How to stop being "batchfile" and become a traveler

What is the package tourism, and who is "batchfile"?

Experts tell us that it is when a tourist becomes a set of services (package), which includes transportation, accommodation, accommodation, meals and sometimes even tours. At the same time people do not worry about all these nuances: paid and went. He - "batchfile".

To me it seems that the name comes from the fact that tourists like to put in a bag and in a packaged form that's moved from one point to another. You want to get out of the package to freedom and become a true explorer? Then this article is for you!

1. I realize that the world - this is not an amusement park

In that case, when you live in the hotel with a group of compatriots and move about the country only on the excursion buses, and only in those places, which will indicate the hand of your guide, you risk never see the real face countries. You would think that all around you solid landmarks, attractions and amusement parks, which, of course, has nothing to do with reality. Therefore, the first step is to tune in to what you will be meeting with reality and real people who live their normal lives.

2. Conduct research before the trip

No, no one is calling you to memorize pages of encyclopedias and tourist guides, but some idea of ​​the purpose of your trip is still necessary to have. The independent journey you will not have a guide who leads by the hand, so it's easy to miss something interesting or did not understand the local traditions. Try to start at least with our series of articles "10 reasons to visit ...».

3. To study the local culture and customs

Speaking of traditions. Their lack of knowledge or a conscious disregard can play with you bad joke. In some countries it is quite serious about the way you are dressed, how you shake and generally behaves. Most often, you will prompt or just smile, but sometimes you can run on a more rigid attitude. So it is better to learn about the cultural characteristics of different countries before their visit, what will help you to our article series "secrets etiquette».

4. Ask before photographing

This is a simple way to show their respect and to avoid unpleasant situations. In some countries, local residents see their pictures as part of his soul, and not too happy getting into the frame. In other countries, by contrast, are trying to get into the lens, but then nothing will be restrained from you without compensation. Just ask before you press the button, and it will save you from the tedious explanations and extortion. And sometimes there are situationsAnd when it is not necessary to ask, but simply to hide his camera away.

5. Learn a few key phrases

Although as the main language for international communication is still used English, all It does not hurt to learn a few words or phrases in the language of the country you are going to visit. Nothing special, quite usual "Hello," "Thank You", "How are you?" And so on. This simple set of actions at the local as a magic spell that causes the location and smiles.

6. Live local

Nothing will give you such a penetration in the local culture, getting to know and, ideally, stay with locals. Only here you will be able to learn how to really live people, they eat, worry about what and how to earn. In many of these skills will be different from the image on the TV or postcard kinds of attractions, but the more valuable this experience. In addition, it is a good way to save on travel much. For more on this, you will learn in the following articles:

• CouchSurfing: learn, communicate, study and travel.
• How to travel around the world almost free.

7. Get rid of the compulsory program

The main difference from the package tourist traveler - this pre-programming and predictability of the first action. He moves from point to point is strictly according to the program, making pictures in a specially designed for this field, eating strictly certain establishments and awakes in the morning on the set schedule. The main objective of this tourist - is to execute the program, and not to have fun.

Independent traveler, as opposed to the batch, can independently manage their time, so it is very important before departure to tune in to the most of your trip, not on the performance of the mandatory programs. Be spontaneous and dedicate to each site that is how much time and effort, how many it is worthy. Let yourself get lost, discover unknown places, meet new people. Do not be afraid to travel alone.

• How to fall in love with the single travel.
• Options for traveling alone.

8. Use public transport

If you are planning a trip yourself, do not ignore the public transport. Yes, there are countries where the car is still the safest and most enjoyable way to travel. But in all other cases safely sit on the buses, trams and trains. So you can not only save on transportation, but also from the inside to meet with the country's life.

9. Understand that the best things in life (and traveling) are often free

And finally - the most important discovery that you have to do if you want to become a traveler. It is no direct linear relationship between the quality of facilities and the amount of money spent. Package tours accustom us to believe that the more money you spend, the more you see the better and have a rest. In fact it is not. Very often resting on the hyped resorts are not crowded on the beach among others sweaty bodies, and famous museums visitors do not see nothing but the others spin.

Do not get fooled by this deception. Miracles do not happen, and there are not usually a dime. There are a million places on our planet where you do not have to fight for the couch with thick aunts or listen in the restaurant drunken cries. But you can find them only when you become a traveler, not a tourist packet.