Don’t Vacation…Travel. #MakeitHappen

I’ve never called myself a vacationer, even though I’ve taken holidays all over the world.  To me, a get-away is not a chance to fall into the customized tourist trap….it’s the spirit of adventure.  I call it traveling, and this is so much different from taking a vacation.

When I was younger I wrote out a personal mission statement, and although I don’t recall it word for word, I know it included traveling the world, diving into the different cultures, and really getting to know what it’s like there.

Sounds pretty simple, but for a lot of people it isn’t easy at all….and that’s why most opt for the cookie cutter vacation.  But I wish they wouldn’t.  Personal experience and conversations with others have shown me that without a doubt, the most memorable time away from home is when spent immersed in another way of life.

Well, there is an easy way to make this happen.  Our friends over at Withlocals provide incredible opportunities to be part of another culture by taking part in everything  from private dinners in the family home, to a Jewish Food tour in Singapore and tea picking on a Sri Lanka hill plantation.

At the moment, Withlocals provides cultural traveling options for seven Asian countries but I think as this concept takes off they will spread over other parts of the world.  To me, this is the ideal way to mix the spirit of adventure with ease of a typical vacation…..with an outcome that is sure to be magical.

There are even opportunities for cyclists like us to take part in a Withlocals experience in Thailand.  Cycling in the Green Lung of Bangkok is a chance to ride through Sri Nkhon Khuean Khan Park and Botanical Gardens, the Bang Nam Phueng Market, and cross over the Chao Phraya River.  But best of all, it allows you to cycle through an organic part of Asian….not one that is swarming with tourists.  Taking part in a Withlocals trip allows you to experience the real deal…..not the tourist trap.

There’s a great big world out there waiting for you to explore and play with.  I personally know the beauty in the authentic side of traveling, and encourage you to experience the same.  #MakeitHappen.