Best Ways to Make Your Next Trip Unforgettable
No matter if you’re a seasoned traveler or someone who’s just starting to experience the world, your goal is to make the most of your trip and experience your destination to the fullest. But sometimes you just don’t know how to make your adventures truly unforgettable. Well, that’s about to change.
Pick the right time
Hitting your destination during peak season is not a great idea if you want to have the best experience on your trip. During that time, the place will be swarming with people blocking your view, plus the prices will be much more expensive. So, avoid the most popular vacation time and you’ll have a better and cheaper time. Pick a shoulder or offseason and you’ll be surprised how much different you’ll feel. Locals and staff are usually more welcoming during that time and the entire destination will be a more relaxing place to enjoy. Plus, you’ll get to snap some amazing photos without people constantly photobombing you!
Venture beyond tourist attractions
Sure, the Eiffel Tower and the Empire State Building are beautiful and worth visiting, but most unforgettable things require venturing beyond the most popular tourist attractions. Take an aimless tour of the city, hit the markets, wind through the small, picturesque streets, spend a few dollars in small, local shops or just sit somewhere and people-watch. These unexpected adventures and places are often more beautiful and valuable to your life and travel experiences.
Try something new
Traveling is one of the best ways to get out of your comfort zone and push yourself to try something you’ve never done before. Anything from trying exotic local food to going on an extreme hike is a great choice. The adrenaline and the sense of accomplishment will be etched in your memory forever and ensure your trip is memorable. And you don’t even have to spend a ton of money when leaving your comfort zone. Notice how all the most valuable memories aren’t things but experiences!
Bring home an unexpected souvenir
Fridge magnets and postcards are cheap and practical souvenirs, but they usually don’t carry an especially big meaning and memories connected to them. They will look nice in your home, but after some time, they will lose their value and just become another thing that clutters your space. So, it’s always better to spend a bit more money on a souvenir that will stay relevant for ages. A nice piece of art from a local artist fits beautifully in every space and is a perfect conversation starter. On the other hand, if you want something that truly lasts forever, you can get a tattoo from a local tattooist. You don’t even have to pick something that’s directly connected to your destination and it will still remind you of your trip. For instance, if you decide to visit Australia, a kangaroo tattoo isn’t your only option. Sydney has amazing artists for the best Japanese tattoos, so if that’s your aesthetics, go for it! If you pick the right design, their experienced tattooists will leave you with a lifelong memory of your adventures that will follow you wherever you go.
Read Next: 6 Cultural Souvenirs To Collect On Your Travels
Keep a diary
In order to always remember not only the images but also the feelings you’ve experienced on your adventures, it’s a great idea to keep a diary (or a blog if you’re a tech freak). This is an accurate and practical way to keep your memories alive for many, many years. Make sure to scribble in all the things you’ve felt, the people you’ve encountered and significant lessons you’ve learned during your trip. It’s much more personal than a regular photo.
Meet the locals
Oftentimes, just someone you meet along the way or a local you exchange a few words with at your destination is worth more than anything that you can buy with money. So, don’t hesitate to connect with fellow travelers and locals. One of the best ways to do so is to find a bar or a restaurant beloved by locals or pick a hostel as your accommodation of choice. Who knows, you might learn something new or even find a friend for life! Many travelers still keep in touch with people they’ve met on their trip years ago.
Bring a quality camera
Even if you’re not a professional photographer, you’ll benefit from a good camera. Quality gear will always make your photos look great and lively, no matter the weather or your horrible sense of proportion and aesthetics. It will ensure you always have amazing snaps from your travels you’ll feel proud to show off. However, what you photograph is also important. At the end of the day, you can always Google the Great Wall of China, but the people you meet will stay forever lost unless you immortalize them with your camera.
Read More: All Of The Travel Photography Gear I Use For My Blog
Make sure to keep these tips in mind when you depart for your next trip. You’ll surely have a rich and fun adventure and come back home with a ton of amazing memories. A trip like that will be worth all the money and time!