Be a traveler, not a tourist

In 2017, at age 71, Paulette Lee moved to central, rural France to explore the country she loves, renting a house on a medieval street in the charming commune of Argenton-sur-Creuse.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

I’ve been traveling for more than 50 years and have been to more than that many countries, but don’t ask me about packing.

I either pack too much or forget something essential, but I can usually find it wherever I find myself.

I’ve traveled solo independently, with a travel partner independently, and on a tour. As good a travel partner as my husband was,

I still prefer traveling solo and independently – going where and when I want, focusing on what I want to see and do, and most importantly to me, connecting with locals. A few phrases in the native language, body language, charades and a smile go a long way.

The reward of traveling independently far outweighs the downside.

I’m a traveler, not a tourist. I try to learn about, understand and connect with another culture.

My photos are memories of what I experienced or learned, not selfies. The same is true for souvenirs: I buy them for the story I can tell about them when I come home.

I have four traveling philosophies: 1) You have to be somewhere in 15 hours, so if you can afford it, why not be somewhere else? 2) If locals are still there, go; if they’re fleeing, don’t. 3) Always talk to strangers. 4) Always talk about relationships, religion and politics – that’s what people care about.

If going out on my own might not be either possible or advisable, then I get to the destination on my own, make my own lodging arrangements and hire local day guides.

If you’ve never traveled solo and want to start, you can always take a tour, but that kind of travel is unlikely to grow your spirit or enrich your soul. Here are some recommendations for going solo independently:

Start with a short trip – a week to 10 days – to a place where the language isn’t an issue.

Have a plan: At the very least, book your lodging ahead of time and know how you’re going to get from your arrival airport to where you’re staying. Take a few U.S. $1 bills for tipping en route and then use an ATM at an airport to get local currency.

Choose where you stay for comfort and accessibility. I always go for three stars. I like certain amenities, but don’t need the marble lobby with the fountain.

Do your research ahead of time, and not just through a travel guide. Know something about the history and culture of the people who live there. Remember: Their country is as dear to them as yours is to you, and their “normal” might not be yours.

Take walking shoes and wear them. Walk – get lost! (Always carry the address of your lodgings.) I guarantee you’ll find unexpected delights. Alternatively, use public transportation, including taking those tourists hop-on/hop-off city bus tours. They are a wonderful way to get an overview of a city.

Be impulsive. Say “yes,” but also use common sense. You have life experience and an “inner voice.” Pay attention to them.

Ask locals for recommendations.

So, go! Be a traveler, not a tourist. Become part of this incredible globe of billions of humans, many who are eager to share with you a secret we travelers know: We’re all much more alike than we are different.

Paulette Lee is a former award-winning broadcast journalist and retired nonprofit and international development communications consultant. She lives in Hagerstown and hosts the weekly podcast, “WomanWorthy: Real Talk About Real Issues for Women Over 60” online at womanworthy.podbean.com, or on most podcast apps.