Unlocking authentic experiences
In today’s fast-paced world, the allure of travel is stronger than ever. We yearn to explore new horizons, immerse ourselves in different cultures, and create lasting memories. However, there is a stark contrast between being a mere tourist and just follow what others had planned. Becoming a “true” traveller means embracing authentic experiences, have a bit more time (on one place, not in general!) and plan by yourself, what is possible.
This article will give you ideas, how you can do what you want, even if you do not have too much time or a big budget.
You will read in this blog:
- Start dreaming
- Go from dream to reality
- Avoid the standard “One day hotel before a cruise”
- Pursue special interests
- Seek out authentic hotels
- Discover unique cruises
- Conclusion
Start dreaming of destinations
I recommend, that you always indulge in the magic of anticipation. After a journey is before a journey. If you do not have something special in mind, but just look around, you might find wonderful places. Immerse yourself in the world of travel by reading magazines such as Condé Nast Traveller, National Geographic Traveller and similar. These publications offer captivating stories, stunning photography, and expert recommendations to ignite your wanderlust. Additionally, follow travel influencers on social media, watch television series that showcase special luxurious hotels and different countries or check everything else, that lets you dream of your next journey.
Make sure to mark the destinations and sightseeing spots that inspire you, creating a travel wish list to guide your future adventures.
Go from dreaming to reality: plan your trip
While magazines and TV shows often feature extravagant experiences, remember that there are alternatives that fit various budgets. If a particular hotel seems too expensive, look for more affordable options nearby. By choosing a slightly cheaper accommodation, you can still enjoy the beauty of the surroundings and explore the attractions. Or if you do a road trip by car, stay in your dream hotel for two nights, and before or afterwards in a cheaper one. Your Instagram photo will be secured!
Avoid the standard “One day hotel before a cruise”
To truly immerse yourself in a destination, break free from the conventional “one day before a cruise” routine. Take the opportunity to extend your stay and discover interesting places nearby. Research travel agencies’ recommended routes and explore the tours offered by the cruise ship. Additionally, search for articles like “10 things to do in…” to find the must-see attractions of the region. By delving into these resources, you can unearth hidden gems and create an itinerary that goes beyond the obvious tourist spots.
For instance, when cruising from Abu Dhabi, consider staying in the enchanting desert for a few days. Qasr al Sarab by Anantara in the Rub’ al Khali desert, just two hours from Abu Dhabi, offers a remarkable desert experience. (You can drive there by car on your own, it is just two hours from the city).
Planning for an Orient cruise? Read my tipps about Dubai here:
Pursue special interests when planning your journey
If you have already visited the well-known landmarks or seek a unique experience, consider exploring special interests. For example, if you appreciate UNESCO World Heritage Sites, find out if there are any nearby. Sometimes, these sites may not be included in the cruise line’s offerings for excursions, but with a little research, you can discover captivating destinations that align with your interests. An instance of this is the Brimstone Hill fortress in St. Kitts, which is only reachable by smaller cars and may require independent exploration. (Sadly, I could not find my photos anymore, but see link on the end of this text.)
If you are interested in history, find out what has happened in your dream destination and check out the landmarks that you must see. You might be surprised how much more interesting your destination becomes.
If architecture is more your thing, find out which architects have worked there and which iconic buildings you will visit…
Seek out authentic hotels
When searching for accommodation, avoid generic options by expanding your search beyond standard listings. Instead of simply Googling “cheap hotel in…,” look for smaller hotels that reflect the local architectural style and culture. One useful resource is the Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) website, which features charming boutique hotels known for their unique character and exceptional service. By choosing such establishments, you can enhance your travel experience with a touch of authenticity.
An example, we went to Ireland and stayed in a wonderful castle hotel, the Adare Manor in Adare. It was way more interesting there, than just “somewhere in the city”. There was a nice village with a pub nearby, where we went for dinner one evening. Sitting next to village people and eat a tasty fish and chips was just great.
Discover unique cruises
If you crave an extraordinary cruising experience, break away from the beaten path and explore lesser-known cruise lines and routes. There is a vast array of options available, from high seas to rivers, lakes, and more. By conducting thorough research, you can uncover cruises that navigate your dream destinations, offering a fresh perspective and new adventures.
An example: I wanted to go to Angkor Wat in Cambodia. But I knew from the start that I wanted to go on a cruise afterwards. I found out that there were Mekong cruises starting nearby and that they even offered a transfer from the city of Siem Reap to the Mekong River. I booked the flight and hotel in Siem Reap myself and the river cruise directly with the cruise company. It was wonderful and we had time to explore on our own. That was a truly wonderful journey, see pictures:
Travel is about having a bit more time, even if it is short anyway…
Becoming a traveller rather than a tourist is about more than just visiting famous landmarks and ticking off items on a list. It’s about immersing yourself in the essence of a place, having a bit more time – I would always consider spending a bit more time in a place, but visiting fewer places in one trip. It will be much more interesting.
However, I also use travel agents. There are tricky things like booking flights across the date line. You can easily get it wrong… or my next trip to Peru. It is almost impossible to book everything with domestic flights, the special things you must consider when visiting Machu Picchu etc. Sometimes real professionals are more efficient. But you can prepare by giving them your ideas. This only works if you know what you want…
So let’s go on our journeys with open hearts and curious minds, and become travellers who have a real connection and appreciation wherever we go. Happy travels!
The links I promised above:
- Brimstone Hill Fortress, Caribbean, St. Kitts
- Adare Manor, Adare Irelandhttps://www.adaremanor.com/
- Qasr al Sarab by Anantara, Rub’ al Khali desert near Abu Dhabi
Greetings, Yvonne
PS: Photos below, we fly to Beijing on our own (that was before the Pandemic), and just walked through the city…
Leave a Reply