How and Why We Travel Archives

The affection that comes with familiarity versus the energy of an unfamiliar destination

Only two of the nine countries we visited in the last six months were new to us, places we hadn’t been before and were experiencing for the first time. Obviously, as travel writers, it’s inevitable that we end up returning to places time and time again, particularly as we develop expertise in certain places, as my … Read more about The affection that comes with familiarity versus the energy of an unfamiliar destination

Are you a once-in-a-lifetime traveller or a creature of habit?

by Lara Dunston

Are you a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ traveller? That is, every country you visit you consider it to be a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ experience and treat it as such? Do you go to a place thinking you may never get back there again so everything you do is a special adventure? Do you go with the idea that you won’t even … Read more about Are you a once-in-a-lifetime traveller or a creature of habit?

Itineraries: do you use them when you travel? Or do you simply create your own?

by Lara Dunston

Do you use itineraries when you travel? Do you rip out those ’48 Hours In…’ or ‘3 Perfect Days in…’ pages from travel magazines and newspapers when one catches your eye? Do they end up staying at home lost among your paperwork or do you slip them into your guidebook and take them with you … Read more about Itineraries: do you use them when you travel? Or do you simply create your own?

When you travel, do you do the things you want to do or the things you think you should do?

by Lara Dunston

Do you see a church, a museum or a ruin as a sight you should do when visiting a destination or are they places you actually want to visit? And do you consider chatting with a taxi driver, tour guide or security guard as an equally engaging and rewarding experience that can reveal as much … Read more about When you travel, do you do the things you want to do or the things you think you should do?

Sightseeing: taking time to take in the sights – or not. How do you ‘see’ the sights when you travel?

by Lara Dunston

When you’re visiting an attraction, how long do you spend at a sight? I’m talking about a specific museum exhibit, an individual painting, a natural phenomenon and so on, at scenic attractions, ancient ruins, historic churches, city museums, art galleries and the like. Are you a stroller? That’s to say, do you stay in motion, … Read more about Sightseeing: taking time to take in the sights – or not. How do you ‘see’ the sights when you travel?