How do I Pick Where to Travel
It is not uncommon
for me to be asked how do you select where your next trip will be? Given that I am generally traveling from
anywhere between 3wks to 3 months, and traveling alone I certainly need to do
my homework.
- Does it align with my top interests?
- Is it visually stimulating?
- Is it safe for an American? as well as, is it a woman traveling alone?
It always starts
with #1, my top interest: endangered
cultures their customs and religion.
After years of
traveling, I recognize that it is not uncommon for the younger generation to
want to be a part of the new ways and the older generation to want their
children to have a better and easier life than they do. Combine this with
increasing levels of tourism and communications, let alone massive political juxtapositions
and what results is the perfect Petri dish for dissipation of the old ways. All of this creates an enormous sense of
urgency for me.
As an example I was fortunate enough to tour Myanmar/Burma
for a month, three years ago before Aung San Suu Kyi was released from house
arrest and nominated to the lower house of parliament. It was a wonderful country with a strong Buddhist
practice woven into every aspect of life, sweet gentle people mostly living simple
lives and many UNESCO World Heritage sites.
As of late, whenever I speak with
someone who has visited I hear about the development and significant changes that
is underfoot. My need to go back is
immediate before too much of the charm, old ways and authenticity is replaced
by modernization and Western ways. I anticipate that I will be back there
before year end 2013.
When addressing #2,
I start by perusing the professional Photo Sites like Getty Images:http://www.gettyimages.com/?esource=google+Weekend_Brand&kw=US+getty+creative+Broad&lid=szjNYyYdP&pcrid=8298829482&property=GI
. What does the imagery show me? Does it make my heart jump. What are the people in the images
wearing? What messages are on the
billboards? What does the landscape and cityscape look like?
As far as #3, I
start with the US State Department Travel Site: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html
. The
latest safety status is posted here as well as tips on spots that may need to
be avoided even if the country is generally safe.
Another great resource in the Lonely Planet Thorntree Blog: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/index.jspa. Up to the minute information is posted here by fellow travelers who are often presently or very recently on the ground. This site was an invaluable tool as I worked to secure entry intoTibet
Another great resource in the Lonely Planet Thorntree Blog: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/index.jspa. Up to the minute information is posted here by fellow travelers who are often presently or very recently on the ground. This site was an invaluable tool as I worked to secure entry into
Carpe Diem, seize
the day. It is a big and fascinating
world out there. Do what you love and if
its travel I propose that you go sooner rather than later. No time like the
present.
Lorrie
