How to Travel the World and Not Annoy Everyone

Reading time:4 mins

Embedded into the very nature of humanity is a yearning to explore. Long before today’s avenues of global travel were opened, wanderlust was a clear trait in lives and societies across history. How, after all, did nations grow, and people groups move? Did not this same curiosity accompany the Magi as they rode through the desert night in search of the Bethlehem star? Surely Marco Polo was simply embracing that common desire to see lands beyond?

The desire to travel is only natural, and should be embraced with due care

The current situation, however, has bought about a troubling scenario where we see superficial experiences slowly warping the wonders of exploration.

Not only does diluted, oft-egocentric, mass tourism detach you from the true marvels of travel, it also denigrates the culture and places being visited, leading to pockets of over-saturated ‘spots’. This is rarely appreciated by locals, and does not make for a true human experience.

Here are a few suggestions on how to build responsible travel habits, whilst retaining an understanding of how2behuman at the same time:

1)      Study the culture of places you want to visit - Even if it is just dipping your toe, everywhere has different customs and traditions.

2)      Beware of your bubble - What are some questions you can humbly ask of your own culture, that could be friction points with places you are visiting?

3)      Practice some basic language skills – Some may feel that ‘they are not good at languages’ but across the globe are examples of people from all walks of life speaking multiple languages. There seems to be little reason for anyone not to be able to pick up basics such as hello and thank you, with an eye to being polite and respectful.

4)      It is not tick-box or bust – Today's culture has generated a trend of maintaining checklists for how many countries you have been to, etc. May I suggest that if we treat all of our experiences this way, we risk seeing the places we are experiencing as tasks to be conquered, rather than actual places with real people, historical connotations, and important wildlife.

5)      Embrace the struggle – First class flight, strong Wifi, etc. Maybe these are the types of commodities we strive for in travel, but arguably, in line with our conjoined historical experiences, lasting memories are formed when a certain measure of struggle validates and strengthens our experience.

Considering the above, whether it be by boat, plane, train, foot or other, do embrace your wanderlust! After all, this is part of how2behuman.