How To Make The Most Of Your Travels

Travelling, I believe, is one of the greatest things we can do with out time and money. However, this does not come without some level of organisation. This can come easier to some than others but before you embark on any trip (no matter the location or duration) there are several things we must consider to leave no stone unturned and truly make every moment, location and experience everything that it has the potential to be to us… and create lasting memories and stories you carry with you forever. So let’s deep dive into all of my key considerations that I think are essential when planning that next trip of yours…

Take a good camera

You will want to capture those special moments to relive the memories later..but don’t become so obsessed with this that you don’t spend time ‘in the moment’ and enjoy your surroundings. I made the decision a while ago to invest in an entry level DSLR but these days iPhones have excellent cameras on them. Go with the best quality option that fits your budget.

Plan beforehand

I always say ‘those that don’t plan, don’t really see’. If you are always arriving in new destinations with no idea what it has to offer and just wander around aimlessly, then you will miss out on a great deal. Of course, wandering around a foreign city can be fun as you discover hidden local gems but functioning every day without some basic plan will cause you to fall short of the worthwhile tourist experiences.

Put down the map and get ‘LOST’

I know I have just recommended planning but sometimes it is great to put down the map and get lost…on purpose. I don’t recommend this everyday for the reasons pointed out above but occasionally it’s fun and freeing to explore without worrying about the time or taking a particular route. Take in your surroundings and interact with local people. It’s about finding the right balance between plans and spontaneity. You cannot have every hour of every day on a strict schedule…that definitely removes some of the fun.

Allow a good budget

Always best to slightly over estimate your required budget so you don’t have to stress about money or miss out on experiences because funds are low.

Take detours

Sometimes if you are on your way to a particular site, monument or experience for the day, rather than taking public transport or walking the same way you have for the past few days, take some side streets and go through a different part of the city to get there. Sometimes you can find places that the locals frequent rather than ‘touristy’ restaurants near your accommodation or just hidden little gems to go back to later.

Unplug from technology for a bit

Put down the phone and don’t worry about ‘snapchatting’ where you are or that perfect picture for ‘the gram’. Open your eyes, ears and your heart. Let the culture, scenic vistas, food, architecture and people touch your soul on another level. Soak in the sunshine and leave your phone in your bag.

Be open to new people/cultures/ experiences

Strike up a conversation with a local while waiting for the next bus to arrive. Try the local delicacy that you have never heard of. Do the types of activities you may never think to do back home. Let a Giraffe eat a pellet straight outta yo mouth! Even involve yourself in activities the locals are performing, especially if you are out in a rural village 🙂 You want each trip to help you grown and evolve, not return home exactly the same.

Go for authentic traditional foods…

Rather than standard expensive tourist places you can find anywhere…unless its Hard Rock Café (one meal there would be the exception to that because its super cool and I still find it a bit of a novelty lol).

Do a guided tour

So you know what you are actually looking at or the significance of it. Hop on hop off buses are great for this as they have audio commentaries as you pass by important things in each city. This is offered in several major languages. It makes stops at all the important sites, gives you a free map and is a good mode of transport to get around. They also usually offer discounts to many things around the city just by purchasing the bus ticket. Walking tours are also great and usually take you past the most iconic sites and provide you with a good historical overview of the place, even better when you get a vivacious host with a great sense of humour. In a lot of cities these can be free…excellent for those on a shoestring (backpacker) budget.

Get up and be on the move relatively early

You are not there to lie in bed all day. You can do that at home. Simple.

Don’t shut yourself away, get out and do SOMETHING each day.

Sure, it is important to listen to your body and honour how you are feeling, but you also don’t want to miss out on the chance to soak in everything your destination has to offer. My first solo trip I spent a lot of time hiding away in the hostel and missed out on a great deal.

Plan for the weather/climate

It makes a huge difference. This is a big one for me. As an Australian I hate the cold and don’t like wearing big, chunky winter items and layers. I recommend researching the weather in your destination beforehand and packing adequate items. If you are wearing the wrong attire and become too cold or too hot it can really take away from the experience. I took a trip to Portugal in April after surviving my first London winter and was expecting it to be warm (my idea of warm…not Europe’s idea of warm) and I didn’t go out and do as much because my clothing wasn’t warm enough. And when I’m cold or get wet without a hood or umbrella …it just RUINS my entire day.

Take leaps of faith even in the face of fear.

Lastly, but probably the most important. Take the risk and the chance to get on that plane to that out of the way destination. Do the things that scare you (within reason, remember ladies..safety first!)…such as do that skydive, book that whitewater rafting day trip, go cage diving with great white sharks etc. If I have learnt anything in life, it is that the greatest risks ALWAYS have the greatest payoffs. Sometimes these payoffs won’t come in the form that you thought they would. But, nonetheless, they are beneficial, powerful and transformative for you.

How do you make the most of your travels? Let me know in the comments below.