How to stop being a "bag" and become a traveler

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

The most interesting places and the most interesting events usually do not cost a lot of money. But only if you become a traveler, not a package tourist.

What is package tourism and what is a "package"?

Experts tell us that this is when a tourist purchases a certain set of services (package), which includes transportation, accommodation, accommodation, meals and sometimes even excursions. At the same time, a person does not worry about all these nuances at all: he paid and went. He is a "bagger".

It seems to me that the name comes from the fact that a tourist is, as it were, put in a bag and in such a packed form is moved from one point to another. Want to get out of the package and be a true traveler? Then this article is for you!

1. Realize that the world is not an amusement park

In the event that you live in a hotel with a group of compatriots and move around the country only on sightseeing buses, and only in those places that your guide's hand points to, you risk not seeing the real face of the country. It seems to you that there are continuous attractions, attractions and amusement parks around you, which, of course, has nothing to do with reality. Therefore, the first step is to tune in to the fact that you have to meet with reality and real people who live their normal life.

2. Conduct research before traveling

No, no one encourages you to memorize the pages of encyclopedias and tourist guides, but you still need to have some idea of the purpose of your trip. On an independent trip, you won't have a guide who leads by the hand, so it's easy to miss something or never understand local traditions. Try to start with at least our series of articles "10 reasons to visit …".

3. Study local culture and customs

By the way, about traditions. Not knowing or knowingly ignoring them can play a bad joke on you. In some countries, how you dress, how you greet, and how you behave in general are quite serious. Most often they will prompt you or just smile, but sometimes you can run into a tougher attitude. So it is better to learn about the cultural characteristics of different countries before visiting them, which will help you with our articles in the "Secrets of Etiquette" series.

4. Asking Before Taking Pictures

This is an easy way to show your respect and avoid unpleasant situations. In some countries, locals see their pictures as part of their soul and are not too happy to be in the frame. In other countries, on the contrary, they try in every possible way to fit into the lens, but then they will not leave you behind without reward. Just ask before pressing the button, and it will save you from boring explanations and extortion. And sometimes there are situations when you don't even need to ask, but you just need to hide your camera away.

5. Learn a few key phrases

Although English is still used as the main language for international communication, it still does not hurt to learn a few words or even phrases in the language of the country you are going to visit. Nothing special, just the usual "Hello", "Thank you", "How are you?" etc. This simple set acts on the locals like a magic spell that evokes affection and smiles.

6. Live with the locals

Nothing gives you the same insight into the local culture as getting to know and, ideally, staying with the locals. Only here you can find out how people actually live, what they eat, what they worry about and how they earn. Such knowledge will differ in many respects from the picture on TV or postcard types of attractions, but the more valuable is such an experience. Besides, this is a good way to save a lot on travel. You will learn more about this in the following articles:

• CouchSurfing: Get to know, communicate, explore and travel.
• How to travel the world for almost free.

7. Get rid of the mandatory program

The main difference between a package tourist and a traveler is the programmed and predictable actions of the former. He moves from point to point strictly according to the program, takes photographs in specially designated places, eats in strictly defined institutions and wakes up in the morning according to the established schedule. The main goal of such a tourist is to complete the program, not to have fun.

An independent traveler, unlike a package traveler, can independently manage his time, so it is very important, even before departure, to tune in to the maximum pleasure of the trip, and not to fulfill the obligatory program. Be spontaneous and devote as much time and energy to each place as it deserves. Let yourself get lost, discover unknown places, meet new people. Don't be afraid to travel alone.

• How to fall in love with solo travel.
• Solo travel options.

8. Use public transport

If you are planning a trip on your own, then do not ignore public transport. Yes, there are countries where the car is still the safest and most enjoyable way to travel. But in all other cases, feel free to board buses, trams and trains. So you can not only significantly save on travel, but also get acquainted with the life of the country from the inside.

9. Realize that the best things in life (and travel) are often free

And finally, the most important discovery that you have to make if you want to become a traveler. It consists in the absence of a direct linear relationship between the quality of rest and the amount of money spent. Package tours teach us that the more money you spend, the more you will see and the better you will have a rest. In fact, this is not the case. Very often, vacationers at the promoted resorts cannot push their way on the beach among other people's sweaty bodies, and visitors to famous museums see nothing but other people's backs.

Don't be fooled by this deception. Real miracles do not happen there and, as a rule, do not cost a dime. There are a million places on our planet where you don't have to fight for a trestle bed with fat aunts or listen to drunken screams in a restaurant. But you can only find them when you become a traveler, not a package tourist.