I received my first passport stamp at the age of five, and I've been on the move ever since. My tracking app indicates that I have visited 23 countries, exploring nearly 100 regions, states, or cities within those countries, yet I've only seen about 11 percent of the world so far. Discovering this incredible planet is one of the great privileges of my life, and I truly appreciate it. However, I’ve realized that not all trips are the same; the type of journey you choose can significantly influence your experience and perspective. Each trip has its value, but they are distinctly different.
**Touring**
This is what most people envision when they mention they are going on a trip. Typically, a few days to a couple of weeks are spent experiencing the highlights or most renowned attractions of another city or country. If you’re visiting Paris, you can’t miss the Eiffel Tower. A trip to South Africa demands a safari, and if you find yourself in Beijing, seeing the Great Wall is essential. We absorb the sights, savor famous dishes like pho, moussaka, or gelato, attend an amazing event, and then return to our regular lives with beautiful memories and plenty of souvenirs. These quick cultural experiences are wonderful and inspire our creativity and sense of adventure, reminding us of the interconnectedness of our world.
**Traveling**
For me, traveling means delving deep into a culture. It involves truly understanding the daily life, language, customs, and history at a deeper level. You stay in local accommodations, use public transport, dine in places where you might be the only tourist, and shop at local grocery stores where the owner recognizes you and encourages you to try unique snacks. Most of us have this opportunity only through study abroad programs or if our jobs transfer us abroad. A few extraordinary individuals take sabbaticals, gap years, or parts of their retirement to immerse themselves in a foreign culture by driving, backpacking, or settling there. The genuine human connections and real-world perspectives gained from this kind of long-term travel are unique treasures, despite the challenges. It’s a privilege that many may never experience, so cherish it!
**Touraveling**
I coined this term, but I believe it deserves a place in our vocabulary. This method represents the majority of my travel experiences to date. Often, I only have a week or two at most in one location, so yes, I participate in tours, visit sights, and capture Instagram-worthy photos to share with friends. I buy fun hats, magnets, and “traditional” toys as gifts for my family. However, I also want to learn to prepare a local dish, not just savor it. If I’ve enjoyed a fabulous flamenco show or loved a batik painting, I aim to take a class while I’m there to try it myself. I engage with locals at night market stalls, and when they mention hidden hot springs not listed on major travel sites, I will hop on a bus to go, even if it means facing a language barrier and receiving strange looks from regulars. Although my short trips may not provide a complete experience of a country, I strive to go beyond the surface and perhaps leave as a slightly transformed person.
**Vacation**
I must admit that I have previously undervalued this style of travel. In my youth, I foolishly thought that if I just needed to rest, I could save both time and money by staying home to watch TV. But the reality is, it doesn't compare. At home, I find myself constantly checking messages, preparing lesson plans, or tackling mundane chores and errands, even when I intend to relax. What I’ve come to realize is that there is inherent value in boarding a plane merely to lounge by an exquisite pool with a book or to collect shells along a beach. There is value in enjoying miniature shampoo bottles and not having to make a bed for several days. There’s merit in wandering aimlessly through the streets of an unfamiliar city for hours and discovering a perfect coffee shop that you will never visit again. There is value in doing nothing particular in a place because it nourishes our souls, grants our bodies rest, and prepares us to return as productive members of our communities.
The reality is that all forms of exploration benefit the mind, body, and soul. As expats in Beijing, we have countless opportunities for every type of adventure. Let’s not take any of these experiences for granted! Share with us in the comments where you’re headed next and what kind of travel it will be!
READ: What Kind of Beijing Expat Are You?
Images: Unsplash
Not all journeys are the same, and the kind of trip you decide to embark on can significantly alter your experience.
