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Flamenco Dancers in Andalucia, Spain. Colour Film. Spring 2006.
Last week my Friday’s Favourite post was in response to a question about how to start traveling and so I started my composition with what I believe traveling consists of, because I think before one can answer the ‘how’, one must address the ‘why’. This week, I’ll attempt to give a few tips in response to the second part of the question: ‘how to utilize your time and money wisely’. I’m not an expert, and I’m not a travel agent, (though I do provide such services for my family from time to time!) but I can comment on my own experiences and what I’ve learned from them. How to use your time and hard-earned money wisely while traveling you ask? Let me break it down for you, 3-part sermon-style:
1) You can save both time and money by following this tip, but you’ll be richer for it because of the relationships formed not because your itinerary will look that much more doable: Connect with Locals. Locals know what to avoid and how, (like tourist-traps, bad sections of town, crowds, scams, rush hour etc.) as well as how to show you their hometown or region from a local perspective.
How do you meet up with locals? The way you’re used to connecting with people back home. If you’re a teacher, volunteer at a local school or university, if you like to cook, take a class from a local, if you frequent your neighborhood coffee shop or pub on a regular basis, find the local equivalent and make friends with the barista or bartender. Even if you have a week, make a point of connecting with locals upon arrival and then return if you can throughout your visit. You’ll support local business, probably get a few tips, and possibly land up with an invite to visit newfound friends in their home. When I move to a new place, one of the first things I do is look for a new church. It’s where the basis of many of my relationships are formed and provides me with a sense of belonging (aside from, obviously, being a place where I can worship and learn in community). So when I travel, I look up churches, missionaries, and NGO’s that I might be able to connect with once there. I often email in advance, offer my services as a photographer, and voila, usually have an offer to visit, take a meal, or even stay. I have built amazing relationships by nurturing this approach, and as a result, feel equally excited when I have opportunities to host those traveling through my own neck of the woods. Of course, I make every effort to let my hosts and newfound friends know that I’m not there to take advantage of them and their hospitality, so I offer my time, skills, and resources in return. Connecting with locals will inevitably save you time and money, but like I said, you’ll find your travels richer because of the relationships gained rather than the few extra Euros/Pesos/Rubles saved because a local found you a better deal.
2) Tip number 2 focuses less on relationships and more on activities. My feeling is, that if you pursue the kinds of activities on the road that you enjoy at home, you’ll be able to relate to locals who enjoy the same thing and expand your knowledge base by learning how the same thing is done in another region. You’ll also probably find that you connect to the culture and location more quickly than if you immerse yourself in something completely foreign (which I’m not saying you shouldn’t do, but this is a good starting point if you don’t know where to begin and want to save time and money by avoiding things you don’t typically enjoy). For instance, if you’re a country girl like me, then limit your time in the city. Figure out how much time you can handle crowds, close quarters, and concrete? My ideal ratio is probably 1:3…I need about 3 days of time in the countryside and small villages for every day I spend in the city. I know that my favourite places to visit are small towns and villages because they’re pretty quiet, offer me opportunities to spend time with locals, provide easy access to nature, and usually serve up hearty, down-to-earth food. (They’re also usually less expensive and and provide less tainted depictions of local traditions and culture). I don’t need a hopping nightlife as I’m a morning person and would prefer to spend my evenings by a fireplace or in a pub rather than a nightclub or street party anyway. Figure out what sort of atmospheres and activities you like the most, and then seek out more of the same in other places. But don’t wholly avoid what you don’t know, or don’t usually prefer…part of the point is to experience something new and adventurous. Just know your limits, and then be prepared to see them stretched a little!
3) Research, research, research. I can’t rattle on enough about the necessity of research if you want to see your time and money well spent. Guidebooks, blogs, other travelers, expat communities, and locals are my go-to sources. My favourite guidebooks are by Lonely Planet and their website features updates, blogs, and one of my personal favourites, the Thorn Tree–a forum where you can post questions and get answers from other travelers. I’ve used it a lot when researching trips and have found the Thorn Tree to be a fabulous resources. Lonely Planet also offers specific Chapter Downloads, so if you don’t want to travel with a whole guidebook, you can download location specific chapters to help lighten your load. Within their guidebooks LP offers (among a wealth of other things) sample itineraries, language guides, and options for Budget, Mid-Range, and High-End eating and accommodations. Some are specifically recommended by Lonely Planet writers (who aren’t just sometime travelers to these locations, but experts in their field who know the locations inside and out) and I’ve never tried a restaurant or hostel recommended by an author that didn’t live up to its accolades. The maps are EXTREMELY accurate and each guidebook is updated frequently. Have I said enough? No, I do not work for LP. Though their US publications office is in Oakland and I would love to drop in one day if I can. Another great resource which just landed on my doorstep a few minutes ago thanks to Amazon’s 2-Day Shipping, is Rolf Potts’ book, “Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel”. If you’re looking to figure out travel at any stage in life, this book is a fantastic jumping off point and good reminder that travel is more accessible than you think. Anyway, all that to say, the more research you do, the more prepared you’ll be to jump at the chance when adventure stretches out its hand and beckons.
I’m not sure who originally asked the question that prompted such a lengthy response, but I hope I’ve been able to provide you with some inspiration to start traveling with. Here is one of my favourite quotes that has stayed with me throughout my travels and inspires me to keep adventuring:
“To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.” –Tennyson
Happy Friday!
Jaime