Today's traveler seeks authentic experiences, not just viewing awesome sites, taking must-see photo opportunities, and checking an item off of a bucket list. Today's modern day explorers seek immersion, wisdom and better and a greater understanding of people and places. Real life experiences are most compelling people to travel and bridge cultures together. Travel opens us up to the wonders of the world, and to the serendipitous occurrences when cultures merge. At the forefront of any journey, travel begins with people and protecting local society. It's a powerful lesson that cannot be learned staying home viewing travel on television. "Going Local - Experiences and Encounters on the Road" is the first travel book by industry veteran Nicholas Kontis. "Going Local" details how to implement a focal point for travel we should all have- that of learning from the local cultures. With the assistance of technology, never before has it been so easy to stay in someone's home, share a meal, hitch a ride, and be guided by and learn from local society. "Going Local" delves into the rise in peer-to-peer travel and shows how to meal share, use apps to mingle with local society, take a trip around the world, move out of your comfort zone overseas, or to volunteer. You'll learn why responsible travel matters and enjoy case studies along with keynote talks with travel visionaries, icons and explorers in the field of travel such as Tony Wheeler, Rick Steves, Richard Bangs, Don George, Judith Fein, David Noyes, and James Dorsey. The great Lonely Planet founder, Tony Wheeler, gives the cover endorsement stating: "Many people - Mark Twain included - have noted how travel is a certain cure for bigotry and narrow-mindedness. I hope Nick's book may help persuade people to take the treatment."