The Rise of ‘Enquiry-Based Travel’: Seeking Life’s Meaning in Personalized Journeys

Recently, “inquiring-style travel” has become increasingly popular among young people and has gradually entered the public eye, becoming a new trend in tourism.

“Inquiring-style travel” refers to travelers not following guidebooks, not rushing, and deciding where to go and what to do on the go. This type of travel emphasizes spontaneous interactions with randomly encountered locals, through which travelers gather information, understand local culture and lifestyles, and determine their own travel itinerary. Compared to typical tourist hotspots and rigid itineraries, “inquiring-style travel” places greater emphasis on free exploration and local interaction, promoting a sense of spontaneity and freedom, allowing travelers to get closer to local communities and cultures. The enthusiastic help of taxi drivers, shop owners, and local residents seems to provide a sense of reassurance to travelers during their journey.

Why are more and more tourists choosing “inquiring-style travel”? What makes “inquiring-style travel” so charming? On one hand, travelers opting for “inquiring-style travel” are no longer bound by guidebooks and rigid schedules, aiming to avoid losing the joy of traveling due to busy itineraries, thereby reducing mental stress caused by following guides, encountering discrepancies between famous scenic spots and reality, and other issues. Travelers can fully relax their minds and bodies during their journeys, adding a sense of tranquility and leisurely strolls to their travels. On the other hand, inquiring-style travel encourages interaction and communication between travelers and locals, enabling a better integration into local life and immersive experiences of local culture and customs. This creates more opportunities for travelers to discover the unknown and unexpectedly delightful experiences. By breaking free from traditional sightseeing tours, travelers have a more diverse and rich range of experiences to choose from. Through conversations with locals and strolling through ordinary streets, travelers can explore unique sceneries, hidden treasures, delicious local cuisine, and distinctive cultural elements known only to the locals.

From previous “checklist-style travel” and “extreme travel experiences” to the current “inquiring-style travel,” the shift from online guidebook reliance to real-life experiences reflects people’s reevaluation of the meaning of travel. Guidebook-centered travel can lead people to lose touch with the essence of travel, getting trapped in tedious checklists, engaging in superficial experiences, and becoming overly focused on itinerary records and garnering likes. This makes the purpose of travel utilitarian and superficial. In contrast, “inquiring-style travel” places a stronger emphasis on the concept of leisure and emphasizes going with the flow. Travelers are starting to pay more attention to their own travel experiences, enjoying the pleasure of travel and exploring the meaning of traveling. As Baudrillard said, “The pleasure of traveling lies in immersing oneself in another person’s homeland and then leaving intact, with a heart full of happiness, letting others bear the brunt of one’s fate. No happiness surpasses the freedom of traveling. Because merely existing is not enough; one should also traverse life.” Through interactions and communication with local residents, travelers can gain a more authentic and profound travel experience in “inquiring-style travel.”

The significance of travel in the new era has been reinterpreted. Behind the shift in travel methods is the reevaluation of the meaning of travel by tourists, who are paying more attention to the enjoyment of the journey. Regardless of the travel method, there are pros and cons, and it is important to find a balanced approach that suits individual preferences, seeking the meaning of life in unique and personalized journeys. (By Wang Wanqing)