Travel is awesome: it’s fun, educational, and perhaps even transformative. But whenever I hear or see the phrase “off the beaten path” it makes me grit my teeth just a little bit.
“Off the beaten path” is probably the most overused term in travel literature and internet forums these days. It expresses the need to do, see, and experience things in a destination that the “average” or “typical” tourist would not. The premise in and of itself is not faulty: I can totally understand that your insatiable thirst for something new or different may mean that you want to stray from the carefully conceived itinerary outlined in your guidebook.
It’s rather the snobbery and pretentiousness that can accompany this sentiment that get me annoyed. The travellers who think they are better than others or have had more “authentic” experiences because they’ve gone where not many have gone before. I’ve heard and seen travellers boast about getting to far-reaching destinations relatively untouched by hordes of tourists, of being “the first” or “the only” to crack x destination or attempt y experience. In the next breath, I’ve heard these same travellers disparage others for going on cruises, or coach tours, or all-inclusive resort vacations; I’ve seen them scorn those who go to the Bahamas instead of Burma or Bhutan.
As if going off the beaten path somehow makes you more intelligent and highly evolved than someone else. Um, no.
As I said in my in 7 Travelling Truths post, I believe that all travel is valuable: there is no travel hierarchy and travel is not a race. Travel should never be the subject of a pissing contest — and if you think you are better than someone else because you travelled to the furthest and the most random corners of the earth then you are a sad little person.
Because, after all, what’s so bad about the beaten path?
The beaten path is the beaten path for a reason. People never would have flocked to, say, the Eiffel Tower if it wasn’t special in some way, they wouldn’t continue to go to the Grand Canyon in droves if it wasn’t, for lack of a better word, epic.
Let me make myself clear before you get up in arms: there’s nothing wrong with wanting to do something different, wanting to see, feel, and taste the atypical on your journey abroad. But when your desire to boldly go where no one has gone before is based heavily on competition, chest-thumping bragging rights, and looking down your nose at others because you deem their “ordinary” travels not “alternative enough”, you’ve got a problem.
So what’s my message here? Simple. The road not taken, of course, can yield rewards, but the established road, well-walked, experienced, and trodden, is exactly so for a distinct purpose and shouldn’t be the object of disdain — even if it is “mainstream”.
Besides, travel snobbery is uglier than Cinderella’s stepsisters. Live life and love travel — all travel — on your own terms.
What do you think? What’s your take on travel snobbery and the desire to get off the beaten path?
117 Comments
I agree 100%! When I plan a trip, the first thing I do is read about the places ‘on the beaten path’ because I know I’d be a fool to be in the area and miss them. Then I look into things a little further and see if there’s anywhere that takes my interest that might not be listed as a must see in every guidebook. There are very few places left on this earth where you’re not going to come into contact with other travellers, so you might as well accept it and just do what you know you’ll enjoy. And besides, meeting like-minded travellers is one of the best things about travel. You’d miss out big time if you always tried to avoid them.
I agree with you there! Some of the best times I’ve had abroad have been precisely because of the other travellers I’ve met. So I personally don’t mind crowds that much. I also like your strategy of figuring out the tourist hotspots first!
Yeah, that phrase irks me as well. It makes travel seem too much like a competition. The emphasis needs to be less on “getting off the beaten track” and more on being respectful and learning as we travel.
I actually like the term. It helps me differentiate where is more crowded, where I may have a difficult time accessing, etc. The travel magazines I’ve read have at times used it with snobbery but in my regular convo, I’ve not had that experience. I’ve been blessed.
I see where you’re coming from, but at the same time, with all these articles being written about off the beaten track experiences, there’s bound to be more tourists flocking there… perhaps making that destination a tourist trap over time!
I hate “off the beaten path” too. It is totally meaningless. However I like to say i’m an ‘anti-tourist travel blog’. Mostly because I hate large tourist crowds, and most guides tours. Always have. Doesn’t mean I stay away from the tourist areas, just that I try to find a new view of them. I am a firm believer of 2 things:
1. you have to see tourist things when you go somewhere. like you said, they are popular because they are special.
