Juan Goicochea, Chief Travel Aficionado of Large Minority, on a pilgrimage in Kattaragama, Sri Lanka

I truly believe there is nothing as strong or beautiful as traveling locally.

When I travel; I admire, I compare, I remember, I learn, I observe, I share, I love, I hate, I dream, I regret but I never forget.

When I travel, I open myself to the warmness of genuine human beings, who like me, are also passionate about local travel. It is a movement, a collaborative effort – an ambitious quest shaped by inspiring individuals trying to share a positive message. Shouldn’t we all be heading in a positive direction?

When I travel, I try to become more local in order to learn and master the local ways and customs. I absorb (like a true sponge), everything the destination and its people have on offer. All in good faith and with an open heart – as I’m sure many of you do too.

When I travel, I am ‘adopted’ by foreign families and soon enough their reality becomes my own. I am smitten by kindness and humility. I get used to the lack of electricity, shortage of water, basic lifestyle and everything foreign. Using sign language becomes natural just like eating with my hands does too.

I get called ‘machan’, ‘papu’, ‘farang’ and eventually Juan (actually more like Quan or Wan). I develop cravings for exotic foods, local brews, insane modes of transport, noise, crowds, unbearable smells, chaos, peace, nature, tranquility, beauty, kindness, respect, authenticity, local logic and local ways of thinking and acting.

Phew, ok let me slow down and give you my views of why are we travelling more local…

Perhaps it is time to introduce my two good friends: curiosity and guilt.

Continue reading this article on the More Local blog