The #1 Travel Tip

Collecting memories instead of souvenirs with the very best guides you can find.

I always preferred raw trips, talking to locals, asking them about their daily lives, how they earn, their hardships, etc. Collecting memories instead of souvenirs. Man, it has been such a fantastic experience seeing the very best parts of these places.

I’m no gatekeeper, so my tip of advice when traveling? DO NOT arrange transportation ahead of time. Now you might be thinking, ‘How the heck am I going to move around then?'. Well, your question is valid. But let me tell you one thing. You can easily find other people living in countries, who are organically friendly and happy to serve you. Plus they’re not from these huge driving companies. They are local people like you, like me. Opt for them instead. You’ll find not only a driver but also the most inexpensive tour guide.

Now, how would you know the person is right for you? Walk around, talk to people, ask them what they typically make in a day. When you find your person, offer to pay for their entire day, for your trip, and go from there.

I remember one of the drivers I met; he was from Barbados and played for the national soccer team. My most favorite travel memories include watching a Jamaican cricket match that’d you’d never know about unless you were a local. I ate delicious jerk chicken, met real rastas living in the jungle.

That guy made my trip extraordinary by taking me for hilltop lunch on a small farm owned by his aunt, overlooking a beautiful ocean. Let me tell you a funny thing; we were not alone there. There was a monkey on his farm who ate lunch with me while sitting on my shoulder the whole time. I talked to his family and learned about their way of living, their routines and how they eat, what they eat, their customs and traditions. Later, he took me to underground caverns that are only open to its employees. Luckily, his sister worked there, so she let us in. The caverns are a unique phenomenon of nature – there are these amazing stalactites hanging from the roof of the cave, looking like a breathtaking gallery.

This was one wonderful experience I’ll never forget. My driver made sure that I enjoyed every bit of my trip, and he added to my excitement by taking me to his aunt’s farm and underground adventure.

That’s the benefit of hiring locals for your trip. Who grew up in the area, know the insides and outs, its history, and are truly thrilled to show off their home. Try this on your next trip and share your experience with me.