How to Bring Authenticity to Your Travel Experience
1. Embrace Slow Travel:
If you know anything about Roam & Gather, you know this is one the things we feel is essential. The appeal of rushing through places on a tight schedule is understandable, and sometimes it’s unavoidable. But traveling slower is a game changer for many people. Some ideas? Take a train, rather than fly, and savor the journey. Choose local transportation. And obviously, spend more time and fewer places - unload your itinerary a bit and root a little more deeply into each place you go.
2. Unplug from Social Media:
Social media is such a part of everyday life for many of us that we don’t even realize that we have the option of stepping away. So why not declare a social media-free day while traveling? Experiencing the present without distractions will give you a better sense of where you are. You can always post those photos and videos after you get back. Another wonderful way to document your trip is to use a travel journal. It can be digital or paper, but journaling gives you the chance to reflect on your experiences in a different way.
3. Immerse Yourself in Local Culture:
Isn’t this one of the reasons why many of us travel? So get out there. Attend a local event. Go to a festival, market, or cultural performances. Take a food tour with a local who can guide you through an authentic dining experience. Learn a few phrases and make the effort to connect with locals on a deeper level. I have a few more tips on how to connect with local culture in my post on how to find where the locals go.
4. Choose Intimate Accommodations:
Having a more authentic experience can also come down to where you stay. Large chain hotels are sometimes necessary, but if you can opt for boutique hotels or homestays owned by locals. It’s not only a great way to experience personalized hospitality and learn more from your hosts about your destination from those who know it best, it’s also a way to make sure your dollars are going back into the local community, rather than to a corporation.
5. Participate in Group Activities:
Group tours are an incredible way to share an experience and make new friends. Not only do you get to meet people from other places in the world, it can sometimes be interesting to see a place through their eyes, giving you new perspective. Workshops and classes are another fantastic way to connect with your destination. I love to learn how to cook new cuisines, or connect with artists to learn a local skill. What makes these so wonderful is that they’re experience you can bring back home with you.
6. Embrace Mindfulness Practices:
Mindfulness doesn’t need to be complicated. It can be as simple as using your senses. Close your eyes and listen to the sounds around you. What do you smell? How are you feeling? Taking a moment to just sit and take it all in is a wonderful way to connect with your surroundings and yourself.
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hi there, I’m angi the founder of roam & gather. My mission is to curate joy-centered, small group journeys that are relaxed, intimate, and rooted in culture, community and slowness.
Roam & Gather is a small travel company offering soul-nourishing, curated travel experiences that help connect people with global communities, like-minded travelers and themselves.
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