Traveling teaches invaluable lessons that cannot be learned in any other way. From learning to adapt to new environments to broadening your horizons, traveling can be an incredibly transformative experience.
As travel bloggers, Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough have explored some of the world’s most beautiful and intriguing places. They portray their travel experiences not from a tourist’s perspective rather they showcase the authentic essence of diverse regions, just as a local would perceive it. Through their adventures, they have discovered five experiences that should not be missed while traveling. These aspects not only offer a chance for entertainment and unforgettable memories but also provide an opportunity for learning and personal growth.
Cultural Immersion
Joelle and Ryan religiously recommend immersing oneself in the place’s culture while traveling. You can do so by trying the daily mundane activities of the locals. Take a ‘FIKA’ (coffee break) in the cute cafes of Malmo, Denmark, or stroll through the narrow streets of Setenil de las Bodegas. Try to learn how natives live in particular parts of the world. Interact with them to better understand their way of life, customs, values, and religious beliefs. Doing so lets you learn valuable lessons about the world.
Culinary Exploration
One essential element of a culture is its food. It is a crucial part of daily life and festivities alike. Joelle and Ryan note that it is a must to try local cuisine to take full advantage of your travel. Whether from a food stall or a five-star hotel, you should experience the taste of the country you’re visiting. The pair believes “Travel is the time to take your palate on an adventure.”
For this reason, they are always very bold in their food choices when traveling and recommend others to do the same. For instance, in Lisbon, Portugal, they had the chance to enjoy the unique taste of a whole octopus. They have an entire section of ‘Dining Abroad’ in their blog, where they have shared similar culinary adventures along with recipes and libations from around the world.
Visiting Historical Places
Visiting the historical places of a country also provides a window into the roots of its native people. It’s an opportunity to learn about their history, traditions, and beliefs, leading to a better appreciation of our world’s rich diversity.
Joelle and Ryan visit historical places in every country they visit, whether it be the Church of San Giovanni Battista and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Montenero in the village of Riomaggiore in Italy, or The Torre del Homenaje, an old fortress in Setenil de las Bodegas, Spain. They encourage learning about the history and background of a place to better understand its significance and maximize the scope of your trip.
City Exploration
The fourth experience that should not be missed is exploring city life by walking on foot or cycling. Joelle and Ryan believe that the true essence of a place is experienced when one strolls around narrow streets, interacts with locals, and witnesses the richness firsthand. These recommendations can be seen in every destination guide of Wanderers Compass.
Such as, in Mexico City, they suggest exploring the city beyond its historical buildings. The city is full of interesting, vibrant murals, showcasing the deep connection of the locals with art. It also offers a one-of-a-kind culinary adventure, with traditional markets displaying unusual insects and sea-food for food enthusiasts. Similarly, one of their favorite places in Madrid, Spain, was Mercado de San Miguel, the local market with delicious food stands and alcoholic beverages.
Visiting Natural Attractions
Joelle and Ryan also suggest including the natural wonders of a country. They have covered many of them in their blog, such as Cliffs of Moher – Ireland’s Best Natural Attraction. In almost every country travel guide, they invariably mention a natural attraction under their ‘Top Destination’ section.
Traveling can change your life by giving you new perspectives, experiences, and insights you can’t get anywhere else. If you want to learn more about how travel can transform you, visit Wanderers Compass’ website and start planning your next adventure today.
