I am Back... or Did I Even Leave?

The Essence of Travel: Beyond Just Being a Tourist

Travel has become increasingly popular. As many of us have return from new lands, a pertinent question arises: Are we truly immersing ourselves in different cultures, or merely witnessing new landscapes?

Not long ago, New Zealand experienced the 'Unruly Tourists', a family from the UK infamous for their disruptive antics. This episode, treated almost mythically in its absurdity, did not, fortunately, tarnish the UK's reputation. However, it does bring to light a certain stereotype of holidaymakers, especially from the UK, Australia, and even New Zealand, who are known for their heavy drinking and casual attire in warm destinations like Thailand or Costa de Sol.

More critically, there's a tendency among some travellers to project romanticized notions onto their destinations. This approach mirrors that of the truly awful Margaret Mead in Samoa, who was more intent on using her observations as a critique of her culture rather than understanding Samoan culture itself. This 'noble savage' trope, idealizing anything perceived as 'primitive' and closer to nature, often coexists hypocritically with the comforts of modern life, like luxury homes and the latest gadgets.

Living in Southeast Asia for over two years has given me a perspective that I would like to share. It's clear that while we share a common humanity, our values and expressions can be markedly different. The predominantly Buddhist culture here, as opposed to the Christian West, shapes a distinct worldview, as pervasive yet often invisible as the water to a fish.

There are many aspects of Southeast Asian culture I admire, and some I don't. It's not just about missing family, friends, or certain foods – sometimes, it's as simple as craving a good sausage. And this isn't a call for cultural relativism; some things are indeed better in the West, and vice versa. What matters is the actual recognition and appreciation of these differences.

So, to those setting out on their travels, I urge you to really travel – to see people and places for what they are, without projecting your biases or overlooking the subtleties that make each culture unique. And if your idea of a perfect holiday is sipping a pi?a colada on a sunny beach, that’s perfectly fine too.

#TravelDeep #BeyondTourism #CulturalAuthenticity #EastMeetsWest #ResponsibleTravel