2. if i wanted to see a bunch of gringos, i’d stay home…so yes, when i travel, i try to get away from the popular foreigner areas most of the time and meet some locals. and most of the places i end up are popular locals areas…so its pretty much the same. 🙂
I can dig what you’re saying, especially in regards to number two on your list! 🙂
Great post Oneika!
As you said, it’s the snobbery and pretentiousness that accompanies the statement that undermines travel. I read this great post awhile back discussing similar sentiments… http://www.mike-jess.com/2013/03/traveller-vs-tourist.html
This is such a fabulous post! I really think that with the explosions of travel blogs and social media highlighting a lot people are jockeying to distinguish themselves through their offbeat travel experiences — which means a lot of chest puffing and bragging about being random and alternative (which undermines what travel should be about, learning, growing, and enjoying for yourself and not just to impress others).
If I ever find myself off the beaten path while travelling, it’s usually because I’ve gotten myself lost!!
Loved this post. You made some really points. Travel should be for fun and educational purposes — not a chance to brag (though the invention of FB also means that bragging got a whole lot easier to do and pass off as status updates…) and compete with other people.
Hope you’re well copine!
LOL! So glad you touched on Facebook! To be honest, I’ve really become aware of my status updates on my personal page as one friend ‘joked’ that it appeared I was bragging, gah! Facebook for me is a way to keep folks abreast of my whereabouts, joys, and successes, but I never want it to be viewed as “look at what a great life I’m having”.
This is the exact reason why I skip over many a travel/expat blog. It seems that travel for some is just to boast about some obscure place or adventure they have had. Like Avalon however I don’t like crowds so I do try to see places that are less frequented or I will go to the big sites at off times when less people are around.
I really don’t get this competing for the most random destination/experience thing. All travel is invaluable, and really, travel is so personal that what you may find obscure another person may find commonplace.
I agree with you about the snobbery aspects not being cool. We try never to disparage other forms of travel in our stories. However, I do think there are unique benefits to “off the beaten path” travel, both in terms of authentic experiences and economic benefits to the indigenous people, that you simply do not get with other forms of travel.
For me, the interest in ecotourism/sustainable travel comes from an understanding of history, and how Colonial Imperialism watered down the indigenous cultures around the world almost to the point of homogeny. Now, there’s something to be said for the influences Colonial cultures had on countries such as Peru, Curacao, etc. But, more often than not, those influences came at the expense of traditional cultures in those regions, many of which were ultimately transformed beyond recognition or wiped out completely.
For me, getting “off the beaten path” when we travel is a way of honoring, and hopefully helping to preserve, those elements that make each destination truly unique in the face of widespread corporatization and commercialization of the global economy. I don’t judge anyone else for not traveling the way we do, but I CONSTANTLY emphasize the rewards of taking the road less traveled.
Thanks for your comment, Bret! I do recognize the benefits of off the beaten path travel, but don’t think that this should be a singular aim when for many, getting out there and seeing the world (even on a guided tour) is a huge feat in and of itself. Rather, it’s the commoditization of travel that bothers me, the chest beating and boasting about discovering lands yet unexplored. I’m moreso talking about those who reduce others’ travel experiences to unimportant occurrences simply because they aren’t alternative enough. I think there’s room for different types and ways of travel, and really commend you for championing off the beaten path travel as it relates to combatting corporatization and commercialization!
When I first saw the title of this I thought the post was going to be completely opposite of what it turned out to be. Thank God. I could not agree with you more Oneika. I really dont think there are many “unexplored” places anymore. Were there ever? Humans have been almost everywhere on this planet. Just because they didnt write a blog about it doesnt mean they werent there and didnt have an impact. Travel is valuable. Period.
