Here is a link to the article from MatadorU BY LOLA (AKINMADE) ÅKERSTRÖM.
As the quotes inspire, I am reminded that for me and this blog Travel is about adventure, discovering and reassessing life's goals and plans.
I do understand those that want to be pampered as a vacation choice. While for me this is not the path I take, there are ways to do this and still see the world. With one caveat! Leave the Hotel Grounds. Simple but true.
Have a wonderful Friday!
Showing posts with label Cultural awareness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cultural awareness. Show all posts
Friday, April 24, 2015
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Bed and Breakfasts... the best way to really get to know a city or town...
When writing.. I always research what else has been written, opposing ideas and other peoples perspectives .. While doing this about the reasons for staying in a bed and breakfast.. I did not find much... so here we go...
Many people think of BnBs (Bed and Breakfasts) as romantic get aways or for special occasions... that is true and they can be very romantic.. but there are so many other reasons to stay in a BnB...
I think that they are the number one way to really appreciate and immerse yourself in another culture or country.
We have stayed in BnBs in California, Hawaii, London, Greece, Belize Australia , Turkey and more...
Each time, we have had the pleasure of getting to know a town from the locals, eating well prepared local foods and feeling like we belong...
This may be offensive.. but I have never understood a person that travels around the world and chooses to stay in a 5 star resort... They have nice perks.. obviously.. but.. you can get those perks closer to home...
For the more adventurous there are home stays and home exchanges.. we can talk about those at another time.
Going to a well researched BnB guarantees a clean, safe hospitable lodging that is excited to see you and knows how to provide you with local insights, directions and suggestions...
Food wise, you have a personal chef that knows easy simple dishes and the best locals places to dine.
Concierge: The Innkeeper of a BnB will help you make reservations, provide maps and directions and give you a heads up regarding local etiquette and safety.
As we travel to Akumal.. we are following our own advice...
In some areas, specialty accommodations will be more plentiful... these are usually small family run properties... in our upcoming adventure, this is the option we have chosen...
Playa Caribe, Here we come!
Many people think of BnBs (Bed and Breakfasts) as romantic get aways or for special occasions... that is true and they can be very romantic.. but there are so many other reasons to stay in a BnB...
I think that they are the number one way to really appreciate and immerse yourself in another culture or country.
We have stayed in BnBs in California, Hawaii, London, Greece, Belize Australia , Turkey and more...
Each time, we have had the pleasure of getting to know a town from the locals, eating well prepared local foods and feeling like we belong...
This may be offensive.. but I have never understood a person that travels around the world and chooses to stay in a 5 star resort... They have nice perks.. obviously.. but.. you can get those perks closer to home...
For the more adventurous there are home stays and home exchanges.. we can talk about those at another time.
Going to a well researched BnB guarantees a clean, safe hospitable lodging that is excited to see you and knows how to provide you with local insights, directions and suggestions...
Food wise, you have a personal chef that knows easy simple dishes and the best locals places to dine.
Concierge: The Innkeeper of a BnB will help you make reservations, provide maps and directions and give you a heads up regarding local etiquette and safety.
As we travel to Akumal.. we are following our own advice...
In some areas, specialty accommodations will be more plentiful... these are usually small family run properties... in our upcoming adventure, this is the option we have chosen...
Playa Caribe, Here we come!
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Fair Dinkum Travel as parenting;; it starts with the simple sleep over...
I was asked the other day why I am so passionate about travel as an everyday part of our personal growth and family values...
Here is a small version of the gains made when traveling outside your personal community and welcoming others into yours.
When kids are young.. Sleep Overs are essential.. they are the first step in learning how to travel..
You learn that there are different ways, styles , cultures and beliefs about how things are done or thought of.. New foods to try and conversations to have... different churches or religions to be exposed to...
Host exchange students.. not only share your culture but participate in theirs.. We have developed wonderful friendships, explored local markets we never would have gone and learned to cook foods from around the world..
Up next Camping (or for me motor home) next to other families: everyone is on the same playing field, meeting new people , sharing resources and exploring nature... (always take advantage of Ranger talks and programs..) Sit next to someone different... ask where they are from...
Formal travel.. even from with in the 50 states can open your world view.. and see how many different ways people choose to live...
NOW take that on a grander scale, International Travel.. Stay in bed and breakfasts, spend breakfast talking to your hosts (with children present) about current local issues and topics.. Go to a local park (let the children play), before leaving home, study or watch a movie about where you are going.. If the children are studying something in school, apply it or compare it to how it is done where you are visiting...
There are so may ways travel and living outside your personal world is educational and enjoyable...
FAIR DINKUM!!
Here is a small version of the gains made when traveling outside your personal community and welcoming others into yours.
When kids are young.. Sleep Overs are essential.. they are the first step in learning how to travel..
You learn that there are different ways, styles , cultures and beliefs about how things are done or thought of.. New foods to try and conversations to have... different churches or religions to be exposed to...
Host exchange students.. not only share your culture but participate in theirs.. We have developed wonderful friendships, explored local markets we never would have gone and learned to cook foods from around the world..
Up next Camping (or for me motor home) next to other families: everyone is on the same playing field, meeting new people , sharing resources and exploring nature... (always take advantage of Ranger talks and programs..) Sit next to someone different... ask where they are from...
Formal travel.. even from with in the 50 states can open your world view.. and see how many different ways people choose to live...
NOW take that on a grander scale, International Travel.. Stay in bed and breakfasts, spend breakfast talking to your hosts (with children present) about current local issues and topics.. Go to a local park (let the children play), before leaving home, study or watch a movie about where you are going.. If the children are studying something in school, apply it or compare it to how it is done where you are visiting...
There are so may ways travel and living outside your personal world is educational and enjoyable...
FAIR DINKUM!!
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