I went to Sri Lanka a few years ago and realized, outside of a few facts I had learned from reading the news and talking to friends over the years, I knew very little about the country.
I was aware that it was once ruled by the British, that there was a prolonged conflict between Tamils and Sinhalese, that a lot of tea is produced there, that the food is incredible, that Colombo is the country’s capital, and that there are amazing jungles and beaches to explore.
But I knew nothing beyond that superficial understanding.
I couldn’t tell you how much the country cost, what to see, a famous ruins, safety concerns, popular tourist destinations, how to get around, their currency or culture, or anything else in between.
I saw Sri Lanka as a brand-new country.
I never like to go somewhere new blind because doing so is a surefire way to get ripped off, eat the wrong thing, get sick, make a cultural error, and generally have something go wrong. I never like to go somewhere new blind.
Information is power and, considering that such a lot of data is accessible on the web, I want to head off to some place with practically no comprehension of that spot shows a lethargy in your preparation and a sign that you’re an untalented voyager.
As a result, I needed to get ready for my trip there. Usually, if I have enough basic knowledge of a place, I just go with my gut because I have been there, met people there, or read enough to have an idea. Sri Lanka needed to be worked on.
When faced with a knowledge gap, I did the following, which you should do when traveling to a new location:
1. Purchase a Travel Guide To begin
I purchased the Rough Guide to Sri Lanka. I believe that travel guides are still very important. I enjoy looking through them to get an overview of how to get around, generate ideas for things to see and do, suggest itineraries, and examine the maps and featured locations, even though their practical information is frequently out of date.
It assists me in laying the groundwork for my planning. In addition, reading a blog lacks the enjoyment of holding a book and highlighting specific locations.
2. Read Travel Blogs After that
I looked for travel blogs. Guidebooks are a good starting point, but blogs can fill in a lot of the gaps because you can find more up-to-date information, go to places that aren’t common, and ask the bloggers questions. I read, read, and read some more to find stories and content that gave me an idea of where I was going.
3. Ask Companions/Family for Exhortation
When I had my aide and perused a few web journals, I asked loved ones for their recommendation (or on the other hand on the off chance that they knew anybody who could offer me guidance). It turned out I had a couple of companions who had been there as of late and a couple with family there. They connected me to family members and provided me with hotel and restaurant recommendations.
I now have a group of people to stay with when I land, show me around, and help me get settled. A local host is the best.
4. Ask Other Travelers Because this blog is read by so many people
I assumed that some of them had been there. My posts on my blog, Facebook, and Twitter all resulted in a flurry of messages containing helpful hints and tips, some of which were from locals seeking a meeting.
I now have some people with whom I can hang out when I go, and it was extremely helpful!
I would suggest Couchsurfing or The Nomadic Network as an alternative because not everyone is a blogger. Connecting with locals and tourists alike is a great way to get insider information and advice.
5. Read a Few Books In the end
I purchased books about the country. As I have stated previously, you cannot know a place without knowing its history. I bought a few books about Sri Lanka’s history because I had a long flight ahead of me and wanted to learn more about the country’s long history.
Now that I’ve talked to friends, family, readers, and bloggers, I know where I’m going: an inexpensive, secure location with welcoming locals, delicious food, and sluggish transportation. The common refrain was, “Don’t expect to get anywhere quickly unless you rent a driver. Everyone is incredibly nice and helpful.”
Without precedent for quite a while, I’m going to a spot I don’t know anything about. I can’t wait to try backpacking again and figure things out as I go! Sri Lanka is a popular tourist destination that is not completely “off the beaten path,” but it still stands out to me.
When I hit the ground, I’m sure that my plans, routes, and ideas will change. However, I believe I now know more about what I’m getting myself into. I feel a little more at ease about going there now that I know what to expect.
Before you go, you never know what a place is really like. However, the image of Sri Lanka is now much clearer and less hazy.
It can be a little nerve-wracking to go somewhere you haven’t been before in a place you don’t know much about. Going somewhere completely different forces you to step outside of your comfort zone, which can be challenging.
Even after traveling for fifteen years, I still have some reservations about going.
Yes, it vanishes as soon as I land, and I wonder, “What was I so worried about?” however, there is that voice in my sub-conscience that occasionally goes “Would you say you are certain you believe should do this?”
Getting a sense of a place by doing some research mutes that voice.
This has nothing to do with scheduling all of your days and activities. Simply put, this is about learning more about the place you’re going.