I agree with you Jim! I think that every inch of the earth has been explored at some point by some human, so those hoping to be “first” are sadly too late!! lol!
We agree! They’re tourist sites for a reason. And sometimes, the places considered “off the beaten path” tend to be the most beaten anyways. So…
True dat!
Reading this post (and the intelligent comments) made me so happy! It’s nice to know there are other bloggers out there who feel the same way I do about pretentious travelers that belittle others. I often defend guided tours because, like you said, there is no travel hierarchy, and, in some cases, a bus tour is the only way someone can travel (due to age or disability, etc.) so criticizing that is just rude. As Wild Buttercup mentioned in her comment, it’s more important to be respectful of and learn about the place you’re visiting and its host culture than to get “off the beaten path.”
Exactly! Sometimes we need to recognize the limitations of ourselves and others. Some of the choices we make in travel are dictated by factors such as mobility and finances and age — so glad you brought that up!
Amen! I fully agree that travel should never be a pissing contest. Some people need to get off their high horse and just freakin learn to enjoy life!
Hell yea!
I confess that I’m somewhat of a travel snob. In general, I don’t like doing things everyone else does because when popularity comes into the equation, authenticy is breached. I have looked down on all-inclusives and such because *I* like the eperience different cultures, and being on a secluded property with a bunch of priviledged people like myself doesn’t allow me to do that (though these days I just want to get away, so all-inclusives are more appealing). There is a lot of grey area; I don’t think “third world” equates to more authenticity than say…going to Paris. One of my most enjoyable experiences was going to Rome. Loved every minute of it. But I think it’s because the culture hasn’t been totally sanitized. I’m from Chicago. It’s not a place that many people think when they want to travel, but it never fails that first-time travelers are amazed at what my city has to offer. Unfortunately, the current mayor wants it to be NYC-lite, and he is slowing trying to erase what makes Chicago, Chicago. Another favorite vacation was Trinidad. Because Trinidad isn’t a tourist island, people go to visit family or experience Carnival. Trinidad Carnival was one of THE BEST experiences of my life and I can’t wait to do it again. When most people think “Carnival,” they think Rio. Though I haven’t been to Brazil, I can’t help feeling the experience in Trinidad is much more personal. The world is getting more homogenized, so I will continue to seek “off the beaten path” vacations when I can. It’s nice to get away from industrialized, capitalist societies/norms every once in a while.
I understand where you’re coming from, but people have different different aims for travel, and that’s okay. I know really know of anyone going on an all-inclusive vacay to Cuba or the Dominican for the cultural experience– I think most of the time they go to relax on a beautiful beach… And that’s okay. Travel doesn’t always have to be “meaningful” or “cultural”, it can just fit into the realm of fun and breezy and light. I also don’t think that popular destinations become more watered down or less authentic — just tell that to the locals who live there and go about their lives on the daily! I can see where you’re coming from though, thanks for your comment!! p.s. I would love to play mas in Trini Carnival!
I totally agree. Travel is travel.
Some snobberies that I myself am guilty of, when I studied abroad in Australia I came with 70 other Americans and most of them never made a single Australian friend. I found this really really really sad.
I think I’m guilty of that snobbery as well — I kind of feel like you SHOULD make an attempt to integrate/meet new people who aren’t from your country when you travel.
All kind of travel is better than sitting at home.
Richtig! 😉
I really appreciate this! It’s almost like you’re not considered a “true” traveler if you travel in a more conventional way.
There’s a diversity in ways of traveling, just like with people. Some people want to try it all, some people have their preferences, but like you said — what is the USE of putting down people because they’re not like you? So much for being “open-minded!” Haha.
I know, right?! It’s almost like travel has become a competitive sport. Snobby folks are missing the point, I think.
YES. This article totally sums up my opinion on the matter. I wrote a similar article about how all travel is travel, and we should never judge someone if they choose to take the same trip to Hawaii every year. To each their own!! Great post.
Thanks chicky! Travel is such a personal thing, and so much more than a bragging point or commodity. Live and let live, I say.
