It has been a year of travel for me, with stops in places like Australia, San Francisco, Yosemite National Park and Vietnam. Other stops have been in places like Canada, Iceland, Thailand, and New Zealand, among other places I've been fortunate enough to visit.
Nobody can travel without a great deal of courage and determination, whether you are an expert wanderer, an experienced solo adventurer, a novice traveller, or a group tour enthusiast. The key to successful travel is to tap into instinctive everyday behaviors that will elevate your journeys from the ordinary to the extraordinary level.
Do you require further persuasion? When traveling, here are ten things you should do every time you go, including the obvious as well as, perhaps more importantly, the unexpected.
1. Go down the road less traveled by.
Many travelers find it more comfortable to stay within the confines of a resort or to visit only the most popular tourist attractions. When they return home, however, their stories are all the same as before. It makes no difference whether you're traveling alone or with a group; always choose the less traveled path. If you're exploring a market on your own, driving directions head to the far left, where there are fewer people to bother you. If you're traveling with a group and want to see something off the beaten path during your down time, ask your guide for recommendations.
2. Use public transportation to get around.
Taking public transportation is the most efficient way to live like a local. Throughout this experience, you will interact with regular people going about their daily lives. Learn a couple of key phrases and use them to start a conversation.
3. Start a conversation with someone.
By striking up a conversation with the locals, you can transform your trip from ordinary to extraordinary. I've discovered that this is the most effective method of meeting new people and improving my language skills.
4. Stay away from the cheesy souvenirs.
When traveling, avoid purchasing the most obvious souvenir to bring home with you. Go to the local markets and look for something that is truly regional. When I was in Marrakech, I had the opportunity to purchase a large number of lanterns and Aladdin-style slippers from tourist shops. Instead, I found a handmade hand woven rug in a market from an elderly lady who had been weaving them for the majority of her life, which I have kept to this day and still treasure.
5. Don't let a single opportunity pass you by.
Don't get too caught up in taking photos – yes, they are wonderful keepsakes to bring back home to remind you of your travels, but many travellers become so preoccupied with taking a photo that they miss out on the magical moments that surround them.
6. Eat at a local establishment.
When I travel alone, I always ask a local for recommendations for their favorite restaurants – assuming they are willing to share their secrets! When I travel with a group, I always ask the tour guide to recommend some of their favorite restaurants for me to visit during my free time.
7. Allow yourself to become completely immersed in the present.
When I travel, one of the most enjoyable experiences is when I venture into the back streets and become disoriented as I wander aimlessly around aimlessly. It is these uninhibited moments that bring me the most happiness. I know that I can always ask for directions or consult my phone's GPS if I become concerned; however, it is these uninhibited moments that bring me the most joy.
8. Set a goal for yourself.
Try something new to eat. Make small talk with someone you don't know. Don't make plans for every day. Inquire with your guide about insider tips that only a local would know. Pack a carry-on bag for your trip. Get off the beaten path and explore. Take a strenuous hike. Face your fears head on. Keep a journal on a daily basis.
9. Take pleasure in being a tourist.
When I travel, I am frequently distracted by the desire to see and do as much as possible, and I lose track of where I am. In the past year, I've tried to be more mindful about my travels and have simply enjoyed the experience of being a tourist.
10. Live your life as if you were a local
This is one of my favorite things to do when traveling, and it should be done on every trip. Make an effort to live like a local for at least one day in each destination. Get up early and grab a cup of coffee from the local coffee shop, take public transportation, go to the supermarket and buy ingredients to make lunch, spend the afternoon walking around a local park, and unwind in the evening by treating yourself to dinner at a restaurant that only serves locals.
