{"id":2125,"date":"2020-02-20T22:16:28","date_gmt":"2020-02-20T22:16:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.theholisticpursuit.com\/?p=2125"},"modified":"2020-02-20T22:16:28","modified_gmt":"2020-02-20T22:16:28","slug":"traveling-intentionally","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.theholisticpursuit.com\/blog\/traveling-intentionally\/","title":{"rendered":"Traveling, intentionally"},"content":{"rendered":"
We were in Mijas, Spain with some friends in the peak tourist season and they had to close down the town because there were so many tourists it was overwhelming the infrastructure. This is happening more and more and now in many places you need to sign up online to see popular attractions. It protects historical sites from being overwhelmed and overly worn.<\/p>\n
I’ve also heard people are stealing tiles in portugal<\/a> at an alarming rate! That is an example of consumerism travel at its worst. Tourism can bring money and prosperity to areas, but it can also cheapen a place and ruin the beauty and uniqueness. Both the tourist industry and the tourist can be guilty of this.<\/p>\n As I’ve read the articles on people stealing tiles, pounds of sand from beaches<\/a> or experienced mass tourism in a place, it made me think about how I travel and why I travel. What is my motivation? To check a new place off my list of places to see before I die? How do we travel well and not abuse a place? I thought of a few tips to help us all travel more intentionally.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you know Camille and I, you know we love languages! Why? 1. we are geeks \ud83e\udd132. It connects us to a culture faster than anything! Even a small effort opens doors and helps you feel connected even for a short stay. Who knows you may even get a dinner invite? \ud83d\ude09 I also at least look at the wikipedia page of a country or place to read about the history and what has shaped a place. I like to read books by fellow travelers or historians if it peaks my interest as well.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Keeping the money in country helps the local economy and people. Stay away from Starbucks, Mcdonalds, and the american chains. If you are in Tirana Albania<\/a> for example, there is a ton of good espresso, some amazing hamburger spots, and for what we pay for our lattes in the USA, you can buy 4 cappuccinos here and they are good! (Albania was occupied by Italy for many years). Of course there is no shame if you have a moment of culture shock and just need a big mac \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n#1 Learn some of the language, history and culture before you arrive.<\/h3>\n
#2 Shop at the local\/authentic spots<\/h3>\n