I’m totally with you on this one! Especially the part about the beaten path being beaten for a good reason. Usually, those places ARE worth visiting! I can’t stand travelers who look down their noses at other travelers based on where they’ve been (or, in most cases, haven’t been).
Guess where I’m going this summer? To all the big cities in Western Europe. You’d better believe that I’m going to ride a gondola in Venice and go see the Eiffel Tower. And I’m going to love it. Screw anyone who will judge me for it.
Sounds like a big summer!! Will you be in London at any point? Come say hi!
Preach!
If you’ve never seen the White House, the Eiffel Tower, or heck, Disney World, you are traveling. You are experiencing something new. And if your eyes are open, if you are compassionate and curious, everywhere you go will be special.
I love this blog.
Angel
I want you make your comment my personal motto!!! Yassss, girl!!
So true, Oneika. You summed it up so well. There is a kind of judgemental attitude some world travelers have. And the well-known sites as you say, are well-known for a reason so they are worth seeing. Travel can be a unique experience even in front of the most touristy sites because it’s different with *your* eyes.
You hit the nail on the head with your last statement! Seriously, one’s man’s trash is another’s treasure. You never know how you’ll react to a certain place until you experience it personally…
Lots of people have written their opinions about which I also share. Instead of dwelling upon them again, I’d like to say: thanks for your post, Oneika.
I enjoyed the piece. I can say I am guilty of being a travel snob and I am working on it. And I agree any traveling is good traveling. I did cruises and the all inclusive resorts and that was my foray into becoming a traveler. My issue with the “beaten path” is that it keeps folks from seeing other places and people and experiences due to misconceptions. Like certain countries off the beaten path are believed to be of less significance or dangerouse. My personal issue with the resorts and cruises is that they don’t support local economies. I try to book lodging from locals and support local businesses as much as I can. Funny story: when I went to guatemala i tried to book lodging from a guatemalan but for whatever reason ended up booking from an Expat. The snob in me was disappointed but the host turned out to be great and was someone who actually supported the local community. Keep up the good work!!
I agree with you 100%. Even though I usually prefer traveling to some “off the beaten path” countries or locations, I still think that there’s appeal with the mainstream ones. After all, popular places are usually popular for a reason. Also, I have no problem traveling alone or as part of a tour group. There are advantages to both ways.
Something that really annoys me personally is how many travel snobs like to talk about how they like to go to “off the beaten path” third world countries and “live like locals” to soak in the full experience of a country. I’m sorry, but if you are a traveler, you are not living like a local, especially if you are staying in a hostel.
The term doesn’t annoy me if it is used when somebody has actually been to a destination that was off the beaten tourist path (I have to admit I used it before. Being an expat in Cambodia I do really get to see many places that tourists don’t go to. 🙂 ). However a lot of people use it for places that may be exotic (i.e. Pai in Thailand), but that are published in Lonely Planet, which in itself suggests that it is not off the ebaten path anymore and probably has been visited by many other people before.
Love this post!! Particularly the part where you mention “I believe that all travel is valuable: there is no travel hierarchy and travel is not a race.” So true! It’s easy to get caught up in constantly wanting to try new things, or be the first to try this or that, that we overlook the fact that “the beaten path is the beaten path for a reason.”
Keep up the great posts – love reading them 🙂
Thanks Tiffany!
While the term doesn’t necessarily annoy me per say, it’s just not a realistic term these days… I mean, it’s not like new, previously undiscovered places and cultures pop up every day. Of course there are tribes in jungles or mountains etc. with little contact to the modern world, but seriously how many of us are really going to get there without a tour? And, if there’s a tour company going there, I assure you it’s not off the beaten path.
