Photo credit: Dubai Holiday Villas – Luxury on The Palm via photopin cc
You did it folks… you finally achieved that real job, real apartment and dare I say adult lifestyle. GASP! And you thought it would never happen.
Well, now that you’re not a broke ass student anymore it’s time to travel in style. Ditch your backpack and upgrade to that smooth adult suitcase. It even has wheels making your life after backpacking that much better.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Will I still be immersed in the culture if I’m not backpacking?” The answer is yes! In this Grown Up Travel Guide I give you the low down on how to travel like an adult while staying a part of the local community.
Book Your Own Private Space
You’ve made it to your destination, but it’s no longer the time of wandering from hostel to hostel looking for a free room because now, you’re a grown-up. This time you’re prepared and booked a room.
Resorts offer you many comforts yet they insulate you from cultural experiences that make travel worthwhile. Instead book an Air BnB apartment in town, or get your own private room in a hostel.
Want more even privacy?
Enjoy the luxury of a holiday villa rental. They’re not always as expensive as you might think, and while they offer plenty of privacy and security, you’re can still leave the grounds to socialize or find new friends to bring back to the villa for a private party or intimate dining experience.
Settle In and Then Get Out
While it’s great to plan organized activities make sure your travel includes a balance of unplanned wandering, organized activities and longer stays in one place. It’s great to maximize travel by hitting as many places as possible but it’s even better to hit a bunch and then settle in one for at least a week to get to know the local scene properly. Then you will truly know how to live like a local.
In every country you stop, make sure to plan at least one purposeful adventure, as well as a treat. You can’t always skimp to maximize your travel; sometimes you have to ball out for a night, day trip at a spa or something that treats you and your body right. Book yourself that holiday villa rental for a few nights and relax all day in your pool, or splash out on a delectable meal.
Go on an adventure
Photo credit: Alan Light via photopin cc
If you’re an adrenaline junkie go for that adrenaline kick, skydiving, scuba diving or bungee jumping. If you’re not just plan something that takes you out of your comfort zone. Do research, find a local guide for an expedition or find a local sailing company and hit the water.
Experience the best of what travelling has to offer. Find cultural festivals, shows or dining experiences within the local scene. Instead of focusing on tourist companies operating outside of the country, find experiences within your destination with locals.
Also, Plan a well balanced diet and stay healthy
One of the easiest times to be healthy is when you’re travelling, for the most part you will have access to fresh tropical fruits, vegetables and entertaining exercise. Wake up and take a swim in the ocean or hike up a mountain, whatever the adventure is keep them coming and plan a balance of relaxation and action.
Culture is a Journey, Not a Destination
What’s valuable about travelling is the type of world-views that you get access to which would never occur at home. Maximize your cultural experience while minimizing your pain.
Resorts are not the way to luxuriate. Instead step outside of the box while still enjoying the comforts your body deserves. The culture is what makes it worth the travel life. Head to local markets, events and try to meet locals as much as possible to maximize your cultural experience. Your trips are no longer wandering to find who you are instead your travelling for that inner fulfillment.
“A journey is a person in itself; no two are alike. And all plans, safeguards, policing and coercion are fruitless. We find that after years of struggle that we do not take a trip; a trip takes us.” –John Steinbeck
About the Author
Nica Storey is a writer, photographer and stylist with an unwavering obsession for travel, art and music. Follow her on-point ramblings on Twitter @shortstorey or Instagram @wordsowisdom.
