Travel is thrilling, isn’t it? Exciting adventures, fresh perspectives, & beautiful sights are all right around the corner. With the world being so vast, how do you choose your next destination? Maybe you’re ready to put another pin on the map, check off an item on your bucket list, or perhaps you caught a flight deal you simply couldn’t pass up. Regardless of your reasoning for travel, there are some steps you’ll want to take prior to your trip to make sure you’re prepared to tour your next destination.
Do Your Research
This is arguably the most important piece of advice I can give you. When I say do your research, I truly mean it. From currency, language, and culture, to excursions, restaurants, and accommodations – every bit of it is important. When you get on that plane, you are making the decision to leave your normal day-to-day routine behind. There are almost always going to be altered expectations of you! Spend some time reading up on different dress requirements of the local area, and learn a handful of phrases of the local language (I love Duolingo for this). Also, make sure you’re aware of what the currency is and make a plan for currency exchange, whether at the airport or upon arrival. Do your research before you travel and you’ll be thanking yourself later!
Be Respectful
When you travel, keep an open mind. If you feel like you are out of your comfort zone, that simply means that you have stepped out of your bubble and into the world. Doing your research and being respectful go hand in hand when traveling. The more knowledgeable you are about your destination, the more respectful you are likely to be. Be mindful of your surroundings. Know the dos and don’ts of the area. Understand that not everyone speaks the same language as you, and that is okay. The people and the culture of your destination should always be treated with the utmost dignity and respect. You are visiting someone else’s home, so treat them and their space as you would prefer yours to be treated.
Contribute to the Local Economy
Put your money where your heart is while traveling. Whether you’re sticking domestic or adventuring abroad, go out of your way to shop local, eat in locally-owned restaurants, and buy handmade souvenirs. When booking your adventures, the local tour guides and drivers will more than appreciate you choosing their services over the big-name company. I am a Marriott girl at heart, but I also know how much the owners of local accommodations appreciate it when I choose to stay at their listing over a name-brand hotel. Lastly, be sure to swap your currency over to pay with cash instead of your credit card to help support the local economy more directly.
Adventure off the Beaten Path
Fewer crowds and more space to wander! Sounds nice, right? There are times when no amount of Pinterest research or excursion searching can prepare you for the unexpected gems you will find when you travel. There is a reason you are encouraged to go see the world for yourself. Everyone views and experiences the world through a different lens, and that is what makes traveling so special. Sure, that number-one, must-do attraction should be on your itinerary, but also be sure to build in the lesser-known, off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Get to Know the Locals
Don’t be afraid to network with the locals during travel. I’ve met some of the coolest people with the most inspiring stories while on my adventures. Getting the local opinions and perspectives on what to do and what to see can be incredibly valuable, and may lead you to an adventure that you’ll never forget!
Be Flexible
If you’re anything like me, you probably spend HOURS researching your destination and combing through every blog you can possibly find to plan the best trip ever. However, the more I travel, the more I have realized how important it is to expect the unexpected and roll with the punches. Even with the most perfect itinerary laid out, there will always be delays, mishaps, and other curveballs in your plans. It is not always easy to go with the flow, especially with limited time, but it is all part of the journey, my friend.
Try Something New
Travel provides an exceptional opportunity to learn and grow. The biggest failure of a tourist is to go on a trip and do exactly what you could have done in your backyard. To be fair, you wouldn’t stop at Olive Garden to eat in Italy, would you? While on your adventure, break the mold. Try something new. Order a meal that makes you feel just a little bit uncomfortable. Embrace the culture. Make an effort to show an understanding and appreciation of the destination.
Share your stories
Post all about your adventures. Talk about your experiences. Share where you have been and what you have seen. There is value in story-telling, which is the very reason I started this Doing Touristy Things blog. I have a wealth of information, itineraries, and stories to share about traveling, and I want to share them with the world – and you should too! You never know who your stories might inspire.
Travel is an investment in yourself and your life. No matter where you go or what you do, there is always an opportunity to experience the world at work first-hand. Book the trip. Jump on that plane. Make the most out of your travels. There’s no time to waste in a world as beautiful as the one we call home.
