I know interacting and participating with the local host community can enhance a person’s travel experience. But, can actually traveling with locals (same van, same hot sun) add to the discovery and understanding of a travel destination and its people? Could it even benefit all parties involved in some way?
We just had Jordanian university students, who are studying tourism, join a group of American university students on three days of their trip in Jordan.
Here is what we were thinking:
Our guests get to interact with the local community, put a face and name to real Arabs, and see Jordan from a perspective that may not be seen without local involvement.
In return, the Jordanian students have a venue to be empowered with hands on practical experience from what they are learning about tourism in school. Their cultural identity in being Arab, Muslim, Christian, Jordanian or Palestinian could be strengthened through sharing their lives and experiences with foreign travelers. Could such an experience even add to their future marketability in the tourism industry?
What do you think? Would having locals join a trip benefit a travel experience?
Engaging Cultures 
May 29th, 2011 at 9:06 pm
Absolutely, but I think the less planned and “forced” (for lack of better wording) it is, the more everyone gets out of it.
Here’s a try of mine…
Good post…
May 31st, 2011 at 2:52 pm
Thanks for the comment. I agree that “forced” can be really awkward. However, unless you’re backpacking or traveling on your own (which is a great way to do it), you can completely miss interacting with locals, much less getting to know them on a personal level. We’re always looking for ways that we can create understanding and compassion across cultural/religious lines while having a good time doing it. Joining us in the vans and walking around these amazing places really helped theses travelers connect with locals.
Great photos on your post by the way.
May 29th, 2011 at 10:35 pm
Yes! Seeing a place through her people’s eyes would enhance any learner’s worldview and enrich the experience!
May 31st, 2011 at 2:52 pm
Thanks Shelly. We completely agree!
May 31st, 2011 at 2:18 pm
I think everyone should do this at least once in their lives if not many times. if we all did this the world would be a more peaceful place to live. I always say never believe what you hear or read or even see on tv or online. Only the eyes in real life can see the truth! This is a great idea! 🙂
May 31st, 2011 at 2:54 pm
“if we all did this the world would be a more peaceful place to live.” Right on Cindy. Thanks for the thoughtful comment.