I'm not changing the actual definition; instead, I challenge the way you currently think about travel.
To Each Their Own
We all travel at some point, but has any of your travel experiences challenged you? Did you try something new or try to speak another language? I know people get all comfy when they choose their favorite spot to travel to and go every chance they get. I have nothing against consistency because familiarity is great and makes you feel at home. I personally love getting out of my comfort zone, as much as some people may disagree, because I feel like I am actually challenging myself and making memories that truly last.
Hostels, Hotels, and Tents, Oh My!
What you choose is up to you, because it totally depends on a lot of factors. The destination I choose and who I am traveling with determines where we sleep. I am still young and sleeping on a blow-up sleeping pad in a sleeping bag does not phase me (that much). Camping is a unique experience, whether it is backcountry or campground, because it is challenging. I’ll admit I still search out an actual structure of sorts to go to the bathroom. Hostels are not scary and can actually be cleaner and more organized than hotels! Not to mention cheaper too. I stayed in the Hosteling International San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf in the dead of summer and was in walking distance to all of the classic San Francisco tourist hot spots and saved hundreds of dollars. Don’t knock #hostels until you have tried them because they are inexpensive compared to hotels. To be more specific the definition of a hostel means a shared accommodation with common areas, shared kitchen, dorm style sleeping arrangements and sometimes private rooms. They also have dorm style bathrooms with shower stalls and bathroom stalls. Hotels, for those who like privacy, are obviously an easy choice. A hot private shower, big comfy bed, complimentary breakfast, coffee and even a tv. Nothing to add other than they can be quite expensive depending on where you are visiting. Do it all and you just might learn something about yourself.
It’s all about the Money (sometimes)
Believe it or not, you can go to fun places on a budget. My only advice I will give you is to save your money! Save any cash you weren’t expecting and put it somewhere other than your online bank account. I’d like for you to think about the different ways you can save while traveling. For an example: you can either choose to go to a local store and gather essentials to eat and save money or go out to a restaurant every night. A part of travel Anthony Bourdain shared with us, is that food is amazing and can give you an insight into a culture, country or city.
“Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully you leave something good behind.” – Anthony Bourdain
I agree with Anthony here; however, I think we all need to keep “leave no trace” in mind to ensure the next person’s visit isn’t spoiled.
If you take away anything from this post, remember to keep your mind open. You never know you just might surprise yourself.
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