Let’s face it. Not all trips are created equal. There are those who seem to always have wonderful vacations no matter where they go and others that seem underwhelmed by almost anything. So how do you get the most enjoyment out of a vacation?
1. Know Before You Go
Do a little research about the places you plan to visit. We live in the information age. The information is there, so use it! Understanding the nature, cultures, and even a brief history of the people and places that you are visiting can elevate your experience to the next level.
- Snorkeling around a sunken ship is cool, but it’s even more amazing if you also know that it is a German ship from WWII that was sunk by its own crew to avoid turning it over to Dutch marines.
- The piles of rocks in Iceland are an interesting addition to the landscape, but it’s even more interesting when you realize you’re looking at trail markers for an old Viking route that have been standing for a 1000 years.
- Being able to literally walk inside of a giant redwood is neat, but it’s even more so when you know that it’s hollow because it has survived forest fires. The only living part of the trunk is just below the bark, which has a very high water content and is difficult to ignite. So even when a fire burns up their inner core, they’re still very much alive and can live to be not just hundreds, but thousands of years old.
Little details like these can make your experience go from good to fascinating. It allows you to appreciate what you are seeing and experiencing and why it’s significant. Knowledge is power, my friends.
2. Be Prepared
While you are investigating the places you plan to travel, and the transportation you’ll be using to get there, take note of possible problems that may arise.
- Does the weather change frequently? Plan to dress in layers.
- What time of the year will you be there? Pack clothes that are appropriate.
- Is the water safe to drink? Or do you need to plan on bottled water while you’re there?
- Do they use a different currency? Make sure you have some with you and know how and where to get more.
- Does your credit card charge a foreign transaction fee? Maybe you’ll want to get a different one.
- What happens if your checked bag gets misplaced? Keep essentials in your carry-on and a change of clothes. (Especially underwear, please!)
- Do they have reliable public transit? Or is it better to rent a car?
- If you’re driving, did you make sure your spare tire is in good shape? Do you have water in case you have to wait for a tow truck?
- Do you have a first aid kit? Or at the very least, a band-aid? Even something as minor as a blister can ruin a hike or a stroll around a city.
Trying to solve problems before they actually happen can make them seem less severe when they actually do happen. Don’t go crazy. You can’t plan for everything. Just make sure you’re likely to survive comfortably should things go awry.
3. Locals Are Not Your Servants
Even though they are likely providing a service to you, the locals are not your servants. Don’t treat them as anything less than a friend helping you out. These are people. This is their home. Show them respect and kindness and you will get it in return. The best inside tips and experiences I’ve had on a trip are directly related to treating my waitresses, bus boys, taxi drivers, forest rangers, tour guides, and other locals with respect and like they are human beings. Be the sunshine in their day and they’ll likely be the guiding light in yours.
4. Know Local Customs and Laws
Yes, there really are places that it’s considered an insult to tip or illegal to make a right turn on a red light (what?!). Try to get an idea of the differences between your home and the place you are visiting. In general, it’s pretty easy to not get into trouble. Just act like a decent human being. However, if you are traveling internationally in a variety of diverse cultures (think eastern vs. western cultures), you may accidentally cause problems. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. When you rent a car, ask if they know of any differences in driving laws that you need to be aware of. When checking into a hotel, ask about tipping customs. Most people are pretty good about helpfully correcting minor faux pas if they know you’re a tourist, but do your best to avoid it. It will save you some embarrassment and possible fines.
5. Don’t Be THAT Tourist
Look, tourists already fight a bad rap. You know you’ve seen them. We’ve all rolled our eyes at them, been shocked by them, been glad we’re not with them, etc. It isn’t too difficult to avoid being THAT tourist.
- Don’t be the tourist that is crossing barricades to get that “perfect selfie picture” with no regard to the vegetation they’re trampling or danger they’re causing.
- Don’t be the loud and obnoxious tourist that seems to lack volume control or basic manners.
- Don’t be the tourist that gets too drunk and makes a fool of themselves or damages property.
- Don’t be the tourist with the “me first” attitude because they “paid a lot of money for this vacation.” (We all did, thanks.)
- Don’t be the tourist that openly mocks the local culture or treats the locals badly.
- Don’t be the tourist making a huge scene over a small issue in hopes of getting compensation.
It really should be common sense. Be respectful. Be responsible. Pay attention to what’s around you. Basically, don’t be a jerk. It’s pretty easy.
6. Just Roll With It
Things will not go as planned. They may go mostly as planned, but something will not go as planned. Just roll with it. Don’t make it a big deal. It’s not a reason to fight or get angry. Just roll with it and try to see it as a travel story that you’ll get to laugh about later. Some of my favorite trip memories are when things didn’t go as planned. Like when our daughter decided to lock the doors of the truck with her and the keys inside…while it was running…during a heavy rainstorm…in the mountains. She was a toddler and thought it was hilarious to see us try to figure out a way to unlock the truck as we got more and more drenched. What’s even better is she finally hit the unlock button when her dad told her “Don’t push that button!” I love that memory.
Your traveling experience is what you make it. The outcome of your trip will largely depend on you. If you’ve done your research, prepared for possible mishaps, are respectful and considerate, and just relax a bit, then I promise your trip will be all the better for it.
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