Traveling to a new place can be overwhelming, but it is also extremely rewarding. There is so much you can learn about different cultures, in addition to it being a growing experience. Whether you are an experienced traveler or a beginner, here are the most important things to keep in mind to make your travel experience even more amazing!
1. Do your research.
My first piece of advice after choosing your destination is to do some research. Talk to people who have been there before and see what experiences they enjoyed. Read travel blogs or find articles talking about your destination. Learning about the culture and history of the place you are traveling to can encourage you to explore further once you are there.
2. Pack light.
Coming from someone who used to take two weeks worth of clothes for a three-day trip, I definitely recommend packing lightly. There is nothing worse than having to drag around an overweight bag and later realizing that you haven’t worn or used half of the things you brought. Instead, pack layering pieces so you will be prepared for weather changes and have options. My favorite piece of luggage that I bring everywhere is my Osprey travel backpack. You can fit all of your travel essentials in this bag, but you don’t feel the heavy weight of it at all! This is great for day trips, hiking, or any other adventure. If you are struggling to pack light, keep in mind that the less you pack, the more room you have to go shopping and bring your purchases back!
3. Go into your travel experience with an open mind.
Prior to traveling, it is easy to have predetermined expectations and limit yourself to a certain guide. While it is definitely difficult, try your best to avoid letting this limit you. When you reach your destination, you may come across new things that you were not expecting. This can be a great opportunity to go out of your comfort zone and explore!
4. Be spontaneous.
I am sure that everyone has had that one friend (or you are that friend) that comes back from a trip and won’t stop talking about how adventurous they have become. However, the fact is that traveling does tend to bring out a more adventurous side of people. This is the time to be spontaneous and try new things (as long as they are safe, of course). There is nothing wrong with relaxing on the beach all day while reading your favorite book, but if you are the person who only ever does this, this could be the time where you finally take those surfing lessons or go jet skiing. Sometimes the best memories are the ones that aren’t expected and instead just happen.
5. Engage with the local community.
The best way to learn about a new place is to talk to the locals. Ask questions and learn about their experiences living there. They may even be able to give you advice on fun sights to see or great restaurants to try that may not have been on your original itinerary. In addition, you never know when new friendships can come along!
6. Take pictures.
I love taking artsy pictures of the scenery while traveling. Not only does it help me improve my photography skills, but after the trip, it is exciting to look back on my adventures. My favorite camera to bring with me during my travel experiences is my GoPro; I specifically have the GoPro Hero6 Black. This camera captures high quality photographs and videos. In addition, the fish-eye view incorporates a more unique and creative experience. Watching content taken by a GoPro camera makes you feel like you are experiencing each adventure in real life. Also, it is small and easy to carry around!
7. But also make sure to live in the moment.
Although capturing photographs of your trip is a piece of advice I recommend, it is also very important to remember that you need to live in the moment. Make sure to look up from your phone or camera and take it all in. It is very easy to get lost in technology and making sure you capture everything on your Snapchat or Instagram story. You definitely want to experience your travels in real life and create real memories. Balance is key!
Keep up with my adventures on Instagram and safe travels!
About Talia Berman
When she’s not writing for The Crescent, Talia Berman plays goalie for Tulane Women’s Soccer. Talia is a fitness guru from New York, and she studies Psychology and Communications.
When she’s not writing for The Crescent, Talia Berman plays goalie for Tulane Women’s Soccer. Talia is a fitness guru from New York, and she studies Psychology and Communications.
