Choose Your Own Adventure

Travel is something you’ll never regret. It’s an experience like no other, namely because of how customizable it is. If you’re looking to up-level your life and do all the things that you always dreamed of doing, now is your opportunity. There is no perfect scenario for traveling because you can do it on a shoestring and even take several short trips a year.

How to Enhance Your Globetrotting Experiences

It doesn’t matter if you’re a jet setter or digital nomad. The amount of money you spend on traveling is never a waste. You’re able to walk away from the experience gaining far more than a vacation. Travel can change you, your viewpoints, and your values. You may come away from the experience feeling like a better version of yourself.

Here are ten ways to make your travel experience something you never forget:

1.) Don’t be afraid to travel the unbeaten path. Travel guides cover the most sought-after experiences in the most populated parts of the world. Rather than focus on the tourist traps, why not experience the smaller cities and more rural parts of a country. There are things to see, do, eat, and discover in the farthest corners of the globe.

2.) Invest in immersive experiences rather than travel packages. If you love cooking, taking a cooking class from a local chef and recreating the foods that you made while away at home has far more meaning than a tour guide led excursion. The problem with travel packages is that they try to pack as much as possible into a single trip. With such a rigid itinerary, it’s hard for you to get a feel for an area or experience because you’re off to another location in warp speed.

3.) Slow down and enjoy every moment. Travel through the countryside. Stop and smell the roses. Savor each minute that you’re away on your trip.

4.) Make it a point to learn about the area you’re visiting. Get a good feel for where you’re going. Learn what is culturally relevant. Take part in the customs and traditions of the country.

5.) Take lots of pictures. You can never take too many pictures. It’s advisable to ask permission to take photos of people, however. Don’t just snapshots without knowing that it’s ok.

6.) Forgo traditional souvenirs for something truly meaningful to you.  Maybe it’s an article of clothing or a piece of jewelry. It could be a piece of art created by a local artisan. Whatever you choose to bring home with you, make it something special.

7.) Stay in touch with the people you meet along the way. Technology is a beautiful thing. Make it a point to check in with the new friends you made while traveling. They’ll love the fact that you thought enough of them to keep in touch.

8.) Step out of your comfort zone by seeking out new flavors. Avoid eating the same things you can order at home. Instead, choose something that you’ve never tried before. Even if it isn’t a flavor you fall in love with, you can at least say you tried it.

9.) Write your own travel adventure.  It doesn’t need to be publisher-worthy. It just needs to be authentic. Write from your heart, and you’ll have a keepsake that you cherish all of your life.

10.) Decorate your home with reminders of your travels. Add posters and artwork that are travel-themed. You’ll be able to look at the walls of your home and be transported back to your favorite travel locations. It’s one of the best ways to invite more adventure in your life because you’re inspired every time you look at the poster or artwork.

Make Travel Your Next Big Adventure

Travel is a personal experience. You can customize it however you see fit, making it a highly valuable way to spend your free time. The best thing about travel is that it doesn’t matter how long you’re gone or how far away you’ve been, you’ve got stories to share with others about what you’ve seen, done, and felt along the way.                                                                                                          Now is your moment to make life what you want it to be. If travel tops your list of priorities, you’ll want to take the time to make it happen for yourself once travel restrictions lift.  The world awaits you. It’s up to you to determine how you want to see and embrace it.