If you’re anything like me, you might find yourself infatuated with the idea of visiting obscure places and discovering new cultures. There’s something I find thrilling about immersing myself in a culture that is radically different from my own.
My first solo trip took me to the Australian Outback - a place which, to me, embodied the idea of fearless exploration. I loved the idea of venturing into the unknown. After all, the outback was a place I knew almost nothing about, yet deeply desired to understand. The vibrant red sand, exotic wild animals, and local Aboriginal culture all called to me with the promise of genuine adventure.
What I sought on this solo trip was an authentic travel experience, but what I discovered was that where I was didn’t matter nearly as much as my desire to find an authentic travel experience. Although thousands of people visit the Australian outback every year, I felt like an explorer in an unknown land. It was all new to me and that is what mattered.
Uluru, Australian Outback
For some, the pursuit of authentic travel experiences will take them to the far-flung reaches of the globe; to unexplored territory and distant landscapes. For others, however, their quests might lead them to places a little less, shall we say, ambitious. Perhaps their journeys will lead them to bustling cities, famous attractions, and well-documented historical landmarks.
But whether you find yourself exploring in Paris or Timbuktu, the opportunity to discover wonderful and amazing things is the same. I truly believe that one of the most important factors in facilitating an authentic, fulfilling travel experience is the right mindset.
The Explorer’s Approach:
I like to imagine that the first true explorers pondered the world and said to themselves, “I don’t know what’s out there, but I’m going to find out.”
Taking an “explorer’s approach” to travel means looking at the world around you with curiosity, challenging your expectations, and resolving to discover something new.
In order to do this, you’re going to have to step outside the box a little. Whether that means visiting an obscure island in the South Pacific or venturing into a new restaurant that you haven’t already thoroughly researched on Yelp is irrelevant. It doesn’t matter how daring or brave the step you take is, what matters is that you approach the situation with the proper mindset.
Choose to view traveling as a quest for discovery, and you will find that the experience starts to matter much more than the outcome.
Lisbon cafe
What might happen if you decided to dine in a quaint, mom-n-pop restaurant that you just happened to stumble upon on a side street in Lisbon? Maybe you’ll have the best meal of your life. Perhaps you’ll make a new friend. You might even strike up a friendly conversation with the owner and walk away from that restaurant with newfound insight into the local culture. And, of course, there’s always the chance that life might present you with a new challenge.
But as long as you choose to focus on the experience, the outcome is inconsequential. Regardless of what happens, you have the opportunity to emerge on the other side of that impromptu dinner with an experience that, in one way or another, adds value to your life.
What you can do:
In addition to packing the proper mindset, there are practical steps you can take to facilitate a more meaningful and authentic travel experience. Let’s say you intend to visit Paris. Certainly, you’ll want to do some of the typical “touristy” things like see Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower, visit the Louvre and stroll down the Champs-Elysees - all of which you should do when in Paris. But in order to avoid disappointment, there are things you can do as a traveler to facilitate a travel experience that goes beyond the major tourist attractions.
Shoulder-to-shoulder buildings in Paris
1. Schedule your trip at the right time of year.
Odds are, if you wish to visit a place, so do thousands of other visitors. It can be difficult to really dive into the authentic culture of a place when tourists outweigh the locals. In order to mitigate the problem of over-tourism, do some research prior to your trip to discover when the peak season is in your destination. Then consider traveling either just before or after this time in what is known as the shoulder season. Shoulder seasons see fewer crowds and usually cheaper hotel and airline rates. A good time to visit Paris, for example, is either in the Spring (April - mid-June) or Fall (September - October). Here is a great article by Rick Steves with tips on how to choose the best time to visit Europe.
2. Venture off the beaten path.
If you can’t schedule your trip in the shoulder season, make an effort to escape the tourist zones, and venture into local neighborhoods, restaurants, and shops to get a taste of local life. If traveling solo, make sure you understand what areas are safe to visit on your own. If you don’t speak the language or are at all uncomfortable wandering off by yourself, consider searching for a small-group tour in your area that will take you to the more “hidden” locales. Although joining an organized tour might sound like a great way to feel like a tourist, done properly, joining a small-group tour led by a local guide feels almost like being escorted by an “in-the-know” friend.
