Copy of Strategic Traveling
Strategic Traveling
Firaz Alvarez
Travelling has always been a passion of mine. I have visited around 129 different countries, each with unique distinctive qualities. I learned many lessons, some very straightforward and obvious (like to never eat the fruits off of foreign trees, as you may spend the next few days of your trip on a toilet rather than on a beautiful train through the Swiss landscape). I have decided to share some of these tried and true travelling tricks with you, just in time for any possible winter getaway plans.
These three different rules, which all fall under what I have dubbed “Strategic Traveling,” will allow anyone to become a better and more satisfied traveler.Rule One: Do not barricade yourself in the luxury of hotels and resorts.
You are lying on the beautiful turquoise beach under the vibrant golden sun as you await a barista to deliver your drink. You have the luxury of an air conditioned room, speedy service, pools placed nonsensically right beside the beach water, and the freedom to a good sleep at any time in the day. That resort really is amazing; something of the heavens. However, will you have truly learned something of the city this resort resides in? Well, if you choose to stay in that perfect resort, sheltered away from the realities of the city, then the answer is no. Instead, get out! Go see what’s around, the smiling faces, the beautiful flora and fauna, and the rich history behind it all. Whenever I go to Mexico, I see many families completely miss the exquisite Mayan and Aztec architecture, choosing instead to stay at a resort and play it safe.
Rule Two: Make an effort to learn the native dialect.
The barista approaches with that refreshing piña colada. He places the cool drink, decorated with a little colorful umbrella, on the table at which you are seated. He smiles and takes the effort to speak in your mother tongue, despite it not being his. You respond with a simple “thank you” in English. Then, upon hearing those words, he launches you right across the bar with a thunderous smack (or at least, that’s what I would do). Congratulations—you just did something really basic, something that you do in your everyday life. Put in the effort to learn a bit of the native dialect! It shows respect for the culture, and will better immerse you in the country you’re visiting. Learning the basics of a language will always be knowledge of high value, even if it’s just the curse words you remember, years after the trip.
Rule Three: Put down that burger.
There you are, in the streets of Mexico City, looking for something to eat. You’re famished. What do you find? McDonald’s, KFC, Burger King, and all the brands that make this foreign country feel not-so-foreign anymore. Once again, congratulations for doing the same thing you would’ve done back in that everyday life you felt the need to temporarily escape. Why bother eating the same way you would back home, when there are so many cultural and traditional dishes being sold? Why not have some flautas or tortas? The nation you visit comes with so many options. Don’t choose to be boring, and eat foods from your everyday life. Now that you know to use “Strategic Travelling,” I am confident that the next time you hop up on that plane, or take your seat at the train, you will have the trip of a lifetime.
