Things You Think You Know About Travelling That Are Totally Wrong

Things You Think You Know About Travelling That Are Totally Wrong

We all have firmly held beliefs about travel, how to do it and how to do it right, so it can sometimes come as a bit of a surprise to learn that something we thought we knew is absolute nonsense. Here are just a few commonly held beliefs that turn out on closer inspection to be utter bunk:

Camping involves roughing it.

Wrong. Camping can be basic and rough but it does not need to be. More and more people are trying out glamping or luxury camping sites and finding that these options can often be more and not less luxurious than a swanky hotel. Find an idyllic location and lounge back on your feather bed four-poster in a sumptuously swathed safari tent or yurt and relax with a glass of champagne.

Hotels are your best bet for luxury and comfort.

Wrong. The word hotel can cover a multitude of sins and can describe buildings that differ ridiculously widely in comfort levels and amenities. If you really want luxury – a home away from home – and are not convinced by the glamping options then why wouldn't you choose to actually stay in a private home?

Exclusive, comfortable and with a private guide and possibly a personal chef too into the bargain, you can browse sites such as flat9 and airbnb and you will see that all sorts of swanky residences are on offer.

Hostels are for the 'youth'.

Wrong. Many people with families or those from older generations are under the misapprehension that hostels are all only 'youth hostels' and that is definitely not the case. In spite of the misleading name, people of all ages are welcomed and do use hostels around the world. Some are indeed young people party hangouts but many others are perfectly family friendly and offer private rooms for those a little too old and jaded to want to be in a dorm room.

Travelling is expensive.

Wrong. Travelling need not be expensive. There are many ways to travel for next to nothing, either relying on the kindness of strangers, or bartering skills or time in return for room and board, volunteering or working abroad. There are free things to see and do in every city and even more to see and do on a wild adventure in the mountains or wildernesses of this world.

Eating out in a city costs a fortune.

Wrong. Eating out in a city need not always cost the earth. It is usually a good policy, if you are eating out, to move away from the most heavily touristy areas, wherever you are. Eat as locals do to avoid expensive tourist traps. In many cities, street food can offer a very cheap but exciting and delicious way to eat out without spending a lot of money and traditional markets can often be a great way to buy picnic food, even if you do not have the facilities to be self-catering. Be gregarious and get to know some locals – often you will be invited to their place and will eat for free and make new friends into the bargain.

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