(At The AstridTravel Club, we’re big proponents of always feeling like travelers, never tourists!)
3. Choose unique activities.
Crafting a trip with a theme in mind allows you to hand-pick activities that suit your interests. If you love to cook, consider looking into a “Make Your Own Pasta” class in Italy or a “Ceviche Workshop” in Cartagena. If you’re a painting novice, sign up for an artistry workshop, scope out an art show, or simply stroll into a local gallery.
Pick up a local newspaper or magazine and read what is going on in the local community. If you’re struggling to come up with ideas, talk to your hotel concierge, and tell them what you’re interested in; they might have some ideas or be able to point you in the right direction to find an activity that suits your interests. For more ideas, listen to this episode of our Solo Travel Talk Podcast: “Have Theme, Will Travel.”
4. Support small businesses
Note: Read this blog, for 8 ways to support small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hotels: As we’ve mentioned numerous times in the past, finding the right hotel can either make or break your travel experience. There’s a certain comfort in choosing to stay with a familiar hotel chain like Hilton, Four Seasons, etc. because they have a certain reputation and quality standards to uphold. These chains operate thousands of hotels around the world - some better than others, some more authentic than others. Many of these chains have absorbed smaller hotels and have managed to retain their original character while upgrading service and quality standards.
However, there is also great value in finding a truly unique hotel that is independently owned and operated. Even some of the smaller “chains” like Belmond boast a collection of hotels - each one with their own special flair. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might consider searching for a family or locally-owned hotel in your destination. For example, the Hotel Regina in Paris has been in the same family for generations. Overflowing with character and charm, this one-of-a-kind hotel feels authentically Parisian. The Dar Ayniwen in Marrakesh, a family-built, owned, and operated riad, is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful and unbelievably welcoming hotels I have ever had the pleasure of staying in. Places like this not only offer travelers a unique experience, but they provide insight into the local culture in a way that large chains never could.
Restaurants: Do yourself a favor, and embrace local food while traveling. Not only is it a great way to experience something new, but it’s a great way to begin to understand the culture of your destination because culture and cuisine are inextricably linked. Talk to your waiter, chat-up the bartender, befriend some locals and you will be amazed at what a different experience this creates for you as a traveler. People appreciate when you express a genuine interest in them, and they’ll likely offer up some information that adds to your travel experience. For tips on dining alone as a solo traveler, check out this podcast episode.
Shopping: Part of being a responsible traveler, to me, means being cognizant of where my money is going. I do my best to try and put my money back into the local economy by shopping at small, locally-owned boutiques, grocers, and markets. Not only will you end up with a better product when shopping this way, but you’ll also be fueling a local economy that is desperately trying to stay alive amidst competition from corporate giants.
Be Mindful
Ultimately, the best way to create a meaningful travel experience is to simply be a more mindful traveler. Be mindful of your planning process, of the culture, of where you choose to spend your money, and most importantly, your attitude. By practicing awareness you will learn that, while you can’t always control your situation, you can always control your response. Learning to be mindful means learning to be in the moment, and enjoy the ride!
If you find yourself searching for an authentic travel experience, we invite you to consider joining our community of like-minded travelers over at The AstridTravel Club! With small-group trips designed to inspire this mindful mindset, we feel confident you’ll find the meaningful travel experience you seek on any ATC Trip. Click the button below to visit our new AstridTravel Club website to learn more.
I hope you’ve found these tips useful. If you have any ideas or comments on how to create meaningful travel experiences, please share them in the comments below!
Madeline joined the Astrid Solo Travel Advisor team as a Content and Digital Marketing Manager in 2018. She believes that traveling is an essential aspect of life that allows you to see yourself, other people, places and things in a new light. She is passionate about trying new things, having a curious mind and seeking joy wherever she goes. To read more about her and each one of our Solo Travel Advisors, head over to the About page!
Marrakesh, Morocco is a place that beckons travelers from across the globe with the promise of a novel adventure. It is a place that commands you to experience it with all your senses; to be present and know what it feels like to be fully alive. In this post, I’m sharing my suggestions for 10 things to do while traveling alone in Marrakesh that I believe will optimize your travel experience.