The one thing I really hate to be is a tourist. Don't get me wrong, I love to travel but not with the thronging masses of happy snappers wearing Bermuda shorts and flip flops. If it involves coach trips I really don't want to know. I'll happily acknowledge that these types of holiday are fine for some people but for me I want to see a little bit more of the local culture and get some appreciate for the real lives of the people.

Obviously, the best way to do this is just live and work in the country for a few years and interact with the locals on a daily basis. For those of us, however, who don't have a couple of years to spare is there a way to really see a country but still be on holiday? I found my answer in an unexpected place. I was talking to John Brigden of World Wide Classic Car Rallies (WWCCR) and he says the answer is a definite yes.

The rallies organised by WWCCR usually cross a number of countries and take in major cities and landmarks but because the travelling is done by car you get see what lies between the big cities and away from the tourist traps. Using a mixture of major routes and the less travelled roads the itinerary takes in places of interest along the way. Travelling in this manner offers many opportunities to meet and engage with local people from street markets, petrol and food stops, border crossings and even just stopping for directions. Your arrival in any village driving a classic car is always cause for excitement from friendly locals who, for the most part, are unused to seeing vast numbers of tourists and greet you with genuine warmth rather than just tr
ying to sell you things (as in other areas).

If all you want from a holiday is a tan and some souvenirs then this probably isn't for you but if, like me, you like a more dynamic experience, an adventure, then this is just the ticket. Travelling with a group of like minded individuals from around the world, driving a classic car and seeing the world. What could be better. There's a real sense of camaraderie among the participants be it pitching in to help a driver with car trouble or just swapping stories in the bar at the end of the day.

At first I thought rallying meant slumming it but the accommodation is always in the best hotels and offers plenty of opportunity to sample the local cuisine and night life. Parties and other events are organised to let you and your fellow ralliers to get to know each other and celebrate the day's experiences.

The next WWCCR is the 2011 Tiger Rally in February. Described as 'A Classic Drive in South East Asia' it starts in Bangkok and ends in Hanoi and passes through Hong Kong, Cambodia and Laos along the way. Fantastic scenery coupled some great sights, from giant Buddhas to lost cities, promises an adventure to remember.

This is the second Tiger Rally, the first being in 2008. Whilst you get the feeling of travelling off the beaten track and exploring all the hard work has been done for you with accommodation, routes, shipping and entertainment all arranged for you along with a ready made group of friends to be to share it all with. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and see a world that you never knew existed. It's an experience that you'll never forget and, if fact, will happily recount when ever you can and to who ever will listen. Bon voyage!