Rules for Intentional Travel: Walk

This is a guest post by Ingrid Hannan in our series, Simple Rules for Intentional Travel, by – and for – intentional travelers.

Rule #9: Go For A Walk

How can you really connect with a place from the whizzing view from the bus/ plane/taxi? It’s often not until you are on the ground moving at a human’s pace that you can smell the smells, hear the sounds, sense the sensations.

How can you truly appreciate the nuances of where you are if you don’t ever see beyond the view created by the hotel and restaurant your guidebook points you to?

Tourist infrastructure generates an image of how they want the place to look and feel to you. Which is fine, but it’s only one facet of a place.

Is your hometown hotel in a place that fairly represents your entire region? Is that popular bar indicative of the personality of all the neighborhoods nearby? Probably not.

So go explore a bit, and get beyond the scene laid out for you by the tourist industry. In other words, put down the camera, unplug the smart phone, put a map in your back pocket and start walking.

I went for some wonderful walks in Bangkok, Thailand.

Backpackers often snubbed the city, calling it loud and dirty and crowded. But they never saw further than the taxi to the tourist ghetto. I found quiet vegetable markets, lush green parks, breezy canal rides.

You don’t even have to get too far off the beaten path to find the benefits of walking around.

The classic example in the U.S. is at the national parks. Most people drive through them, getting out at vistas and panoramic photo-ops. But walk even five minutes from the road and you’ve got nature to yourself.

And it’s good exercise to boot.

More Simple Rules to Lighten Your Cultural Footprint

• Learn (at least some of) the language
• Smile and greet people according to local custom
• Avoid resorts
• Stay a while
• Be respectful
• Spread the wealth
• Ignore the party scene
• Shift focus from taking to giving
• Go for a walk
• Befriend locals

About Ingrid: Ingrid is a wanderlust at heart. She’s lived all up and down the west coast, studying environmental science and Spanish at the University of Portland and studying how to grow vegetables in Colorado and Washington.

Her favorite activities include rock climbing, eating ice cream, and writing letters. Her travels have taken her from the Caribbean to East Asia and many destinations inbetween. The next places she hopes to travel to are New Zealand, Japan, and Norway.

Frequently Asked Questions About Walking Around During Travels

How can walking enhance my travel experience?

What are the benefits of walking instead of using public transportation or taxis? Walking during your travels offers a number of benefits that go beyond simply getting from point A to point B.

Here are a few reasons why you should lace up your shoes and hit the streets:

Discover Hidden Gems. Walking allows you to stumble upon those off-the-beaten-path spots that you’d never find in a guidebook or from the window of a tour bus. It’s like uncovering secret treasures that only locals know about.

Connect with the Local Vibe. When you’re on foot, you can truly soak up the atmosphere of a place. You’ll hear the sounds of the city, catch the scent of street food wafting through the air, and witness the daily life unfolding around you.

It’s a front-row seat to the authentic local vibe.

Flexibility and Spontaneity. Walking gives you the freedom to change your plans on a whim.

No need to stick to a rigid itinerary or wait for public transportation schedules. If something catches your eye, you can simply follow your curiosity and see where it leads you.

Get Up Close and Personal. Unlike zooming by in a vehicle, walking brings you up close and personal with the sights, sounds, and people of a place. You can observe the intricate details of architecture, strike up conversations with locals, and truly immerse yourself in the surroundings.

Health and Well-being. Walking is not just good for exploring, but also for your physical and mental well-being. It’s a great way to stay active while on the road, burn some calories, and clear your mind. Plus, it’s a more sustainable and eco-friendly mode of transportation.

Sustainable travel. When you walk while traveling, you are embracing sustainable exploration, spreading wealth, and minimizing tourism’s impact.

By choosing local businesses, independent shops, and family-run accommodations, your money goes directly to the community. Plus, walking reduces your carbon footprint and lets you appreciate the environment without harming it.

It’s a win-win for both the local communities and the beautiful places you visit!

Is it safe to walk around in unfamiliar cities or neighborhoods? 

There are safety precautions you should take while walking in unfamiliar areas.

Research the area. Before setting out, familiarize yourself with the neighborhood or route you plan to walk. Look for information on safety, local customs, and any areas to avoid.

Stay aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to your surroundings at all times. Stay alert, avoid distractions like headphones, and be mindful of your personal belongings.

Stick to well-lit and populated areas. Choose well-lit streets and areas with a good amount of pedestrian activity. Avoid dimly lit or deserted areas, especially during nighttime.

Trust your instincts. If something feels off or uncomfortable, trust your gut and take appropriate action. It’s better to be cautious and make alternate choices to ensure your safety.

Stay connected. Carry a fully charged mobile phone with emergency contacts saved. Let someone trustworthy know your plans, especially if you’re traveling solo.

You might also like these posts:
– Our Guide to Meeting Locals and Like-Minded Travelers
– How to have authentic, meaningful travel experiences in touristy areas

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