I often pondered the concept of a travel expert and whether such a thing truly exists. It’s not like it’s a subject you can study in school (history certainly didn’t do much justice; who even remembers where Mesopotamia is?). In this millennial era, where people are more well-traveled than ever and ready to jet off at a moment’s notice, what distinguishes one traveler’s credibility from another’s? Similarly, what defines an influencer? In the age of the Internet, anyone can create a blog, start sharing their experiences, and amass a sizable following.
Given that my undergraduate thesis delved into website credibility, I tend to approach everything I read online with skepticism. How much of the content out there is genuinely produced by knowledgeable individuals, and how much is simply a personal account of a fun trip? Are bloggers actually offering a valuable service, or are they merely updating curious family and friends? With every post, I strive to answer the question: “Who cares?” and I encourage you to approach blogging in the same way — always aiming to provide value to your readers.
How to Define Travel Experts
Andrew Adams of Vluchten Volgen shares, I categorize travel experts into two groups: topical experts and local experts (like me, knowing Denver’s food scene inside out from regular writing). To be a local expert, you have to be well-connected, a go-to person in your social circle for the latest happenings. It’s more about personality than anything else, but it does require effort to stay updated. Some are naturally adept at travel hacking, which is another valuable skill—knowing how to travel longer and cheaper.
Three Tiers of Travel Experts
As for my expertise in travel, I consider myself an explorer. While some prefer lounging on a beach or indulging in an all-inclusive resort, the mere thought of staying still for so long makes me restless. I’m always seeking out the next adventure.
However, becoming a respected expert in this field requires more than just traveling to a few countries. There isn’t a specific number of countries visited that automatically makes you an expert; it’s about having the proper mindset and readiness for challenging travel experiences. These journeys aren’t leisurely vacations for everyone; they often involve encountering extreme poverty, diverse religions, conflicting beliefs, and situations that take you out of your comfort zone. Yet, these experiences are vital for gaining a deeper understanding of the world and its cultures.
Handling uncertainty and stress is also key. As the saying goes, “if everything’s going right, you’ve obviously overlooked something.” In travel, things rarely go exactly as planned. Flights get delayed, trains are canceled, accommodations may not meet expectations. You can either let these mishaps ruin your trip or tap into your problem-solving skills and find alternative solutions. Travel experts excel at thinking on their feet, displaying flexibility, and knowing what to research and how to adapt, says Sean Philips of FlightRadar Online.
Here are my Designations:
Beginner’s Travel – You see travel as a getaway from routine life. You’re just starting to explore the popular destinations like London, Paris, or Rome, as well as major US cities. Six-hour flights and trips to places like Europe and the Caribbean are becoming familiar. It’s comfortable, mostly English-speaking, with minimal culture shock.
A Little More Adventurous – Transitioning from a casual vacationer to a curious traveler, you’re drawn to places like Asia or remote South American countries. You’re eager to experience nature firsthand, whether it’s climbing mountains or discovering waterfalls. Trying local cuisine, even if unconventional, excites you. You see travel as an educational opportunity, immersing yourself in the country’s culture, perhaps through homestays or volunteering.
Extreme Explorer – While some may hesitate, you’re thrilled by the idea of venturing far off the beaten path. The prospect of exploring the Middle East or remote parts of Africa intrigues rather than intimidates you. You’re drawn to places and experiences others might consider too risky or inaccessible, like visiting Antarctica or Greenland. You’re passionate about documenting your adventures and sharing local traditions and cultural nuances through storytelling and photography, Dan Eastman of Ship Tracking added.
I fall somewhere between the adventurous and extreme categories. The thought of exploring lesser-known countries excites me tremendously, although I haven’t had many chances to do so yet. But stay tuned – I’m gearing up for some exciting adventures soon.
If you want to become a more expert traveler like me, it’s essential to do your homework! Here are a few recommended apps to kickstart your journey. Additionally, consider taking a travel photography class to enhance your photo skills.