Journal “Am I taking a holiday or a travel?”.
In this journal, I share my point of view as well as knowledge about a style of traveling. That is, traveling as a local rather than a tourist.
Apart from the different experiences of your travel, traveling as a local will allow you to embrace yourself in the big unknown, accepting what is and maintaining a neutral and non-judging mindset and attitude but also gain one of the most valuable lessons in your life. From these experiences, we grow as a person. The moment you start a new journey to encoding the way of being a traveler on a local behavioural identity, you start a perpetual cycle and an impactful force for good.
‘Traveling as a local, It leads to a greater sense of unity between all 7 billion, nearly 8 billion of us. To a unity based on respect and understanding.’
Isn’t it dangerous to travel in such a way you may ask yourself?
I can always only speak of my personal opinion and experiences. My answer to your questions is, completely the opposite.
Behaving and traveling like a local demonstrates your respect towards the country and the understanding with which you enter the place these people call their home. Believe it or not, a local notices the difference and depending on what identity you choose to embrace, will either appreciate you or not.
A simple example is the way you dress and demonstrate yourself in the country you are visiting. Adapt and blend in and you will be as safe as you can be.
The next question you may ask yourself is, ‘Well that all sounds nice and good, but how can you travel in such a way?’.
This is the part where our paths either part or join.
Traveling on a local basis will mean that you are going to have to take on greater independence, self-responsibility, and effort.
This is due to the simple reason of you consciously choosing to do things different from that of the masses, which will blend into an experience crafted by your decisions, actions, mindset, and attitude.
No one else will ever be able to experience what you have. Isn’t that itself worth the little step further taken?
There are in fact relatively easy ways to do so, such as considering doing work and travel, a house sit, sleeping on people’s couch for the more adventurous and things such as joining local events.
Now that you have a general idea of what it means to travel as a local and what aspects to consider down below you can choose to read the blog that meets your needs. I sincerely wish that these blogs serve you highly. I have done my best to craft them for your understanding and support to take the most impactful decision you can make in a traveler’s life. Looking forward to seeing you embrace your Local traveler’s self.