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> 3. Try to blend in and adopt local clothing, culture, foods, etc. Read books by local authors, watch local films. A bit obvious, maybe, but I've met many peop

> 3. Try to blend in and adopt local clothing, culture, foods, etc. Read books by local authors, watch local films. A bit obvious, maybe, but I've met many people who insisted on only eating Western food, reading Harry Potter, and watching Netflix while abroad. At that point, why even bother traveling? Depends on the purpose/intentions of the travel. While I feel similarly about much of my own travel as you do, it's worth recognizing for many people, travel (or at least some of their travel) is not about having some sort of cultural experience or broadening their horizons. For many people, travel is simply about getting to relax on vacation in a setting they like that they can't get at home. ---------- Your average Brit on vacation in Spain is not there because they have any interest in Spanish culture or Spaniards. They're there because they wanted a warm beach and sun and couldn't get them in their home country. I'm reluctant to criticize too heavily that not everyone traveling is always doing so out of a desire for cultural enrichment. I certainly am not traveling with any desire for that in mind when I go visit a beach in Florida or a ski area in Colorado as an American.

meigwilym 6y ago
I agree with your point, but the OP is asking about people who go travel the world, not take two weeks in Torremolinos as a summer break.
breakfastduck 6y ago
This post is specifically about traveling the world while working though, not a relaxing beach holiday - so I think the advice is valid on that basis.
- npsimons 6y ago
  On top of this, I feel that part of traveling is expanding one's awareness and empathy, something the world could use much more of. It really does give perspective to "walk a mile" in someone else's shoes.
AdamN 6y ago
Hmm, maybe it's an American thing but when I say 'travel' it really doesn't include a beach holiday. That would be called 'vacation' or 'a trip'. 'Travel', to me at least, implies some sort of cultural/sightseeing intent, even if it's just going to Paris for a visit to the Louvre and a few nice meals but talking to nobody.
- ocschwar 6y ago
  In American usage, travel just means changing your longitude and attitude. It can be just for work, or just to perform an errand for the family.
- mikem170 6y ago
  I'm an American and I make the same distinction. Cultural travel is not on the radar of the typical vacationer, so most people don't make the distinction. I'd add "tourists" as a third category, ranging from the one week family trip somewhere new to see the sights up to and including those racing city to city, hostel to hostel, site to site, collecting likes on instagram or whatever.

meigwilym 6y ago

I agree with your point, but the OP is asking about people who go travel the world, not take two weeks in Torremolinos as a summer break.

breakfastduck 6y ago

This post is specifically about traveling the world while working though, not a relaxing beach holiday - so I think the advice is valid on that basis.

npsimons 6y ago
On top of this, I feel that part of traveling is expanding one's awareness and empathy, something the world could use much more of. It really does give perspective to "walk a mile" in someone else's shoes.

AdamN 6y ago

Hmm, maybe it's an American thing but when I say 'travel' it really doesn't include a beach holiday. That would be called 'vacation' or 'a trip'. 'Travel', to me at least, implies some sort of cultural/sightseeing intent, even if it's just going to Paris for a visit to the Louvre and a few nice meals but talking to nobody.

ocschwar 6y ago
In American usage, travel just means changing your longitude and attitude. It can be just for work, or just to perform an errand for the family.
mikem170 6y ago
I'm an American and I make the same distinction. Cultural travel is not on the radar of the typical vacationer, so most people don't make the distinction. I'd add "tourists" as a third category, ranging from the one week family trip somewhere new to see the sights up to and including those racing city to city, hostel to hostel, site to site, collecting likes on instagram or whatever.