Posted: Nov 16, 2018

Last updated: Oct 10, 2024

Meaningful travel experiences are those that change your perspective in a way that “surprisingly” makes you see things differently. Usually, after such an experience, you feel… different. Somehow, transformed. Some people seek those experiences through volunteering abroad or contributing to a local business/community when traveling. For others, meaningful travel comes from soul-searching adventures across the world (such as taking a leap year off college, etc.). I believe that every travel adventure can be uniquely memorable.  Whether you’re going on a long awaited Europe tour or a weekend getaway, here are 9 tips to create a unique travel experience. 

Research the history of the place you’re visiting

Where does it come from? How did it come about? What was the civilization like back then? How does the past of that city/country affect the present culture? For instance, there is a reason why Gorée island, in Senegal, is of tremendous significance to most Africans and African Americans who visit the place nowadays. Similarly, is a reason why Barbados is – geographically speaking – the only Caribbean island where you can find stalactites and stalagmites. Knowing about the history of a place would definitely make your travel more meaningful. It makes you feel more connected to that place.

Understand what makes each tourist attraction unique 

Tourist attractions are obviously a popular hub for many tourists, but only a handful of visitors actually take the time to real read about what makes each site unique. But don’t just go to tourist sites for Instagram-worthy pictures. Research random facts like how the structure was built and how long it took to complete the project. This would make you value your sightseeing experience so much more and create a more unique travel experience. This was how I truly realized that the Missouri Botanical Garden is one of the most beautiful gardens I had ever seen.

Be Genuine in your conversations

Having visited more than 20 countries and 35 cities has made me a lot more accustomed to communicating with people with a different cultural background. This is only one of the many invaluable skills I have developed through traveling. I have become a professional of small talk, but this can also come with its downsides. To truly have a meaningful travel experience, connect with the locals. Don’t talk to people to make conversation, to ask for direction or to get help. Instead, really get to know them for the simple purpose of getting to know them.

A little anecdote on this:

I remember going to a shopping mall during my last trip to Barbados. One of the sales assistant approached me to find out where I was from: she could tell I was not a local, my accent gave it away. When I told her I was from Cameroon, her eyes opened wide, as if she had just heard the unthinkable. I added: “it’s in Africa, West Africa”. “Oh, she responded. How did you get here?” I was initially baffled at her second question, not knowing whether it was sarcasm or true interest. But I went along and told her that I took a plane, and after a few days and a few stopovers, I made it to her beautiful island. She seemed even more impressed. At that moment, I knew that her interest was really genuine, and I asked her some questions about herself.

The “old me” would have assumed that everyone should know where Cameroon is. The new me, the one who consciously works to create memorable adventures, chose to quit “assuming” and went along with the genuine answers.

Take pictures that make you smile when you look back at them

Travel bloggers and social media influencers are experts on this, if you ask me. But I am not advocating for expensive travel cameras, surreal photo filters or unrealistic makeup to make your pictures stand out. A memorable picture could be as simple as a selfie with your loved one having Belgian waffles in Brussels. It truly depends on you and what you value. For me, I’d never forget the day I woke up super early to get a picture in front of the Pantheon in Rome so I could have it all to myself before all the tourist groups!

Go where the locals go

Another great way to create meaningful travel is to do as the locals do and go where the locals go. Not only do you get to truly dive into the culture, but you also get an unbiased experience. There is no one trying to oversell you anything, or to convince you of the beauty or uniqueness of some random place. It reminds me of the time when I truly wanted to find out why the Swiss were so “fond” of cheese fondue. Back in the days, Swiss farmers would consume melted cheese during the winter months to keep warm, while they were up in the mountains. Today, fondue is  a delicacy that is now very popular in Switzerland and Europe. I had the privilege to taste at an open restaurant on the side bank of the Lac Léman, just like the locals did every Saturday. Verdict? Even though melted cheese is not my cup of tea, I certainly enjoyed the experience.

Attend a local festival

If you’re visiting a city during a festive time, do everything you possibly can to attend the local festivities. It is yet another time to see the locals in their natural habitats. It is also an ideal opportunity to dive into the culture and create a memorable travel experience. The first time I visited Minneapolis, I attended the Minneapolis Greek Festival and grasped the opportunity to indulge in Baklava ice cream and gyros, after trying a few steps of Greek dance. Minneapolis is a multicultural city, and I was able to witness and appreciate that.

Speak the language

Language connects people. Locals are a lot more embracing of tourists who make an effort to speak their language. I have read so many stories from fellow travel bloggers who were able to create memorable adventures because they could easily communicate with the locals, beyond asking for directions. When people see that you try to embrace their culture (language is one of the ways), they give back and welcome you with even more open arms. And this helps to make your travel more meaningful. 

Share something about your culture

Inasmuch as meaningful travel is about discovering and embracing other cultures, it is about leaving some of your own culture behind. Whether we recognize it or not,  we become ambassadors of our own countries abroad. It is up to us to represent positively or else. Whenever I talk to strangers during my travels, I always tell them about something I am proud of in my home country, and I invite them to visit. This type of unique travel experience is what I usually remember. Other travelers often go as far as leaving a token from their home country. I have seen this done at a hostel where I stayed a few years ago in Venice Beach, California.

Purchase a noteworthy souvenir

There are travel souvenirs that are rather traditional: chocolates when returning from Switzerland, an “Eiffel tower shaped” key ring when returning from Paris, etc. You name it. When you go souvenir hunting (and if you have a little bit of time to do so), look for something a little more original and unique, something that would make your travel more meaningful when you look at it. A lot of souvenir markets and gift shops offer creative souvenir options if you only take the time to look. 

Traveling is more than just taking social-media worthy pictures. Simply open yourself to the experience of everything a  new destination has to offer. You will discover that whether you are going to Nantes for 48 hours or to Thailand for two weeks, there are countless ways you can turn that experience into meaningful travel.