Aigerim Duiseneyeva and Shana Zheng of Triptrotting

After every trip we’ve taken, the most significant memories were those that included the people and the friendships we have created along the way. They’ve given us perspective and even inspired us to create a community of people who share the same passion for traveling and connecting with like-minded locals – Triptrotting.

Here is a collection of travel memories where knowing local friends really made our travel experiences extraordinary.

Aigerim Duiseneyeva
I’ve been to over 25 different countries, but the experiences below specifically taught me two key lessons: one is that hanging with locals completely changes your travel experiences; and two, hanging out with your peers you realize how similar we all are, despite the fact that we come from so many different corners of the world.

Tunis, Tunisia – As I write this, Tunisia is a newly democratic country with new Presidential elections coming up soon, but when I visited I took a picture of the Presidential Palace and my Tunisian friend, Rola, freaked out! She yelled at me that I should put my camera away if I don’t want the cops to take it away! I learned so much on that trip about Tunisia – its culture and its people. I got to stay with Rola’s family in Tunis for three nights, and one night with her younger sister, husband and their eight-month daughter. We visited Rola’s high school, went horseback riding on a professional ranch and hung out with her high school friends. I could tell back then the growing frustration among the young people about the autocratic government, but at the same time there was a feeling of hopelessness about the situation. Without knowing Rola in Tunisia, I would probably never have gone there! This was the first time I realized how knowing locals could actually drive people to take trips to places they would never go.

Read more of Aigerim’s inspirational experiences in New Zealand and Europe

Shana Zheng
It’s difficult  for me to look back on my travel experiences without seeing the faces that have inspired me to think outside of the box and have really enriched my life. Think back to all the times a travel memory is brought up in conversation. Are you just talking about the lovely statue you photographed? For me, the stories I rave about over and over again and get all the laughs and wows from all involve the great friendships I’ve made and experiences I’ve shared. In each place I visit, the best souvenir for me is a new friendship and a brand new perspective.

Bangkok, Thailand – My trip to Bangkok, Thailand, was eye opening and so very intriguing. Aside from the elephant rides, the jungle safari, the floating market and being bitten by a monkey while feeding it bananas, I remember all the hospitable faces and helpful locals. The locals were extraordinarily friendly. One of the girls on our trip had a local friend who invited us to her home for an afternoon pool party. Little did I know, I had entered into a home with maids, guest houses and infinity pools. Our host was friendly and even took us to experience a different side of Thailand only the more privileged frequented.

Read more about Shana’s local travel moments of epiphany in Dubai and Hong Kong