The “Right” Way to Travel

by Tasha in Pre-trip,Epigrams and Interludes

As the savings and research continue, through my wanderings across many a travel blog and website I am confronted time and time again with the concept of a “real” backpacker. The definition of such seems to be a major conflict between many sources, however similar concepts arise.

A 'True' Traveller appears to be one that: 
- Refuses to own anything more than a decent pack, rather than suitcase or alternatives
- Packs less than a week's clothing
- Embraces 3 minute showers and 2 minute noodles
- Continually sleeps in airports
- Never stays in Chain Hotels such as the Hilton, instead always chooses the 8 bed dorm
- Will never retire as a career traveller


Lines are drawn between size of backpack, whether you camp or stay in a hostel or hotel, even if you take specific electronics, or leave others behind. Such is the state of the world that we feel the need to prove that one style of travel is superior and therefore ‘better’ or ‘truer’ than another.

We recently were watching my favourite travel movie of all time - “The Way” starring Martin Sheen and James Nesbitt. If you have the means and opportunity, it is well worth a watch...and re-watch, and re-watch. The film takes its name, and setting from the Way of St James, otherwise known as the Camino de Santiago. It is a pilgrimage through Spain to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. There are several different routes you can take, each with their own length, landscape and significance.

As we intend to walk the Camino ourselves - each re-watching eventually dissolves into a discussion of our preferred starting point, route, and means of travel. Alex quickly established that he wouldn’t feel right biking or driving the Camino as it didn’t feel ‘real’ as a pilgrimage. I disagreed that biking would somehow taint the journey as a pilgrimage but understood where he was coming from. Walking adds more significance to us personally, and would be the way we would choose to complete the journey, although I would not judge others who chose differently.

Within the movie James Nesbitt offers the opinion that a true traveller of the Camino is one who makes it as difficult as possible for themselves, by casting away all creature comforts, even luggage, and relying on the harshness of the experience to give meaning.

photo by: oneeighteen

Whilst this appears a popular opinion, it lead me to recall a recent conversation with one of my closest friends, who was relating her travel plans for later this year. As she is short of time, yet great in enthusiasm, she is deciding to take a short tour in Europe, and was tossing up between a singular country, or a highlight reel (a tour designed to spend a single day in each city - allowing you to see multiple countries).

Now the idea of taking a pre-organised tour would sit with many as not 'truly' travelling, however she is travelling alone and has only less than two weeks. Having pre-prepared travel, pre-determined destinations and some pre-ordered meals may not seem like truly embracing the area, although when you have limited time and funds this may be the only way you are able to experience the area at all, and the idea of not having to stress about all the little details has great appeal.

photo by: tomsen

I have realised I sit on both sides of the argument (not in a hypocritical way). Merely, I feel that between the two points there is a lot of grey area and I belong right there in the centre of Grey-ville. Previously on this website I have expressed the opinion that while travelling we want to see the world the as it is, not a cookie cutter version prepared for those who travel without being willing to step outside their comfort zone and this still rings true. However that is not to say that I think there is anything wrong with touring with a pre-booked group and often it can be the most efficient and cost-effective way to see a country/region.

Deep down I believe that all travel is good travel. Even if you only see a little, that is a lot more than you saw before. And best of all, it can spark incentive to come back on a longer trip. In the end, this is the view I wish to share with my friend. That travel is worth it, no matter what. And silly judgements only dim the awesomeness of what it is exactly we are all doing. Exploring.

I recommended the highlight tour, and added that she should come back and travel with us for a month or so when she has more time and money, so we can experience it together. Because travel is good, and travel with friends is better.

Tasha with friends in Sevilla, Spain 2006

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