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It is not the hostel experience, per se, that makes it a creative or adventurous option, it is the increased chance of discovering something unexpected to see or do because you are forced to interact with people. People who usually have fewer inhibitions about their travel experiences and thus have gotten off the beaten track and can share their discoveries with their hostel-mates.
Can't say that forced interaction is something I look for in a vacation.
Although I do talk to other people while traveling (you don't have to share a room with a stranger to talk to them) and have found plenty of interesting things to see and do. While waiting for the shuttle at Glacier (I know, I know... Why didn't we just go back the way we came, and hike another 10 miles through the mountains to get back to our car?!) we talked to a group of ladies in front of us about the things we had done over the past few days. They gave us some ideas on things we should do, and they got some ideas from us. I don't think I have ever asked a hotel concierge what I should do on vacation. Now a days, we have this thing called the internet that allows people to share their travel experiences and discoveries. So much better then having to stay in a hostel.
I'm not sure if this has been mentioned, but it's also important to remember that everyone has a different "bar" in terms of what is boring vs. what is exciting.
Some people might say that if you don't participate in extreme sports, you lead a boring life. Why on earth would anyone stay on the ground when you can strap a parachute to your back and jump out of a plane? Well, skydiving may be enjoyable for some people, but I have no desire to spend two minutes even considering jumping out of a plane.
Not everyone is looking for bigger, better, more exciting in order to have a fulfilled life. Everyone lives by their own standard. You may not be impressed by someone else's standard, but then again, you don't have to be.
Can't say that forced interaction is something I look for in a vacation.
Although I do talk to other people while traveling (you don't have to share a room with a stranger to talk to them) and have found plenty of interesting things to see and do. While waiting for the shuttle at Glacier (I know, I know... Why didn't we just go back the way we came, and hike another 10 miles through the mountains to get back to our car?!) we talked to a group of ladies in front of us about the things we had done over the past few days. They gave us some ideas on things we should do, and they got some ideas from us. I don't think I have ever asked a hotel concierge what I should do on vacation. Now a days, we have this thing called the internet that allows people to share their travel experiences and discoveries. So much better then having to stay in a hostel.
Forced interaction? Ha. I'd be really lost if I didn't stay in a hostel.
A vacation that is outside the box would be building an itinerary based on quirky things on Roadside America (I'm determined to see the Gas Station Jesus outside of Dubuque).
Since it's been a while since I was in grade school, I thought I'd take a look at the actual definition of "travel".
Simple Definition of travel
: to go on a trip or journey : to go to a place and especially one that is far away
: to go through or over (a place) during a trip or journey
: to move from one place to another
I suppose there could be some difference of opinion as to what constitutes "far away", but I'd say that otherwise, the definition of travel is pretty cut and dry, and does not necessarily include any of the things that you mentioned.
I'll keep that in mind in case I want to travel in the dictionary.
None of those definitions reference anything like that which is looked for on a vacation OR by a person who considers themselves a traveler; they are definitions of the verb 'travel'. If you count walking from your bathroom to your living room as 'Travel', more power to you.
I think the moral of the story is "boring" in the eye of the beholder.
Some people think a great way to vacation is to visit a city, foreign or domestic, and spend countless hours in museums or touring historic places or the must see landmarks. A trip to Paris visiting the Louvre or a trip to Italy touring cathedrals and ancient ruins. For some, soaking in the history of a place is fascinating and fun. Hustling around from place to place. Me? I'd be bored to tears.
I'd rather "waste" my vacation on a beach, soaking up the sun, tasting interesting foods, drinking interesting drinks, catching up on my reading and naps. My only attire is a swimsuit, flip flops, and sunglasses. No real schedule, everything in slow motion. Maybe live music and a bar on the beach in the evening as the sun sinks into the sea; drinking a drink from a coconut with an umbrella is a nice bonus. THAT is fun and exciting to me.
You do what you enjoy, I'll do what I enjoy.
/end thread
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Higher chance of being a victim of terrorism once you leave the CONUS.
Got some data to back that up? While you're at it, define terrorism. Does random gun violence, or death at the hands of the authorities count as terrorism?
I think the moral of the story is "boring" in the eye of the beholder.
Some people think a great way to vacation is to visit a city, foreign or domestic, and spend countless hours in museums or touring historic places or the must see landmarks. A trip to Paris visiting the Louvre or a trip to Italy touring cathedrals and ancient ruins. For some, soaking in the history of a place is fascinating and fun. Hustling around from place to place. Me? I'd be bored to tears.
I'd rather "waste" my vacation on a beach, soaking up the sun, tasting interesting foods, drinking interesting drinks, catching up on my reading and naps. My only attire is a swimsuit, flip flops, and sunglasses. No real schedule, everything in slow motion. Maybe live music and a bar on the beach in the evening as the sun sinks into the sea; drinking a drink from a coconut with an umbrella is a nice bonus. THAT is fun and exciting to me.
You do what you enjoy, I'll do what I enjoy.
/end thread
A mix of your examples would be nice.
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