My travels through the decades
3 decades of travels and counting
The world has undergone remarkable changes throughout its history. Traveling around our planet at different times has considerably affected my experiences. Although the pace of progress varies among countries, the signs of transformation are evident everywhere. In the past, I relied on postcards for communication, made accommodation reservation through phone calls or just showed up, and faced fewer flight options, which were significantly more expensive. My backpack was considerably heavier, filled with numerous items that I can easily purchase locally in 21st century or that I may no longer require (such as film rolls, notebooks, or newspapers).
Looking back on the moments when I began to travel around the world, the most challenging task was finding reliable information regarding suitable accommodations, navigating by public transport and discovering the primary attractions. While traveling through Europe, my first visit in an unfamiliar place was usually to a tobacconist, where I could identify the major local attractions featured on postcards, which I then visited. Postcards also provided a mean to stay connected and share my travel journey with family at home.
Traveling has become simpler and more accessible
In earlier times, travel demanded more creativity, preparation, analysis and flexibility compared to the 21st century, when nearly all destinations around the globe seem to be within easy reach.
Throughout the years traveling has become simpler and more accessible. The development of infrastructure, an increase in hotels and informal accommodations of various price ranges, has played a significant role. Initially, the only forms to finance the trip was restricted to US dollars bills and traveler’s checks, which were exchanged to local currency.
However, the introduction of credit cards and its wider acceptance offered a new solution. While it was essential to pay a commission for bank withdrawals, carrying cash during long trips was impractical and unsafe. The digital money has been replacing credit cards in the 2020s, especially in Africa and Asia.
When was travelling more exciting?
The 1990s certainly offered a more authentic experience, as we could meet humble locals in isolated regions who had little exposure to international visitors. There were fewer tourist attractions and reaching them was sometimes a challenging task. Only the most determined adventurers were taking on such journeys.
In the present times of mid 2020s, nearly anyone from a first-world country can identify as a traveler. A significant number of people now travel with the goal of making a living, which contradicts the original idea of a backpacker. It is disappointing that taking a selfie and publishing it on social media is often number one priority. Not for me! I still prefer conversation or mingling with locals, atmosphere and colors of bustling markets, dinning in street restaurants, riding a moto taxi or hitchhiking.
