Back in 2015, I started visiting mainstream destinations differently. I’d spend a day seeing what all tour companies showcase, but then dedicate another week to discovering what else made these places tick. I wanted to know why else they were ‘famous,’ what locals did, where they ate, what they recommended, and I listened to their stories. I encountered people passionate about their hometowns who were frustrated that tourists only saw a few key monuments before being rushed off to the next city.
I realized a destination is more than just its monuments. It’s the culture, food, art, crafts, and most importantly, its people. To truly know a place, you need to peel back the layers, spend more time, and discover more. This approach automatically results in a more enriching experience for both the traveler and the destination.
I wasn’t intentionally thinking about sustainability at first; it was more about enhancing client enjoyment. But the very byproduct of this approach is that it slows things down, involves more local people, and benefits the local economy. It also means hotels aren’t dealing with short turnovers, and less time is spent on more frequent and longer journeys, further reducing environmental impact.
What started as a desire to improve the client experience inadvertently created a more sustainable travel model. I’ve come to realize that not everyone wants to be green or sustainable, and many who do, don’t know how. While giant strides are great and should be applauded the reality is that this is only done by a few, and gentle nudges in the right direction for many more travelers is essential
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too. By focusing on the quality of the experience and encouraging longer stays, we can guide travelers towards more sustainable practices, even if sustainability isn’t their primary concern.
Here is a collection of my discoveries, city by city. I don’t map out an exact itinerary, as every traveller is unique. Some may be interested in food or textiles, others in architecture, and still others in the great outdoors. Instead, I lay out the possibilities, and then you can decide. This approach allows for a more personalized and flexible travel experience, catering to individual interests and preferences while still promoting a deeper, more sustainable engagement with each destination.
For more information about activities in each destination or to arrange a training session for your teams, contact: Experiences@indianexperiences.com or whatsapp +447966025330.
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