As the old saying goes, “a picture says a thousand words”. More so, in the era of social media, photos reign supreme. We plaster them everywhere showing off cool experiences and great memories. After all, to share is human nature. In the world of travel, that desire to share is even greater. But travel is about more than cheesing in front of world-renowned landmarks for a few photos. It’s about experiencing what those landmarks represent whether that involves learning about the deep history and culture surrounding them, or simply understanding what those landmarks mean to the people of that community and country. Simply put, sightseeing is about more than just seeing the sites.
Still, drive-by photos are often the norm when you book tours, especially for cities rich in tourist attractions. Walking tours and bus tours love to elbow their way through crowds of other walking tours and bus tours, snap a few photos, and shepherd everyone to the next location. I think it’s safe to say that most people don’t love following around someone with a colorful flag or stuffed animal at the top of a pole. With that, most people probably don’t realize that there are other options.
Yes, sightseeing can be done in style. I’m talking segways, go karts, e-bikes, and even vaporettos. It may sound gimmicky at first, but the benefit of using an alternative mode of sightseeing is that it’s guaranteed to entertain your entire group. Let’s face it, understanding the history behind the Parthenon or the profundity of a 2,000 year old Buddhist temple isn’t for everyone. But, we usually feel an obligation to see the sites because travel is expensive and we don’t want to waste an opportunity. So, in my experience, it is best to make sure that seeing the sites involves more than just snapping photos.
One of my all-time highlights was in Rome when my family decided to rent buggies that came equipped with virtual maps and a self-guided tour. We got to see all of the noteworthy landmarks, the Coliseum, the Trevi Fountain, and the Wedding Cake. But, we also got to laugh as we circled the same rotary 6 times because crazy Italian drivers kept cutting off our exit lane. Not to mention, when the rain started pouring in the famed arts district in Piazza Navona, we had the distinct privilege of experiencing our own “chariot” race. For those of you who haven’t been to Rome, Piazza Navona is usually home to a bunch of street artists, vendors, and restaurants who surround what was a former circus track where chariot races were held in Ancient Rome. However, when we rolled up in our buggies, the rain cleared out the vendors. Instead of leaving to find cover, we decided it was the perfect opportunity to have our own buggie-style “chariot” race (and in case you were curious, my mom and I won).
Another highlight was in Belize when we took an ATV tour through the Belizean jungle. Was it smart to let my brother, who was 12 years old at the time, drive his own ATV? Maybe not. But was it funny when he drove into a tree by accident and ended up dying laughing while covered in mud? Yes, yes it was. On a different trip to Kenya, my Dad was the source of entertainment. In Hell’s Gate National Park we were able to ditch the safari vehicle for a few hours and bike between Zebras and Giraffes. It is truly remarkable to be a guest in the wild, but it is also easy to forget that there are no fences between you and the animals. One moment we were staring in awe at a baboon walking toward my Dad, the next moment we were frantically running to the van because nobody wanted to risk brawling with a baboon.
Sightseeing is really what you make of it, and my family finds every opportunity we can to make it fun and not just informational. While not an official tour, one time in Venice, which is a relatively small city, we crafted our own Amazing Race-style scavenger hunt. We divided the family into two teams and compiled a list of historic landmarks each with a prescribed point value. For two hours we ran through the city navigating the narrow canals and excessive number of pigeons trying our best to win the most points. You’d be surprised how excited the locals were to go along with it. In the end, we finished up with cappuccinos and gelato tallying points by the Ponti di Rialto and laughing about what each of us saw along the way.
As time passes, we are all less inclined to remember the list of historical and architectural facts shared with us, especially as we visit more sites and the facts and stories start to blend together. At one point in time, I could confidently recite the story behind the building of the Blue Mosque in Turkey or rattle off a list of all the tombs at the Valley of the Kings in Egypt. But now I only vaguely remember the details. However, I fully remember the platter of cheese that we ate while cruising the Bosphorus River and I will never forget being ambushed by a group of schoolkids in Cairo that wanted to take pictures with a blonde westerner on a camel.
Think of it this way, the more experiences you add to an adventure, the more colorful the stories will be when it comes to an end.
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