Every living species on Earth travel, some as part of their annual migration to hibernate and escape the climate, some for a shot at the hunt, some spread their roots deep beneath the Earth for the finest quench, some reach the tallest of heights just to get a better gaze at the heavens while a few leave it up to the birds and the bees to decide their next destination, some to warmer shores and waters, some upstream against the current just to instill traditional values to their newborn and a few adapt to their environment and prefer to travel around the known territory. These are natural movements of a biodiversity.
History only reminds us that we Humans, were made to travel, explore and settle by choice. Just like the Plant and Animal species we share similar movements and migrations depending on the choices we make.
Travel today has become the way of life with technology only getting faster, better safer and economically diverse. The Human connection is no longer the virtual reality of the past but a living reality which has seen the Tourism and Business markets increase rapidly, however with ease comes complacency with basic principles of living certainly being overlooked. None of us in the 1990s or early 2000s would have ever imagined seeing a traffic jam on Mt Everest, A situation like that is Great for Man but critical for Mankind, congratulations to those who have accomplished that great adventure but what about the numerous condolences which could have been avoided should there have been values and responsibility within everyone on the Mountain.
Travel requires responsibility, it does not mean that if you are the parents of ten successful children you should give the summiting of Mt Everest a try… It simply requires situational responsibility and self-briefing henceforth, Travel Begins at Home.
Technology has certainly brought unlimited awareness to the palms most people on the planet, however there is never a thirst for an unlimited resource, the “Truth is no longer out there” the truth is in your smartphone. The world does not require every individual to become “Super Geniuses”, let situational awareness do its work on you over time and we can all become “Super People”.
All it takes is self-briefing yourself at home about your intended travel destination with necessary information about the Nature, People, Culture and Tradition that would help you enjoy the holiday to the fullest and your selfies would actually contain a genuine smile because of your awareness. Let your eager preparation improve your personal encyclopedia, making travel an Experience that you will always remember and keep in mind that “you never require luck when you are prepared”.
Business Travel would feel more stressful if the only information you had was about the Project. Cultural, Traditional, Geographical, Political and Economic self-briefing and awareness would help putting up a more confident presentation that would certainly improve your judgment in closing the deal. It would also give you time for yourself and help plan a bit of sightseeing and leisure to de-stress.
Organize yourself at home with a few books or printouts that you feel is required knowledge for your trip, share that knowledge with friends which is a great way to practice, if there is more than one traveler, quiz yourselves about the basics like the local food, the currency as compared to yours usually in multiples of 10 which would help in quick street calculation, compare the average taxi fares, local transportation timings, do’s and Don’ts, basic greetings in the language that does not require your translation app yet, the cost of basic necessities like bread, milk etc. this would help understanding if you are being overcharged or improve your gratuity judgment, a development initiative in the region that would be motivated by your awareness and visit, the traditions of the people any upcoming or recent events that could be awesome icebreakers, the location of your foreign embassy or consulate, Flora, Fauna and wildlife in the Region, occupations and recreation of the people etc.
These simple practices are the virtues of a “Responsible Traveler”, practicing it in your daily lives will establish you as a Super friend, parent or family member, where you appreciate value and inspire others with your awareness and sense of responsibility.
If technology could, it would breathe a sigh of relief when people finally valued its advancement and balanced it with the basic natural requirements of our Earth.
When we travel, we must remember that we are ambassadors of our own culture and represent our hometowns and countries thus, we must always try and Appreciate Culture, Motivate development, Support preservation, Promote awareness and Inspire responsibility.