Travelling is fun. It doesn’t matter if you’re heading out with the family or embarking on a trip as a solo traveller, visiting new places can be a life-changing experience.
However, this is definitely one of those times in life where you get as much out of the experience as you put into it. With that in mind, here are a handful of tips to ensure that you get the absolute most out of your travelling adventures.
1. Seek Out Local Hotspots
One of the best ways to be sure that you have a life-changing experience is by seeking out local hotspots. Unless you’re travelling to a completely different culture, chances are many aspects of life will be similar. Even if you do go international with your trip, it’s easy to fall into your comfortable lifestyle patterns as you go along. Resist this urge by looking for unique, local hotspots to break things up.
For instance, if you’re in Tucson, Arizona, visit the El Charro. This is the legendary birthplace of the chimichanga and the oldest Mexican restaurant in the U.S. continually operated by the same family. If you’re in Upstate, NY, try to pay a visit to Niagara Falls or plan your trip for when the leaves change colour. By focusing on these unique aspects, you can take the road less travelled. You can also make memories by immersing yourself in the local history and culture of the region.
2. Sample The Local Cuisine
It’s important to eat clean no matter where you are. That said, you can also take the time to sample the local food whenever you’re in a new place.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a single town away from home or on the other side of the world, there is always a local food option that can entice you. New takes and twists on popular dishes in your own culture are always fun to experience.
If you’re a bit further away from home, the cuisine option becomes even more exciting. Both single ingredients and complete entrees are often completely new to the senses. If you’re travelling abroad, from London to Guam and everywhere in between, take the time beforehand to look up the top restaurants in the area before you get there.
3. Do A Digital Detox
Specific activities aside, another way that you can get the most out of a trip is by removing yourself from the constant distraction of your electronic devices. Consider committing to a digital detox the next time you know you’ll be out of town.
Now, if you’re going to be travelling — especially solo — this doesn’t mean you should leave your phone behind. On the contrary, make sure to keep it with you, bring a charger that works with the local outlets, and check beforehand to ensure that you’ll have coverage from your provider wherever you’re travelling.
Safety measures aside, just because your phone is with you doesn’t mean you have to use it. The same goes for a tablet, laptop, hotel television, and so on. Do your best to turn off notifications and resist the urge to “check in” too often. Instead, focus on the experience right in front of you.
4. Stay On A Sleep Schedule
Travelling is full of stress and relaxation, pains and pleasures. One minute you’re scrambling to catch a flight, the next you’re floating in a pool or taking a hike. It’s easy to lose track of your sleep as you go through all of the ups and downs of an adventure.
That’s why sleep is an important part of any trip. Now, you obviously don’t want to spend all of your time catching up on your shut-eye. If you’re travelling you want to take in the entire experience.
The thing is if you’re travelling for an extended amount of time you don’t want to let yourself get overtired either. That can lead to feeling exhausted and even sick — both of which can completely derail your trip.
Instead, strive to get right around 7 hours of sleep every night. That’s the minimal amount of sleep recommended by most doctors, and it’s just enough to keep you fresh and on your feet throughout your adventure.
Truly Experiencing Your Travels
Travelling can consist of two different activities. On the one hand, it can be a way to get from point A to point B. That’s usually the case when you’re on a business trip or visiting family.
On the other hand, you can travel for the experience of, well, travelling! This is an immersive, engaging approach to migration that centers on the activity itself.
The truth is, though, in either case, you can still try to get the most out of your travels. If you’ve got a few months to backpack, slow down and stay in the present throughout your trip. If you only have a few hours to leave an airport lobby, you can still make the most of every minute.
When all’s said and done, you won’t be sorry you made the effort.
