Quality vs. Quantity

Let’s talk about limiting beliefs.

When I started to play with the idea of being a travel coach, I thought to myself, am I ready? Do I have enough experience under my belt? One of my very first posts that announced this business talked about how it took me over a year to build. Most of that was out of my own hesitation. A lifelong habit of procrastinating before I get a burst of energy to move forward. I follow a lot of travel companies, blogs, and travel influencers. So many countries are highlighted that I haven’t visited yet [like Spain! Super popular for tourists, haven’t been yet], activities I haven’t experienced, cultures I’m unfamiliar with. This played so much with my insecurity about having enough skills to run a travel-based business that encourages the connection to a host culture.

I’ve been to 23 countries so far and over half the States. That number feels insignificant when I see travel blogs presenting info about their 90th country or something to that effect. Is it really fair to say I’m experienced enough?

I can now confidently say “YES”.

Each adventure offered something to learn. One thing to remember is that I’ve taken trips to the same country multiple times and in different regions. For example: Germany [4], The United Kingdom [4, soon to be 5], Netherlands [3], Ireland [soon to be 3], Hungary [3], and on and on. Each time, I got to know the local culture more in depth. I’ve made friends in locations who are able explain their culture and allow me to digest by asking curious questions. Different regions within a country may have their own personalities [open vs more reserved], food preparations, how the landscape affects agriculture and the economy, and their own dialect. And it’s still the same country! I’ve morphed from worrying about hitting the tourist hotspots to wanting to see where the locals hang out and start conversations. One can discover that we’re not so different after all.

But how does one really *plan* for a quality trip? Meeting locals are happenstance, but what can one do to add a local quality and feel to their adventure?

I can encourage to following:
My main mantra: Avoid international chain businesses and mass production when possible.
+Stay at a locally-ran hotel or B&B. I also understand the appeal to hotel points and the benefits of a free room. This helps cut down costs for sure. If you happen to venture away from a major city to a smaller city, you’ll have no choice but a local hotel :).
+Get your meals at a local restaurant [*glares at McDonalds*].
+Hire a local city guide to make the tour more personable.
+Museums off the beaten path ran by a local historian. This could gauge wonderful conversations about local history and culture.
+Visit a national park for its walking trails and scenery. Get a vibe for the country’s natural landscape by opting outdoors.
+In many cases, public transit is usually accessible and a cheap option. Consider your mobility options other than rideshare apps like Uber/Lyft.
+See a local band, play, or visit a market.
+Take cooking lessons or watch demonstrations.
+Souvenirs – you guessed it, BUY LOCAL! Skilled artisans and artists exist everywhere! A quick google search can tell you where the store with locally-made items are located. Usually, one can see the origin of the item by turning it over and verifying where it was made.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m growing fond of buying refrigerator magnets of places. But, I always try to pair the purchase with locally-made items when possible.
+And [my favorite]: make new friends!

Anyways, I hope this helps a traveler out with their own limiting beliefs. Whether is being brave to extend beyond a large city and venture out, make conversations when you have social anxiety [been there], or let things happen and not plan every minute of every day. All this to say: I really want to encourage the traveler to actually *see* the country and not miss the point of travel. Find the time for quality time. Find a good balance between rushing in between different tours and perhaps just sit and enjoy a coffee and pastry for a bit and watch the natural hustle and bustle of the city. Let’s rethink the authenticity of travel. And in closing: be open to the differences.

Happy trails and safe adventures!

Some of my favorite trips: