[dropcap]W[/dropcap]e all know that travelling inspires passion in everyone who’s done it. You get to flood your brain with new memories and experiences. You get to meet new people. You get to try things you never thought you’d try, and might even find something that you want to do over and over again.
Those who travel love to travel. Seriously, they hardly shut up about it. Not that this is a bad thing. It’s fantastic to hear other people’s experiences about their trips to Asia, Africa, North America, or wherever the well-trodden road took them. But while it’s great to share these experiences, asking if they went there and saw this, it starts to feel a little ordinary.
The world is so full of things to do that it seems a shame to follow where everyone else has gone before. If you’re looking for a unique way to see the world, here are some ideas to make your travel stories the most fascinating.
Most travellers get from A to B via bus or aeroplane, but you could take this transport anywhere in the world. As an alternative, consider getting nautical and find your way to the next destination by river.
The world is connected by thousands of rivers, lakes, and streams which all play a part in the delicate ecosystem. Along these trails, you’re introduced to something not everything will see, let alone know exists.
There are options all across the world, but the pace with the most variety is arguably in the far East. With places like the Mekong and Keralan backwaters, why not check out any of the must-try river experiences across Asia. You’ll encounter indigenous tribes, rare wildlife, and you’ll love every minute of it even if you get a bit wet.
Row, Row, Row Your Boat
No Money, No Problem
Everyone says you need money – and lots of it – to live out your travel dreams. However, smart and savvy travellers of all kinds will tell you that’s not always the case.
If you don’t want to say goodbye to your favourite destination quite yet, you can look into work-to-live and volunteer options at local hostels, farms, and Workaway schemes. Not only does this give you a chance to extend your trip just a little longer, but it also helps you give back to the country that’s given you so much.
Working at a hostel gives you a free bed and (sometimes) discounted food and drink, while farms and Workaways introduce you to a side of the country that you would never usually see. You won’t be able to live your same party lifestyle, but you were due for some downtime, anyway.
If you want to abandon wheels, rudders, and engines but still want to check out what the local area has to offer, you can take some time out of your day to try camel back riding in the Dubai desert. You won’t be able to see the whole country like this, but for those looking for an authentic experience in places that aren’t top of the backpacker’s list, there are few better options.
You trek over steep dunes, and you’ll end the day with a meal under a sky where light pollution seems to be a distant memory. You might feel you’ve crash-landed on Tatooine, but at least you won’t need to worry about Jawas stealing your iPhone.
Getting Over The Hump
24 Hour Mario Party People
Video game aficionados will relish the opportunity to live out their very own Blue Shell dream by racing through the streets of Tokyo on Go-Karts. It’s less full-throttle than everyone’s favourite racing game, giving you the chance to take in the sights from a different perspective, but no less enjoyable than sitting on your sofa.
Attractions along the way include Tokyo Tower, and if you want better insight, you can go with a guide to ensure you get the full flavour of what’s before you.
If you want to live out your full Mario Kart fantasies, you can kit yourself out in a variety of costumes. The whole tour takes one hour and is just $31 per person with free cancellation. Not that anyone would want to pass up this opportunity.
While you may not be able to share memories of the lights of the Full Moon Party or the nostalgia-inspiring stink of Europe’s Interrail, you’ll still have a travel experience that’s worth remembering, even if you have no one to share it with. Choosing to go your own way and see the side of the world that others don’t even know exist will give you a fresh take on what it means to live out of a backpack. It will provide you with an independent streak that cannot be rivalled and is an experience that will mean more to you every day.
