Thursday, September 2, 2010

Depends on Your Definition of "Experience"

I've written several times about the importance of "experiences" when it comes to travel.  I just came across an advertisement in Conde Nast Traveler where the tag line reads "Collect Unforgettable Experiences."  Sounds really good so far.  Aimed at the "discerning traveler," the ad goes on to say that travel is "about collecting experiences that bring you closer to the heart of every place you visit."  It then goes on to offer clients a chance to "roam those storied aisles [of Harrod's Department Store] after closing with a personal shopper and then to arrange a "perfect night out to show off your new finery," 

Well, I guess that's a travel experience for some.  Its all a matter of perspective, I guess.  More to my way of thinking is the following:

In last Sunday's Frugal Traveler column in the New York Times, Seth Kugel talks about going "off the grid" in traveling to a town in Mexico for a week's stay - a town not covered in travel books - truly off the tourist/traveler grid."  He discovered that the town "was jammed with intriguing customs, welcoming residents, unforgettable meals, beguiling landscapes and rich history.  In other words, all the things that may travel great."  www.nytimes.com/frugaltraveler

Different experiences for different folks. 
 

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