My Travel Diaries

(Ed. 1)

I take pride in being a Traveler… NOT a Tourist Yes, there IS a difference

Overtime, I’ve come up with my own HANDY TIPS on how to be a Good Traveller So Here they are: NO Research – I term this tip # 0. Go into a new place with least amount of prejudices, expectations.

0

Whenever possible, WALK. Sense the pulse of the city (also save the monies) 1

See what I found while walking in New York. The man is “shopping” for a wife.  This is what his front and back read,  “Hi Friends, looking for a wealthy lady to be my wife. My name is Robert. Single, Never Married, No children. Call me…” They don’t say NYC is all Business for nothing..

SMILE at people (try not to be creepy) 2

BIG Insight into the culture: Is the smile returned (or not returned)? Is it wide and bright (like in California) or suspicious (Hong Kong) or brief (New York)?

Food! One Research I DO do. 3

From Chandni Chowk in Delhi to French food in California, to the eclectic mix in NYC, lobster in Maine, mad Sea Food in SE Asia, I can’t call a vacation a vacation if food hasn’t been devoured  

TASTE local wine or Beer. Local Brews connect you with the local life instantly  3 4

The best wine I’ve had so far was in the oldest restaurant of Macau (picture below). There is a cash prize for whoever can find me that wine again

Stop to MARVEL – Don’t be in a rush 5

The most refreshing travel moments come from what you see when you happen to see it, than when you plan to see it. Don’t miss the slow sunset over Hudson river in the rush to catch the lights at Times Square

2 things I do share with the tourist-y clan. Even for small walks, bring a camera – you never know what you might encounter And for the girls – wear flats. It will extend the time you can walk. I’ve done this even as NYC women tower over me in their mind-blowing heels (their legs MUST have a nutrition inlet of their own)

Wear FLAT Shoes + Bring a Camera 6

Especially if you are a traveler - you will get lost. If you haven’t researched the place, you will make a lot of other cultural or social boo-boos. But that’s the fun of it, so laugh

LAUGH –sense of humor is a BIG travel must-have 7

And REMEMBER this… 7 8

“A traveler sees what he sees. A Tourist sees what he has come to see.” GK. Chesterton

By Diksha Kuhar.

I occasionally babble on such travel-related stuff on my blog www.sensesensibilityandprejudice.wordpress.com You can also read the original post on “Travel-ism or Tourism?” on the blog.