Whilst most of us can see the benefits of travelling, when it actually comes down to it, we all have our own preferences.
Some people take their cues from the Littlest Hobo, travelling from place to place and seeing the open road as part of the journey while others take the time to breathe in their surroundings and get to know each destination intimately.
Who’s right? Nobody really, it all comes down to the way YOU want to travel. However, if you’re the sort of person who wants to take the time to get to know a place or you want to return to it time and time again, you’ll discover some advantages and benefits you might not have realised you were open to.
The Secrets
Think carefully about your hometown or the place where you studied or live now. Picture all of the little secrets only you and a handful of people know about. That coffee shop that gives a mini macaroon with every latte, the restaurant that serves homemade bread with dipping cheese, the chemist that’s open until 11pm when everywhere else has long closed. These are the secrets which only a local has, and the more you visit a particular location the more chance of finding these hidden gems you have. You’ll discover the eateries which are off the beaten track, the tiny taverns up winding streets which only the locals frequent but which have the freshest fish, you’ll find the places actually worth visiting rather than those the guidebooks tell you are a ‘must-see’.
The Locals
Speaking of the locals, staying in a particular place is a great way of getting to know the local residents. Although some are very welcoming towards visitors, others might be on their guard or have little to do with the tourists. However, seeing you over time as you spend either long or frequent spells in the same place means building up a relationship and a rapport with the locals which can end in a mutual trust. As you begin to trust them a little more, they’ll be likely to do the same with you.
More Affordable
If you’re travelling around every few days, transport costs can really add up. On top of that, boredom on long journeys is often remedied by lots of food and drink, and we all know that airports and train stations are not the most frugal places to pick up your dinner. Many people choose to rent an apartment if they’re staying in one place for an extended period, and this can end up a lot cheaper per night verses staying in hotels. HomeAway has a good selection of self catering apartments world wide, available for short and long term rent. As well as enjoying home comforts like a television and private garden, having access to cooking and laundry facilities is a great way to save money, or rather spend less!
Friendships
As much as travelling is amazing, it can also be stressful and lonely for some people. These feelings should not prevent you from enjoying the world but in enjoying the same place for longer, you’ll not only build your own confidence but you’ll be likely to make friends, find support networks and meet like minded people who’ll only contribute to your experience. And if you’re learning a new language, making friends with the locals is invaluable.
Why not?
It stands to reason that if you’ve found a place, a destination or an area that makes you happy, why wouldn’t you want to stay there or return as much as you possibly could?
