Being a Savvy Experiential Traveler

Seeking transformational travel moments? You aren’t alone. This buzzword is part of a growing category tagged most often as “experiential travel”, where travelers tap into experiences that are meaningful and enlightening and create a new sense of self. But the exact make up of a transformational travel experience can mean different things to different people – from exploring off-the-beaten path gems on a Contiki tour to embracing local traditions with insider-oriented Culturious to embarking on a global adventure with the brand that invented experiential travel, Abercrombie & Kent. A Skift magazine study found that travelers define experiential travel based on their values and passions, with wellbeing and the ability to learn about new things being key interests.

Curious about experiential travel or already planning a trip? Here are some tips for maximizing the benefits:

• Live Like a Local – Not wanting to feel like a tourist can influence the choices travelers make about where to bunk down. The Skift 2018 U.S. Experiential Traveler Trend study found that avid travelers, those who have taken at least one leisure trip in the last 12 months, are more than three times more likely to have used a home sharing service like Airbnb than non-avid travelers.
• Get Public with Transportation – Hopping on a bus, train or tram with regular commuters gives travelers insights into how the locals live and work. Plus, taking advantage of local travel can be extremely cost effective, and save you from battling sore feet.
• Pick up Some Language Skills – From classes and online courses to podcasts and languages guides, developing some key language skills can help you navigate typical experiences from ordering at restaurants and shopping to visiting the local farmers’ markets.
• Get Acquainted Before You Go – Discover books and stories from the destinations you’re about to explore to understand the history and current culture. Then check out travel sites such as Vayable to connect to cultural experiences with locals.
• Make Sure You’re Covered. Whether designing your own experiential travel plans or opting for a more packaged tour, make sure your key travel needs are insured from deposits to airfare to protecting your health and belongings while you’re away.