Taking the Road Less Traveled

It isn’t until you begin to differ from the typical tourist route that you realize how extensive the world is and how much you have left to explore. Limiting ourselves to all-inclusive resorts in beach towns and metropolises causes us to miss out on the culture that a region has to offer.

Standard vacation destinations have history, culture, cuisine and landscapes that you cannot fully appreciate when staying in one area that is catered to tourists. For example, Mexico isn’t just Cancun or Cabo but also mountain villages, farmlands, fish markets, quiet beaches and tacos on the side of the road. Popular tourist destinations are undoubtedly beautiful but they often lack the unique spice that the rest of the country has to offer.

It is understandable to not want to stray far outside of your comfort zone. After all, it is only human to be scared of change. Culture shock is very real and can cause people to have feelings of uneasiness and fear. For most people, this is something that resolves itself over time. The four stages of culture shock are honeymoon, uncertainty and doubt, adaptation and finally, acceptance. As you get more acquainted with traveling off the beaten path, these stages will move faster and you will be able to reach acceptance with ease.

Some travelers may be excited to close their eyes, spin a globe and travel to the first place their finger lands on, but this is not a reliable technique. Taking the road less traveled requires some planning just like any vacation would. A great starting point is choosing a country that you typically vacation in, such as Mexico. Learn about the areas of the country, climates and what it has to offer. Mexico, for instance, is divided into nine regions, each with hundreds of villages, places to shop, food to try and experiences to enjoy. Look at the country’s national parks, historical landmarks or anything else that might interest you. Scan through articles and travel blogs from people who have been to these places and see what they have to say. Once you’ve done some research, pick a region that is appealing – maybe in the mountains, by the ocean or in a rainforest province. No matter where you decide, there will be a place for tourists to stay. Some lodging may be more rustic but stay wherever you feel most comfortable.

While it is important to always have a plan, don’t be afraid of going with the flow sometimes. Some of the best memories are created when you differ from the original idea. Instead of planning where you’re going to eat one night, walk around a town until you find a restaurant that intrigues you. It could very well be the most memorable experience of your trip. Lastly, don’t be afraid to have something go wrong. Sometimes things don’t turn out exactly how they’re supposed to but those too can be memories you will look back on fondly.

Safety is a primary concern especially when traveling in less touristy areas. Proper research will help you avoid locations that are unsafe. More often than not, the places you chose to visit won’t be dangerous. But it’s always a good idea to look into the area first. Second, never travel alone. Even if you want to go for an afternoon stroll, make sure someone comes with you. It is always a good idea to travel in numbers. If for some reason you have to go somewhere alone, make sure your friends or family or even the staff of your hotel know where you are going and when you will be back. Third, always be aware of your surroundings. Don’t walk while looking down at your phone or at a book. It is often easy to prevent dangerous situations if you know what’s going on around you.

Enjoy your adventure and remember to make the most of every situation and opportunity. You never know what you will see or who you will meet.

Tag @theedgemag if you take a road less traveled.