What do you seek when you visit other countries?

1. 78

   Beata Stasakposted 12 years ago

   What do you seek when you visit other countries?
   
   Baudelaire wrote of escaping "anywhere out of this world" and Proust pondered our longing to get out of our own lives, frustrated by discovery that they follow us wherever we go like our shadows. Enlightenment travellers are less concerned with the experience there are having than with understanding the places and people they visit, but it takes time and patience and modern tourists are short of both.

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2. 53

   Brett.Tesolposted 12 years ago

   All depends on if it is a holiday to relax/blow off some steam, or traveling - looking for a unique experience.
   
   When I am traveling, I want to get involved with local people, understand the culture and have an 'off the beaten track' experience. If I'm 'traveling' in a country, I don't like to stay in fake tourist attraction areas.
   
   However, if I just need a short holiday from work ... then I want everything that I can't have in everyday life! lol. Want to enjoy the day, take my time, do what I feel like (seeing where the day leads) and treat myself to a few luxuries.

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3. 60

   edmob1posted 12 years ago

   I agree very much with the previous answer.Though I would add a holiday can be taken in your own country if it is just to wind down.
   To make a point of holidaying in another country, suggests that you want to escape the cultural safety zone of your country.If something deep down inside you is saying try something new. Unfortunately it seems to me Proust was right.Whilst I enjoy tasting different cultures, certain elements of home tend to stay with me.

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4. 63

   lilian_sgposted 12 years ago

   It depends. Sometimes it is just to get away from work so quiet and peace. So less interaction with locals.
   Other times, it is a travel to open my eyes and learn about the local culture and people. I would then seek to venture out on my own and try local food.

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5. 72

   That Grrlposted 11 years ago

   One of the best questions I've seen come up on HubPages.   Wish I had thought of it.
   
   I like to find the atmosphere of the place. I'm not a social butterfly, but I push myself a bit and talk to people when I travel. I ask about things that interest me. Sometimes I find out about a great place to visit while I'm there. Sometimes they tell me about a local group I could join in with. Often I get a new perspective on my old, taken for granted ideas.
   
   I like finding culture and history. I will go to things like local museums and flea markets and those farmer's markets where they really do still have produce as well as crafts and such for sale.
   
   One thing I always do it get out very, very early so I can be out people watching as the town/ city wakes up for the working day. I like to see the place start fresh and come alive around me.

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6. 72

   That Grrlposted 11 years ago

   There is something special about getting away. First you have that flash of horror at being adrift in a new place. But, once you get over that the adventure starts. It's only when you travel that you can really be free, reinvent yourself, try something new and waste a day doing nothing, guilt free. read more

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