Having meaningful travel is simply what the name suggests, there is meaning and purpose in your travels.
That might be a little easier said than done so let me explain a little bit more.
What is meaningful travel?
Meaningful travel will mean something different to each person.
If you are trying to figure it out for yourself, you will need to think about your own responsibility and attitude towards travel.
Try to self reflect – ask yourself why do you want to go here or do this?
Some common reasons to travel:
- A feeling of adventure
- “Everybody else is doing it so why not”
- To become open minded
- Curiosity about the world
- Bragging about travel accomplishments
- Much needed relaxation
- How it will make you look online/social media
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I am sure there are many more that I could add to that list, but I hope you get the idea.
Meaningful travel means there is a reason for why and what you are doing.
You are being purposeful about how you interact with a certain culture or place.
It affects everything; your destination(s), activities, food, waste, etc.
It could be that you are going through the motions of travel but really not knowing why you do it.
I challenge you to think before traveling. Figure out what you want to do.
I consider meaningful travel to be an authentic, immersive experience in the culture.
Through this I learn something new and grow, expanding my mind and having a truly transformative travel opportunity.
5 Common Mistakes Keeping You From Meaningful Travel
#1 Forgetting To Observe The Locals
One of the tips most forgotten by people is to watch the locals (not in a creepy way of course).
There are a lot of reasons why people might not do this.
They are too busy rushing to the next tourist site, they do not know to look for it, they are in places that are too touristy for the locals to be in, etc.
I always love suggesting this tip to people because it helps them to slow down in your travels.
When you slow down, you can start to notice small details like how different the tourists dress compared to the locals.
You might notice that there are a lot of people in line for a particular restaurant and that most of them seem to be local.
If you go into that restaurant, you might need to watch others to see how the food is ordered and if there is a particular way to eat the food once it arrives.
There are so many little details that can be noticed if you choose to look.
These can help you fit in with the community, rather than sticking out as a tourist.
The more you can blend in, the bigger chance you will have to have more authentic, meaningful travel.
For more reading, check out these amazing slow travel books.
#2 Having Your Phone Glued To Your Hand
Your phone is an amazing travel tool where you find information in seconds.
Like anything, there are pros and cons though. Some cons are envy and comparison.
Like the little comparison voice that tends to speak up when we scroll through different feeds.
Maybe this is the reason why people feel the need to record and photograph everything they are doing or why people are doing more and more drastic stunts for internet fame.
There is this idea that we are not doing enough or showing up enough and that we have to be better than the next person.
In some twisted way, I think that humans think capturing it all will help us to remember it later…
My friend Anna once told me that she is trying to take less photos on vacation.
I asked her why in a confused voice… She said that she remembers more of the little details when she does not try to capture it.
There have been so many times when I was traveling that it just would not have been appropriate to record or photograph.
Usually, that is when you know you are having a local experiences, because you do not want something to ruin it.
Sometimes we can be too connected, too concerned with what others are doing instead of focusing on us and our own lives.
Stop feeling the need to take your phone everywhere and capture every detail.
If you feel safe at your destination, try leaving it at home so you can save up some mental memories.
This will help you be more present in your surroundings.
#3 Being Unwilling Or Forgetting To Be Open
Say no to being close-minded!
Whether on purpose not, some can be completely oblivious to how narrow their worldview is.
This might seem silly to say because you can not just flick a switch and all the sudden be open.
It will take time to come out of that and to be honest I think everyone is close minded in some ways.
Either way, letting go of it and being open to new experiences is essential.
Seeing other parts of the world and interacting with people from other cultures can seriously be mind boggling.
Usually, up until that point, people would consider themselves to be quite ‘open’.
So instead, try to intentionally open up before that so you do not pee your pants from culture shock (metaphorically of course).
As the case with all travel adventures, make sure to cover yourself in case something goes wrong with travel insurance.
Now, if you are one of the people that claim it is not a necessity, think again!
It is by far one of the most important purchases for your trip.
And if it is a matter of cost, well… if you can not afford it, you probably should not be traveling.
I always use SafetyWing because they have wide coverage and are the most affordable.
#4 Unconsciously Wasting Money
Say no to buying ‘made in China’ souvenirs please!
Not only is this more sustainable for the planet, but it helps lessen your tourist footprint.
Avoid the stands and shops that look tacky and far from authentic.
It is these places where you will find useless, plastic types of keepsakes.
By steering clear, your suitcase will be a lot lighter too and your shelves will not be overly cluttered when you return.
Instead, consider finding shops and vendors that are away from the main tourist attractions.
Make sure to check with owners about the source of the merchandise so you can know if the money you are spending goes back into the local economy.
Consider paying for a local experience like learning how to make a local delicacy or wine at a local winery.
#5 Focusing On Where rather than Who
I have been saving the best for last! Say no to being a bucket list Brenda.
What do I mean? Having a bucket list is alright – there is nothing wrong with it.
This is more about when someone starts obsessing over ticking off each thing, there is the issue.
Let me tell you from experience… completing everything on your bucket list will not give you a fulfilling trip. It will only make you burned out.
Seeing every important historical site and tourist attraction will not help you to have meaningful travel.
It is the people around you that will either make or break your experience.
Meeting locals and other travelers will impact you far more than that crumbling stone wall from 1753.
Do not get me wrong – I absolutely love history. There is a huge part of history that plays into having meaningful travel.
When I am at a historical site I like to think about what it would have been like 100, 200, 300 years before.
This really helps me to learn about the place and reflect on my own life.
So I am not discounting how powerful history can be… more so emphasising that you are likely to find the most joy interacting with others.
Making connections and memories that will stay with you far longer than inanimate objects will.
Instead of being dead set on checking off your bucket list, leave room for meaningful travel with those around you.
Though bucket lists usually are not my style, I created a special ‘slow travel’ bucket list for you.
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