While we “adventurers” and “explorers” may go outside of the general tourist traps to find certain unique experiences, there’s many interesting and unique experiences to be had even within the tourist trap. For me, some of my best experiences have been within the touristy areas, and it’s not the tourists that make those experiences unique or different, its the natives of the place that I connect with. The residents of a city know it best, so if you are willing to meet and talk to them, and maybe hang out with them, you will find a world of hidden treasures that few other tourists will – and perhaps learn something in the process.
Hey, I am currently an antique carpet dealer because I was willing to go with a tout in Sultanahmet (Istanbul, Turkey’s tourist center). The shop he brought me to shut down for 6 hours just to teach me about carpets. I’ve been back to see them 3 times since 2008 when we met, and everyone in the shop is practically family now.
The intrinsic problem with going too far “off the beaten path” (unless of course you know someone who does know the area/people/culture) is that you will have nothing to base your decisions on. Well traveled routes have a host of information on where to stay, what to eat, what to do, cultural norms, etc. With no advice or suggestions, your adventure could become a nightmare.
I have comments to make on both sides of the argument but first I’d like to say this is a great post. I’ve never thought of it in that way before, guess it was never on my mind. And I hate that phrase too…..WAY over done.
Okay here’s my “both sides”. Even though I AM the dreaded off-the-beaten-path traveler I have done and enjoyed MANY typical tourist activities for many reasons. #1 because some are worth doing and #2 because I get them for free in exchange for reviews. The reason I prefer NON-touristy activities is because I enjoy mingling with local people more than other tourists because I can see tourist people any time at home. They come from where I come from lol.
For me where the “snobbery” comes in is here: Specifically because I do and write about things that not many people write about, I get billions of emails asking me for advice, tips, contacts and even full itineraries for this type of travel. However, as soon as I turned it into a package to sell people run the other way when they see a price tag. They can’t appreciate all the work and learning that went into forging that path for ourselves and they want the knowledge for free. #1 it’s extremely time consuming to plan someone’s trip, and #2 they don’t want to pay yet they WOULD pay a travel agent who’s never even been to that destination for a typical touristy package.
I guess if there is snobbery involved I’d say we’ve earned our stripes and just feel worn down by feeling like we’re not worth paying. That’s my take on it anyway. Great post and thanks for giving me a different way to think about things.
While I can respect a lot of points in this post I don’t totally agree with all of them. Snobbery aside there is a big difference between what we generally consider to be tourism and traveling. Its something that those of us who live, work and travel in more obscure places struggle with on a daily basis. Because while I don’t believe that I am in any way better than anyone else I do believe that the experience gained in these two different forms of travel is vastly different. Staying in an all-inclusive resort in Cancun for instance, does not give one a picture or understanding of Mexico in any way shape or form. Cancun is altogether false. The hotel district there is built specifically for foreigners and caters directly to their needs/desires. It does not challenge people to think outside the box, see another way of life or open their minds to new experiences and attitudes. Its not to say that these people are somehow lesser in value than those who, say, spend 6 months living with an Afghani family in the mountains, but its only fair that the person who roughed it in unfamiliar territory and gave in to a way of life outside his/her comfort zone might feel a bit fussed by the tourist who stayed in an all inclusive resort or two and says he has experienced Mexico… I agree that people have turned traveling into a contest of worth and “coolness” which is disgusting and disturbing, but I do think that there is a great level of distinction between the many ways of vacationing, traveling, exploring, experiencing the world. For the record, I think that “off the beaten track” is one of the worst phrases anywhere, and gives people an overinflated ego where non is necessary!
Ani, You are missing the point. Spending a week in an all inclusive resort in Cancun and staying with an Afghani family for 6 months are totally different things and different experiences and what’s my comfort zone has to do anything with travelling. If I want to see less privileged families in needs, I would start volunteering in my home town.
I didn’t read all of this post. I scrolled down quickly to tell you how much I LOVE it and how much it needs to be said. I cannot stand arrogance. It honestly turned me off of traveling (at first) because I was exposed to so many condescending travelers. ‘YOU’VE NEVER BEEN to ___”. At the time, I didn’t have money to go anywhere – I was poor as a kid, so traveling seemed like a huge luxury and expense. And it is, sometimes!
