BY CLAY LARROY
It
doesn't matter if you take a trip across the state line or the border, being
far from home can be exciting and also a bit stressful. When considering
traveling, it is important to think of the best mode of travel. Traveling by car can offer
many more sights and opportunities for side trips. Traveling by train can offer
a chance to relax and get some work done if they wanted. Planes can cover
ground fast but don't allow much movement and one cannot get off the plane in
flight. Each mode of travel has its own advantages and disadvantages to be
considered. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!
Cherokee. Navajo. Apache.
Sioux. Shawnee. Iroquois. The names of these brave tribes spark the imagination
and conjure up all sorts of connotations, with different associations for
different people. You want to know more. Where did these people live? How did they
live?? Living history! These are the buzzwords in Native American travel.
Nothing happens in a vacuum; the days of the past have helped to shape our
lives as they are today. Native American travel allows us to explore that
history. Perhaps you"re interested in genealogy and have traced your
heritage back to the first people of America. Now imagine a visit to the very
roots of your family tree!
From tracing Custer and
Sitting Bull"s movements on the Little Bighorn battlefield to a priceless
education in the lifestyle and culture of those who came before us, travel in
this category has much to offer. You"ll find the thrill of adventure, the
allure of history and unbounded potential for personal growth as well. Bring a
dream journal! You might find that your subconscious mind becomes quite active
on your Native American journey.
While this article discusses
tours and travel revolving around visits to Native American lands, it is
important to note that there are a number of organizations offering long-term
volunteer opportunities to live and work on these lands. Individuals interested
in such a hands-on experience would likely be helping to construct homes on
reservations ravaged by a severe housing crisis or involved in indigenous youth
education programs. This type of travel can be incredibly rewarding, especially
for the solo traveler who is interested in exploring the relationship with the
land which is a hallmark of Native American travel.
While it is possible to plan
a trip to Native American lands independently, joining a tour ensures that you
have access to areas which may be off limits to the public. As with any type of
specialty travel, tour operators come in all shapes and sizes. Trips vary from
half-day outings to 14-day full immersion treks. To ensure an authentic
experience, it is best to select a tour operator who works directly with the
Native American people you will be visiting. This not only ensures that your
hosts are paid fairly for sharing their land and time with you, but it usually
means that you will have an indigenous guide to bring the tour to life. Since
the last thing you want is to join a "drive by" expedition which
promptly whisks you through the tribal lands to the gift shop on the other
side, you might consider a tour company directly owned and operated by Native
Americans. Though the group size will vary depending on the tour operator, the
more authentic and therefore desirable tours involve smaller groups. These
operators are generally committed to the spirit of cultural exchange and
encourage a deeper understanding of the Native American way of life.
The best place to begin
planning your Native American vacation is with your travel consultant. Capable
travel consultants have a wealth of inside information on tour operators that will
prove invaluable as you plan. Using the best possible tour operators will
protect your investment in your vacation. Provide your travel agent with your
budget and geographical preferences, so that he or she can search for the best
possible values on air and ground packages.
First ask yourself, what is
the scope of the trip? The United States offers a great diversity of
destinations for exploring Native American culture. In fact, the U.S. is home
to more than 550 indigenous nations, reservations, pueblos, rancherias and
villages. Most tours operate out of California, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, the
Dakotas, Colorado, New York and Tennessee. These states are steeped in Native
American history and, depending on where you live they could even make for a nice
day trip in the car. Since many of the tour operators in the U.S. are based in
the southwest where the winters are temperate, just about any time of year is a
good time to go. Why not take a family trip over the holidays this year instead
of fighting the summer crowds?
Many people associate Native
American culture with North America but Central and South America have a lot to
offer as well. Touring outside of the United States allows you to visit ancient
Mayan, Aztec and Incan civilizations. Some of these sites are located near
popular tourist destinations, giving you a chance to visit the beach and
combine your Native American vacation with a more traditional one. Keep in
mind, flying to a foreign country does increase the complexity and planning
time needed for your trip.
Another key consideration for
your planning will be the fitness level of your group. Many Native American
tours combine history and culture with hiking or bike riding while others
transport groups on horseback or in Jeeps, so you will want to consult with
your travel companions to make sure everyone is comfortable with any physical
activity involved. Some tours are adults-only affairs while others cater to the
young ones, so if you are bringing children, be sure to inquire about your tour
operator’s policy.
Feel free to ask your travel
consultant lots of questions and make sure that the tour operator’s service is
a good match for your interests.
REFERENCE SITES:
Children learn
from what they see. We need to set an example of truth and action.
-
Howard Rainer, Taos Pueblo-Creek (2012)
Travel to experience life and create spectacular memories!
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