5 Reasons to Travel to an Offbeat Destination
It's good for the environment, local communities, and you.
Popular destinations are popular for a reason. They are always beautiful, often unique, and usually surrounded by a tourism infrastructure that makes visiting, well, easier.
There's nothing wrong with checking out popular destinations, and there are also a lot of great reasons to seek out offbeat spots, as our friends at MT Sobek know. With over 50 years of experience in the adventure travel tours, MT Sobek has crafted trips to the busiest, and the quietest, of spots.
We asked them to share some of the benefits — and the responsibilities — of going off the well-worn tourist routes. Here's what they said.
Support Developing Communities
Every time you stay, eat or purchase an item at a locally-owned business, you're helping to support the community you're visiting. These local experiences are commonplace at up-and-coming destinations, where chain hotels and restaurants haven't yet gained a foothold.
When you travel with MT Sobek, you can be sure you're supporting the local economy. From local guides to boutique accommodations, MT Sobek is dedicated to bolstering communities through their tours.
MT Sobek also partners with local charities that align with their values, providing needed resources to causes such as trail restoration and skill training that reduces deforestation.
Avoid the Crowds
Some destinations are getting so over-loved that not only is it hard to have a meaningful experience, but the natural environment can't cope with the influx of people.
By traveling to offbeat destinations, you can avoid the bustle and spread out the impact of travel. MT Sobek celebrates these "under traveled places" by leading tours to destinations that are unique and special, but not yet discovered by the madding crowds.
Live Like a Local
When a destination is off-the-beaten-path, you'll be relying on a local guide's knowledge for where the best places are to explore, to eat, and to stay. Your options will be more limited than at a tourist hotspot, but the businesses will be aligned with the location's culture and needs. There's a great benefit to that — you have the chance to walk in someone else's shoes, at least for a little bit.
Living like a local also means treating the place like your own by sticking on trails and paths, respecting cultural sites, and leaving the spot better than you found it. It's what you would do at home, and you have a responsibility to do it when you travel, too.
When you're ready for something new, think about traveling to an offbeat location. Need some inspiration? Head to MT Sobek's tour listings to start the search for your next adventurous travel destination.
Photos courtesy of MT Sobek
Cover Photo: MT Sobek tour Voyage to the Heart of the Amazon
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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