I just finished reading Tom Chesshyre’s How Low Can you Go?: Round Europe For 1p Each Way (Plus Tax) [Good Reads Review], with which I was pleasantly surprised. Experimental Tourism isn’t new (2003 CNN article) and even Lonely Planet has covered it, but I like this author’s take on it. I totally agree that you don’t need a reason to go somewhere: because it’s there is totally sufficient. Because it’s cheap is even better.
What I liked the most about the book was the spontaneous feel, even though it had all been synthesized by the time he published is tales in the book. It still retained the feel of him consulting WizzAir/easyJet/etc. websites and deciding on a whim where to go, and I loved it. I’ve been to some of the countries, but none of the cities. I have, however, decided to go somewhere ‘because the bus stops’ in my case: Karratha and Port Hedland come to mind. I got some great travel stories from those.
I’m not sure if I totally agree with the case that some have made of experimental travel being related to anti-tourism, but I think they’re both routed in the desire to do something different. Like Chesshyre, I’ve seen some very cool stuff but I think once you’ve seen that, you realize there is more. Those who haven’t been are caught up in wanting to see Rome/London/Sydney/Timbuktu/etc., and think that’s “it”. For some, maybe it is. For me, I want to see what else there is? I don’t want to share the same travel stories as every one else – I want to have something else. To have seen/done something else. Bragging rights? Maybe, but I think it’s more than that.
On some level I think a book on it takes the fun and spontaneity out of it, but that’ s just me. I don’t want a how-to manual for a unique vacation experience.