They didn’t want me to go to whatever obscure destination they were talking about. It’s the same with books and movies. “YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF ___”. What I am trying to say is that this type of attitude shuts people out, instead of making it more appealing. Because they’re just going to associate whatever it is with that snobbish, holier-than-though, hipster attitude.
Thanks for writing! Peace.
I also hate the term “off the beaten path” but mostly because if you are reading it in most forms of travel literature or tour advertising you can be sure that it is in fact very much on the beaten path. And while I agree that there is an overabundance of unpleasant ego in the world of travel I do look down on all-inclusive resorts, tour packages and organized experiences. This is why: These establishments and companies are often owned by foreign conglomerates and/or the very rich, thus taking a great deal of business away from local residents and throwing off economic balance in a huge way (for instance after the 2004 Tsunami in Thailand large companies came in a grabbed up land destroyed by the wave which perviously held small, local businesses, now many areas have huge hotels like the Marriot which have pushed out locals and displaced tons of families). Likewise these huge hotels are destroying the environment in many places, like in Thailand where they have virtually eliminated local turtle populations by developing beach areas where they lay their eggs. All inclusive resorts also hurt local economies because tourists have no need to venture out into the towns, buy food from street vendors, visit local bars or spend money anywhere outside the hotel. In similar fashion tour companies monopolize the business and cut out independent leaders, eateries and establishments. To be a responsible traveler it is important to NOT use these kinds of things and thats not snobbery, that is simple respect for the areas you are visiting! On top of which, the authenticity of an experience is compromised if you have a bunch of giant tour buses holding 30-40 westerners being hauled into a spot on a daily basis. There simply is no denying that!
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I definitely agree. The term “tourist” is looked down upon in travel groups. When I travel to certain places I will go and see the landmarks I have always dreamt of even if they are considered “tourist traps”. I enjoyed the Acropolis in Athens and Park Guell in Barcelona and The Collosseum in Rome. I also enjoy cruises. Plus you can do both! You can see the main attractions and also venture out to someplace locals recommend. As you said-all travel is valuable! It’s all a learning experience no matter where you go.
Agree! Can you imagine going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower? Or Cambodia and not seeing Angkor Wat?! Simply because they are “tourist traps”?! Preposterous in my opinion. As you say, it’s completely possible to do both.
I totally agree, it’s a term that we all kinda started using to explain what we want and seek while travelling. I kinda feel the same with counting countries. In interviews I always say how many borders I crossed (cause people want number -_-) but for me is more about trueily seeing the place, people, culture, food, music etc then just going through it so you can say you did it
Yes, I am “guilty” of counting countries: for me, someone who didn’t travel until university, going somewhere new for me will always be thrilling. As well, I always get asked how many countries I’ve been to; the amount and scope of my travels and experiences give me credibility as a travel blogger and writer. That said, I don’t think that the fact that I am well-travelled makes me special or better than anyone else. Perhaps different, but never better. Also, am not in the business of “wielding” or “lording” my “number” over people who have travelled less than I have. That’s just crazy.
Personally, I want to see all of the great, famous sites around the world. But I also make it a point to venture beyond those sites to try to get a true feeling for the place I’m visiting. I always try to reach out to a local or two ahead of time that can point you to the places that aren’t tourist traps – where you’re likely to be one of the few foreigners in the room. You can accomplish both, and yeah, it doesn’t make you special.
I couldn’t agree with your last sentence more! Travelling doesn’t make you special. It just makes you a traveller.
My issue is I feel like “off the beaten path” has become nothing more than a tagline. And in a lot of context, a slight to those who choose to see “the sights”. Personally, I’ll sit on a street corner chatting with locals or take a ride to the top of the Petronas Towers. It’s all travel to me. Just annoys me when the term is used in an elitist kind of way.
