By the way, I was just reading this very interesting article about the definition of Local Travel itself.

“How do you define ‘local travel’?” published on the Going Local Travel Blog.

I don’t think ‘going local’ is just a fad. I think people are starting to get fed up with the globalisation of culture and seeing the same things everywhere they go – whether it’s the ubiquitous American fast food franchises or markets from Jerusalem to Cairo that sell souvenirs made in China and India. Some people are seeking out what’s authentically local and locally made and I think that should be encouraged, and that’s what we’re trying to do, so once again, thank you for the mention above.

Lara x

Here is a nice one:

http://www.localtravelmovement.com/

This post was mentioned on Twitter by pocketcultures: Just discovered (a bit late) this thought-provoking post by @casinadirosa on what ‘local travel’ really means http://tiny.sm/1m...

Karen it’s is possible that people have higher expectations coming to Tuscany than going to Umbria, but I think that it’s more of a general attitude towards travel. Some people lack the concept of cultural relativity, but they are luckily a small minority of the people we are so lucky to meet.

You have a beautiful home, by the way!

I enjoyed your article, while I’m not as interested as you in the terminology, the problem of anticipation in relation to facilities and standards relates more to groups than it does when one rents to just 2 people, which is the number of people who can rent my apartment. There is also I’m certain a difference to those who come to Umbria and those who only visit Tuscany.

I’ve noticed complaints from other property owners across Europe which I don’t share, thus I can only guess it’s in part because I don’t have a swimming pool and that I only rent to 2 persons.

There may be an anticipation of luxury with a pool, why I’m not sure. For some reason those of us without receive people who are travelers rather than those who travel. My guests love to explore and are willing to take everything as it comes, that may be because they are couples and also because they are visiting Umbria which they don’t equate with luxury, whereas they might with Tuscany.

It’s an interesting point and it causes must frustration to many owners. Tourism changes constantly so attitudes will also change.

Another point; Frances Mayes did cause an influx of tourists, but were they the right sort?

Kind regards

Karen

Great post!

Cheers, Keith

I am encouraged however by the fact that I too (like Ron & Wendy) think more and more travellers are truly looking to understand and absorb what is, rather than seek more of what they have at home. The problem to me is often that locals in many countries are confused about what “good” looks like, and end up trying to look like what they are not… just to please an anticipated need. They are losing the very essence of what makes them special.

Thanks again for your post.

Cheers…….. Len