The Indie Travel Manifesto
The 24 principles that define what it means to travel independently
Adapt as you go rather than micromanage in advance.
Defining your values, exploring your beliefs, and crafting your own meaning for life.
Discovery over escape
Dynamic possibilities over static goals.
Emphasize listening more than talking.
First-hand experience over expert opinions.
Give back to the local economy.
Interactions over transactions.
Learn the economic, political and environmental context of my host culture.
Local information over received information.
Make meaningful connections and informed decisions.
Mental and spiritual growth as much as physical adventure.
Options over possessions.
Pack light and keep things simple.
Practice caution, but not paranoia.
Practice courtesy, patience, humility, and good humor.
Private transformation over social status and bragging rights.
Replacing broad expectations with nuanced realities.
Seeing yourself in the context of a rich and complex world.
Seek pleasure in simple moments and details.
Seek to understand, not judge or romanticize other cultures.
Share what you’ve learned with others.
Slow down and enjoy an experience.
The present moment over dreams of past and future.