I agree! It’s become a marketing tagline. I think people should be allowed to travel as they like (as long as they aren’t hurting anybody or putting themselves in extreme danger). It’s all love! Trying to slag other and minimize their travel experiences is just weak and an indicator of the offender’s insecurities.
Dear Oneika,
That’s a coincidence! I also had my thoughts on off the beaten path travel a while ago. But in my case I wanted to convince the readers, that it is not only all positive.
So, yes, I fully agree with you. When I went off the beaten path, I never had the idea to be better than others, but to see something interesting, that not everyone gets to see, because – usually – those places are more difficult to reach.
Anyone interested can read about thos pros and cons here: http://www.dontworryjusttravel.com/start-here/newsletter/ready-for-off-the-beaten-path/
Happy travels! 🙂
Thanks for sharing Charles! I think it’s something we need to discuss as travellers who hope to inspire others to get on the road!
I definitely think it’s how people use the phrase and what their intentions are when they use it which isn’t always transparent. I think as with anything, phrases in language are adopted and packaged by people with different interests at stake. It’s likely that the term “off the beaten path” has been marketed by agencies looking to sell people a “better” experience and has since completely lost its original value while promoting competition in travel. But interestingly, it also seems that you’re suggesting that the phrase “off the beaten path” perhaps now translates roughly to “commoner.”
I can see where you’re coming from, but as someone who does genuinely like to go “off the beaten path,” it stems not from any sort of narcissism of being somewhere that no one else gone, even if I do use that term. I love doing “on the beaten paths” things just as much. However, most travelers like myself are explorers at heart, so it’s an inherent desire to want to go beyond where the guidebook steers you or where most bucket lists tell you where to go. Instead it has everything to do with that innate desire of wanting to just get “lost.” In a world where everything’s connected and we’re all on the grid 24/7, it’s honestly nice to go somewhere that is a bit more remote, less developed and touristy if you know what I mean. I think some people are just searching for something that may not even exist and this has absolutely nothing to do with anybody else. With that said, there are always going to be One-Uppers out there, but all you can do is ignore them!
But similarly in some ways, I genuinely hate the bucket list idea because it’s almost a related way of thinking but in my opinion it’s far worse. I can’t stand the act of people “ticking off” amazing places in the world like items on a grocery list. I’ve known people to fly through every country in Europe for nothing more than bragging rights to increase their country count. So shallow!! But everyone is different and has different motives. But sometimes it’s just not possible to assume what other people’s intentions are.
Awesome – that looks so amazing!
You should check out out list of favorite more off the beaten path places (think no tripadvisor crowds!). Most of them don’t even require a flight!
http://americans.org/2015/06/13/ten-off-the-radar-places-you-need-to-visit-this-summer/?utm_source=bb
this is my favorite sentence: and if you think you are better than someone else because you travelled to the furthest and the most random corners of the earth then you are a sad little person.
i love your honesty and viewpoint! great read – i will continue to come back here often.
ONEIKA fantastic post. I agree with everything you say. Like the example you give Bahamas vs Bhutan.They are completely different countries and experiences. Apparently, Travellers like to be out of their comfort zone . What’s my comfort zone has anything to do with travelling? Why should I pay £1000 to go to Peru from London to be out of my comfort zone. If I want to be out of my comfort zone I humiliate myself in Trafalgar square 🙂 or do bungee jumping. I don’t need to go to a different country for that. I love history, great architecture, tropical plants, wild life , white sandy beaches or sitting in a cafe do people watching.
I am tourist and proud of it 🙂
Off the beaten path is a general term that applies to whatever you wish it to apply to, when referring to whether you go about things in the same manner as everyone else m, as the system teaches, or if youre willing to step outside the box. Think of the beaten path as the box. Step outside the box and youre no longer on the beaten path. Even you stray off the beaten path, if you’re a freethinker and if you’ve ever stepped outside your comfort zone. Funny a phrase than even applies to you annoys you.
That’s an awesome point
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