Tourist or Not Tourist | Vacations

By Guest
Total views: 2
Word Count: 946

Visit a tourist site, preferably the most famous and commercialized one. Gawk at the Real Thing of which you only had previously experienced through pictures, postcards and long stories from your smug friends and loved ones who managed to get there before you had the chance. Get yourself buried in t-shirts, mugs and keychains emblazoned with the name of the place, or whatever overpriced local souvenirs are for sale. Then visit all the other tourist sites in the area, big or small, because that's what they're there for and isn't that why you flew thousands of miles (and endured the nerve-wrecking guy on the plane who kept kicking the back of your seat) to set foot in a different country?

Of course. No tourist in their right mind would go to say, Pisa, and not check out the Leaning Tower (which is actually a good idea as the Tower might completely tilt over in the next couple of years). But if you've already checked out the main sights and are the kind of person who isn't really up to all “the usual things to do,” you can always think of creative ways to enjoy your vacation. For the impulsive, adventurous types who don't mind getting wet, looking stupid, spending some cash in unusual circumstances or experiencing some discomfort, every country has its unexploited side that you can revel in.

Find a map of the city or town you're in. Make sure it's the kind that has updated street names and landmarks, otherwise you might find yourself crossing borders without your knowledge. Pick an area at random. You can do this by closing your eyes and pointing to a spot on the map, or selecting the towns with funny or interesting-sounding names, like the town of Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch if you're in Wales (that's the town with the longest name and if you can read it aloud on your first try, you must love your consonants a lot). When you have your destination, commute to it. Take only public transportation, avoiding taxis as much as possible, and walk if you can so you can soak your surroundings in. It doesn't matter if you know zilch about where you're going to, half the fun of taking trips is in the traveling. When you get there, try to learn as much as possible about the place. Ask the locals questions and if you're up to it, you can even ask them to teach you a few local phrases or sentences. No matter where your feet may take you, it's sure to be a great experience. Of course, trying to find your way back is a different matter, but you can worry about that later.

What is the other thing tourists love during vacations, aside from the sights? Food! Instead of going to the usual cafes and restaurants, roam the streets for local delicacies and relish strange dishes that you may find. Of course, it is advisable that you have had yourself vaccinated or carry a good health insurance policy before you go off wolfing down fried insects or drinking beverages made from plants unknown to you. It can actually be better not to ask about what you're having until after you've chewed and swallowed, so that when you find out it was something you're squeamish about, at least you can say you've tried it. Search for the bizarre and have a little of each, providing your stomach has enough fortitude for this. Why order a regular steak in a fancy restaurant when you're in Thailand? If you find eating unfamiliar ingredients rather distasteful, you can always opt for chicken or beef in a dish you have not tried before. Then you know what's in it, no matter how it's cooked. Even if you're not a fan of exotic food, just sampling them will certainly liven up your tourist life.

Research on activities aside from what you see most of your fellow tourists doing. If there are extreme sports in the area like bungee jumping, parachuting or white water rafting, overcome your fears and paranoia and do them. Most of these are safe enough anyway, and common sense would come in handy when checking which organizations offering such sports are reputable. Look up local events and the normal stuff people of the area do, then join in. Musical festivals, town fiestas, cultural presentations, theaters and stage productions are all instruments not only for entertainment, but for understanding the people and culture of the place you're in. Some communities even encourage tourist participation in their happenings. It doesn't even have to be the big events. You can try a hand at pulling oxen in rural areas, making baskets and brooms or whatever famous crafts are there, rowing a gondola, attending a mass at a church even if you aren't the religious type, maybe even getting yourself an invitation to a local wedding.

All it takes to bring anyone's vacation up a notch is some willpower, resourcefulness, curiosity, the ability to ask questions, a little bit of charm and a sense of humor. Sure, going to the famous spots to ooh and aah over them is good, but actually experiencing the place is even better. Then you'll be able to go home and wipe the smug expressions of people's faces by describing the things you did and showing pictures of you not just posing in front of the camera as a tourist, but living.


For more information about exotic travel, you can visit www.cityofhawkesbury.com

About the Author

Freya is a contributor for various sites like www.usedpartsonline.com and www.villagesaintgeorge.com

You are here Articles > Recreation and Leisure > Travel > Vacations