Committing to travel takes time, money, resources, and can often be stressful. It’s a break from the normal routine with the expectation of new experiences, scenery, and places that make all the planning efforts worthwhile. It often doesn’t take much to create memories worth savoring, and these 5 tips will help even the most dynamic traveler have an enriching experience wherever the destination.
- Talk to the locals. Ask the hotel staff, barista, or friendly face at the restaurant what their favorite place to go is. Whether it be a restaurant, park, hiking trail, most likely it won’t be something you’ll find in any travel blog. This allows you to truly tap into local culture. Most people are excited about where they live, happy to share all the wonderful things it has to offer.
- Hit the streets. Walk, bike, scooter, run the neighborhood, beach, or district. This has always been a favorite after arriving in a new place. Not only is it a great way to see the area, it helps establish a sense of direction and whereabouts. Naturally, if in a place where safety may be of concern, be sure you’re not heading into a bad area. Talk to registration or concierge to ensure this isn’t the case.
- Ebb & Flow. Such as one cannot control the waves, travel can be the same. Making plans and arrangements is often necessary and helps you make the most of your time. It is important to remember time doesn’t hold the same level of importance across cultures. For example, in the United States, if dinner is ‘soon’ that means one can expect to eat within the hour. In other parts of the world, ‘soon’ could mean up to 5 hours. Try to let go of the addition to time and instead enjoy the moments as they come.
- Be flexible. Similar to Ebb & Flow, but slightly different. Once in a new place, you’ll likely come across a few things you weren’t aware of prior to arrival. If you have a jam-packed schedule, there won’t be any time to try new opportunities. However, if some gaps are left in days, you can enjoy leisure activities, spurt-of-the-moment excursions, and more.
- Get outside the comfort zone. During our interview with Ryan Curtright, he spoke of the passing of time and living the day-to-day life, when years pass by with no real markings. We tend to keep years marked by gaps in the normal routine, such as trips taken or monumental changes. Why? These moments mark a moment when we shifted and/or changed. Traveling allows you to do this many times over. When adrenaline gets involved and you try something new, it is sure to define you, whether small and known only to you, or transformational and visible to all. Either way, don’t miss out on renewed excitement for life.
