To Stay or Not to Stay

For some people, traveling abroad requires experiencing as much of one or multiple countries as possible. But for other people, traveling to just one location and immersing themselves in that location is top priority. No matter the preference, each will have its benefits and drawbacks. In the end, compromising will surely provide the best results.

 

One Country, One City

Staying in one location for the whole stay benefits those who want full immersion into a culture (focus on “quality”). The longer the stay in one city, the better the chances of integrating with the locals of the area. If you want to know a city like the back of your hand, or become a part of a foreign community, staying in one place is best.

The drawback to this option comes as a potential missed opportunity. Most developed countries will have convenient public transportation systems available which makes it easy to travel between cities or even neighboring countries. Not taking the opportunity to travel outside of invisible boundaries bypasses a crucial part of traveling abroad. Staying in one place doesn’t allow you to truly know a country as a whole. Different cities and towns are all part of the fabric of a country’s identity. And, the cultures and traditions of different regions can vary widely. Getting to know one place is great, but that means you miss out on other places that make the country unique.

 

Multiple Cities, as Many as You Can

Taking on as many cities as possible (focus on “quantity”) while traveling is challenging but necessary for those in search of constant adventure. Instead of staying in one city, multiple sightseeing excursions will make you really feel as though you have seen every inch of a travel destination. Also, you get to observe the different people and cultures that make up a country’s character.

The downfall to this option is that it doesn’t allow full immersion into a specific location. Traveling back and forth from different cities takes away from experiences you could have had in one location, such as concerts or hanging out with (and getting closer to) new friends. Being constantly on the move puts pressure on the relationship you form with the people and lands of any country.

 

A Little of Both

Compromise is the best solution to the downfalls of both options. For those who like to stay in one place, taking short weekend trips to a new, nearby location every other week can bring new cultures into view without taking too much time away from your choice city’s experiences. For those who like adventure, consider traveling and staying in a new city every week to allow some time for cultural immersion. Some will inevitably prefer quality over quantity and others, quantity over quality.  And if neither of these options entice you, then simply focusing on compromise can take your travel plans to the next level!

I hope the idea of “balance” can help those who are indecisive about their next travel plans. Make the most of the time you have wherever you are; that is the most important part of any travel experience!

[accordion_tab title=”Collegiate Correspondent: Jennifer Nieves” default]

Jennifer Nieves is a Collegiate Correspondent at Voy.[/accordion_tab]