Introduction; Breaking the Tourist Barrier
Traveling abroad can be an intimidating and tedious affair. Lost baggage, stolen passports, scam artists and expensive package tours can sour a traveler’s experience and make them reluctant to travel again. At the same time, a typical tourist will rarely get to fully experience what a local culture is really like and will instead be deliberately cordoned off to a sanitized set of experiences, cultures, and food that often does not fully reflect the dynamic local culture. I call this the ‘Tourist Barrier,’ and I have spent my life finding ways of breaking it.
This book focuses on how to explore the world and view it through the lens of the culture in which you find yourself. It is about gaining insight into your own culture through a better understanding of others. It offers you ways to break out of the ‘package tour’ mindset and instead spend the night playing bingo with the villagers or sleeping in a farmer’s hut in the highlands of Papua New Guinea.
Some advice I offer you may find daunting and unorthodox, and not everything I recommend may apply to your own situation. But I would argue that if you want to push the envelope and truly connect with the people you are visiting, you must make yourself just a little bit uncomfortable and push your own boundaries. Only then can you truly break the tourist barrier.
Note to the online reader: Though I have worked with traditional publishers for the books (mainly IT related) that I have published in the past, I made the decision to publish this book as a series of posts on read.cash. I intend on publishing at least one chapter a week, though I may work faster or slower than this depending on my schedule. I reserve all rights to the contents of this book and may publish it in a more ‘traditional’ way in the future. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Michael Noel is a world renowned public speaker and author of twenty published books. He has spoken at events in over 85 countries and has visited over 175 UN nations within the past decade. His unique travel experiences can be read at https://sharingtheglobe.com or in his new book, "Breaking the Tourist Barrier."
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Introduction; Breaking the Tourist Barrier
Chapter 1: Planning Your Journey
Avoiding Tourist Companies and Services
It Doesn’t Have to Cost So Much
Planning Your Flights
Planning Your Lodging
Travel Companions
Vaccines and Health
Making a Local Friend in Advance
Getting Creative
Chapter 2: Packing Light; No, Seriously, Packing VERY Light
The Essentials
Your Critical Bag
Clothing
Chapter 3: Getting There
Airports
Flights
Trains, Buses, and Boats
Chapter 4: Getting Around
The Arrivals Hall
Taxis/Transport
Touts
Chapter 5: Think and Act Like a Local
Do Some Prep Work
Breaking the Tourist Barrier with Your Guides
Connecting with the Locals
Chapter 6: Taking Memories Not Souvenirs
The Problem with Souvenirs
Take Photos, Leave Impressions
Chapter 7: Using Technology Without Being THAT Person
Smartphones and Apps
Learning to Disconnect When Appropriate
Chapter 8: Food Glorious Food
Training Your Gut
Push Your Boundaries
Eat Like a Local
Chapter 9: Politics, Health, Sensibility, and Safety
COVID-19 and Public Health
Religion and Spirituality in the World
Politics; Leave it at Home
Being Sensible Without Being Paranoid
Chapter 10: Wrapping it Up