Vagabondetravel

I am a Traveller.And I am Not a Tourist

Riding across India, I have gathered that being a traveler is far better than being a tourist. There is a thin line that separates travellers and tourists. While most of us get busy with tourist sites and sightseeing, there are a few who travel beyond all that and bring back the experience in our minds and hearts and not merely in memory cards, digi-cams and souvenirs.

Here are few simple ways to get more out of your rides.

Locals are the best food guides

There may be many restaurants loved and recommended by your tourist friends, yet to be a traveler, you need to avoid those and head straight to the eateries patronized by the locals. Be it any city, town or village, just ride, ask around and you are bound to be directed to a couple of eateries where the locals have dined for generations. Let your culinary preference choose the place of the day and regardless of whether it is a dhaba, a home-cooked meal or a fine-dining experience, grab it!

Packaged Tours – a strict ‘No-No’

When riding in large groups or travelling with friends or family it is advisable to go for packaged tours and take help of tour guides. Doing so shall be cost effective and you will get a readymade deal to the most popular tourist spots. But then, consider the same ‘deal’ as a strict no-no if you are a solo traveller or a lone rider. Free yourself from the limiting confines of a packaged tour and explore! Get a detailed map of the place and visit places of YOUR interest. There may be many a hidden gem away from the spotlight that you will come across. There are high possibilities of finding such places and getting information on motorcycle forums and travel websites. Books written by seasoned travellers prove to be a good source of information as well.