Travel and vacation might seem like the same thing, but the concept of each goes way deeper than what you first think of. Year after year the two word definitions began to blend into one. The rise of all inclusive vacations and resorts is slowly now the “ideal” trip for many, but this takes away from many experiences that make a trip rich. You’re surrounded by all-inclusive meals, curated schedules, and picture perfect excursions. While these vacations do create comfort and fun, they also offer a filtered version of the world and a closed perspective.
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My biggest goal in life is to be well traveled. Growing up my parents were not resort people. I was so jealous of my friends telling me about the all-inclusive resort they were going to over spring break, but as I got older I began to be more and more grateful for the trips I had gotten to go on with my family. Scenic places like fjords in Norway and Red Rocks in Sedona to huge cities like Tokyo and Chicago have given me experiences and taught me lessons that no tropical resort or cruise could ever do for me.
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One of the biggest reasons I think authentic travel is better than going to an all-inclusive is because of experiencing cultural immersion. When you vacation to a resort most experiences are well thought out and conducted with a piece of entertainment like an impersonation show or excursions such as parasailing, which are all westernized. Although these shows are extravagant and entertaining, they don’t compare to what you learn when visiting another country. Small moments like sharing a conversation with a local at a bakery learning about the way they live their life so differently than we do is what defines meaningful travel. Unscripted interactions like struggling through a language barrier, trying a food you never knew existed, or navigating a city without a set plan, push you out of your comfort zone and teach you lessons you can carry with you the rest of your life. Cultural immersion builds empathy and understanding which gives you far more than a break from reality.
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Another issue with all-inclusive resorts is how they impact the economy. Resorts are beneficial for tourists but at what cost? The money you spend towards your trip at a resort never reaches the surrounding community. The resorts are run by huge international companies which means the money will not go towards supporting small businesses, workers, etc. And since guests are urged to stay within the resort, tourists don’t have the chance to support local mom and pop shops and restaurants. This is harsh for the already poor communities as many popular resort spots are already in tough places economically. On top of this, resorts negatively impact the environment. They use massive amounts of water and energy which produce tons of waste. Resorts also damage the land to build and maintain a picture perfect view. What feels like a luxurious escape for some comes at costs the people and environment face to provide the escape.
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Choosing to travel beyond the walls of an all-inclusive does not only change what you see but more so how you think. From my own perspective the more places I have been, the more accepting and open minded I feel. Not saying I wasn’t before, but after I wanted to see more places and try more things. Over spring break I went on my senior trip to an all-inclusive resort. Although it was so fun and full of memories, I didn’t leave feeling the same amount of fulfillment I do after other trips. This opened my eyes to how grateful I am to have parents who love to adventure. Getting to hike the Narrows in Zion, shop around small beach towns in CA, and overall try things different from the small city of Sartell, MN. Studies have even shown that being well traveled and having experienced cultural immersion are linked to having greater empathy and being more accepting of other cultures.
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