photo credit: Zach Dischner via photopin
Hemingway was anything but ordinary. While other authors of the time spent days sipping coffee and exchanging stories, Hemingway forged ahead to places that made other authors envious and go to him for advice. The same can be said of people that travel. While traveling to famous sites such as the Eiffel Tower or the Roman Colosseum can be rewarding and memorable, you can turn your travels into an epic trip by visiting the out of the way places. After the tourist area of Rome try visiting the Celian Hill area, which is full of ancient sites, small cafes and charm. Or how about Ostia Antica, the ancient port area of Rome where you will see the remains of warehouses, baths and houses. Or just strike out on your own and discover what the area holds.
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE CULTURE
Marco Polo spent 24 years traveling Asia where he learned several languages, became a confidant of the Emperor of China, and had many epic journeys on the emperor’s behalf. You don’t have to spend 24 years traveling, although that would be epic wouldn’t it? There are some things you can do to immerse yourself in the culture. Get off the tourist path and enjoy time with the people that live there. Eat where they eat, shop where they shop and it helps to learn a few words in the local language. The people there will be impressed you took the time to learn and often will strike up conversations with you because they are as curious about your culture as you are about theirs.
Did you ever do anything out of the norm that made one of your trips epic?
Julia says
This just made my morning happy – I’ve ended up in that time of my lief when everyone is getting married, and if I hear about one more cookie cutter honeymoon to a well-trafficked city in Europe I might just cry. Go big or stay home, is how I’ve been feeling!
D.J. - The World of Deej says
Great tips…Every trip should be Epic!
thetravellingfool says
Agree, Strive to make epic memories.
Kerri says
The photo you chose is definitely fitting to your post… what an image! Definitely agree!
Mariella says
This reminds me so much of the post I am putting on Comment Luv here… My Eastern Europe adventure was definitely epic for all the reasons you mentioned. I am so with you on all of that – everyone should find their own ways and not just trample after the majority.
thetravellingfool says
Once you get out of your comfort zone and do a little exploring you come across some great gems that make the trip more memorable.
Shofey says
Great blog, definitely why spend time only visiting places that are already in the books, that’s just ordinary.