Here's what I think travel is about.

Published: Sun, 08/25/19

On my recent trip to the Arctic, Whit Fraser, author of True North Rising, said in one of his talks, "It’s not about the miles that you travel but the people you meet." I believe this comment to my core.

The Eiffel Tower tells me little about the French, what they care about, their politics, how they eat, shop and experience life. Taking a tour with a greeter, camping alongside local families, even going to a grocery store will give me a deeper understanding of a culture than any manmade sight. I believe that travel is about understanding the people, their culture, history and geography, challenges and strengths. With this understanding we can become better people and better world citizens.

While I like landscapes and cityscapes, nature and urban travel, ultimately, I go to meet people, locals and other travelers. I've written a number of posts on how I do this. You may want to read Travel Deeper: 12 Tips to Help You Connect with Locals and Travel Solo to Meet People of All Ages.

Upcoming Travels
In September, both Tracey and I are going to Ravenna, Italy where we will be managing The Social Travel Summit. Since, we'll be in Europe, we'll each take some time afterwards to discover towns in Italy we've not yet visited. I'll then return home. Tracey will stay on to spend some time in London and Amsterdam. Watch for upcoming posts.

Well, that's it for now! Happy travels,

Janice

P.S. If you're traveling soon, don't forget...

The Wits & Wonder Travel Course The reviews are in. Solo travelers have given the course 4.4 stars out of 5 and 79% say they are likely to recommend it to a friend. Many already have!
Going Alone? Travel Insurance is a Must - why I never travel without insurance, how I've used it to recover losses, and how to buy it.
VPN for Travel: What, Why and an Easy Setup Guide - it will protect your identity on public WiFi and let's you browse the net in English even if you're in a foreign country.
Bare Minimum Packing: Here’s Your Packing List - our ultimate packing check list which I continue to use for every trip.
Solo Female Travel - for a list of posts that are especially for women.
Best Solo Travel Destinations: All Solo Traveler Tested - if you're looking for a little inspiration.

P.P.S. Tracey and I are developing a new project and we're excited! Don't worry. Solo Traveler will continue but we have other interests as well. This project will be about issues we don't understand. They could be on just about any topic. As with Solo Traveler, our goal will be to inform, inspire and advocate for readers. It will take a few months to get off the ground but if you want to be notified of its launch you can sign up here. And, of course, you will be able to unsubscribe at any time.