Well-Rounded Traveling

“Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.”

— Mark Twain, "The Innocents Abroad"

Traveling is a great way to get to better know yourself, but more importantly, travel is the best way to better get to know your fellow man. Nothing quite breaks down the barriers of prejudice like travel does. Immersing yourself in another culture, you very quickly realize that despite our superficial differences, deep down we are all the same.

Fun is definitely something you want to do when you travel, but you are doing yourself a great disservice if you only do things you're comfortable or familiar with.

Finding a balance is key. These are a few ways to find that balance.

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1. Treat yourself

You're on vacation, you deserve a little luxury, so go out there and pamper yourself a bit: pepper in a nice dinner at fancy restaurants, don't be ashamed to stay in nice hotels sometimes, get that massage you've been wanting. Don't feel bad about spending a little extra money every now and then as long as you remember that there are several ways to splurge like a local.

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2. Act Locally. Purchase Locally.

A great way to splurge like a local is to eat at hole-in-the-wall restaurants, street carts, and food trucks. This will give you a sense of what flavors are relevant in any society you visit.

Don't waste your time with the familiar. A good rule of thumb for us personally is, "if you can do it back home, skip it." Don't travel to a far off destination and end up eating at Chili's or a TGI Friday's. 

If guided travel is your thing, search out local travel guide companies as opposed to large international ones. 

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3. Get out of your comfort zone

As I mentioned in my Beginner's Guide to Backpacking, travel offers a unique opportunity to get to know yourself and to try new things that you may not be able to back home. 

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4. Find balance

A lot of people come back from their vacations exhausted. "I need a vacation from my vacation" is a common saying usually expressed by people coming home from a long trip.

The whole point of a vacation is to relax. You shouldn't wear yourself out trying to cram too much into one trip. Don't be afraid to spend a lazy day strolling through a local market, catching a few sights and then taking a nap before going out again to see the city's night life. Not only will this help you stay rested, it will also allow you to see the city at different times throughout the day.

The day after a big adventure should be spent relaxing. Go to a local cafe, people watch, or strike up a conversation with a few locals. These interactions can ocassionally be more culturally rewarding than going to a museum.

At the end of the day, make sure to spend some time just enjoying each other's company.

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