I tend to shy away from lists and advice on this blog. I feel more comfortable sharing my inner most thoughts than I do telling people what to do. Posting a list feels like a cop-out to me, too rudimentary, too much like work (I’m a planner and list person by day, travel and observation blog aficionado by night).
That being said, I spent the last couple days planning trips and excursions that I want partake on to make the most my time in Australia. I have a ten-day fantasy tour through Thailand, a weekend in Melbourne, and catching up with dear friends in Canberra all to look forward to. In doing this, I realise that I am fortunate enough to have personal experience traveling and planning trips and adventures. So I thought I would share.
1. Treat every trip as an adventure.
Whether it is a hiking day trip, a weekend in a familiar place, or a grand new expedition, go into it with the attitude that you have new things to learn even if it is an old place you’re seeing. Every day does not have to be magnificent, but you can find something extraordinary in even the simplest things you do.
2. Give yourself time to compare and evaluate the best options for planes, trains or automobiles.
The reality of the times is that traveling, as enriching and enjoyable as it is, can be very expensive. Finding the most affordable method of travel makes any trip more enjoyable knowing that you start with a good deal. For a short trip I usually compare busses, trains and flights to see which is most cost effective and convenient. For anything more monumental flight comparison websites likes skyscanner.com and onetravel make things quite easy these days. Check the average cost ahead of time, and compare different weekends to make sure that you are not getting ripped off due to busy seasons. If you can, be flexible.
3. Stay in a hostel or an air bnb for a more social, local experience.
Hostels are great for more than just the cheap rates. If you’re brave, hostels allow you to share not just your room but also your experience with like-minded, open, and adventurous people. Some, if not all, have bars and common areas for you to mingle in, and usually have events or at the very least employees that can help you get a feel for the area you are exploring. An air bnb, while more private, also allows for a level of connection to a local member of the community, and encourages you out of the tourist traps of hotels and into a much more organic feel for the city. Unless you are planning a luxurious weekend of pampering, hotels are over priced and limiting in your experience.
4. Get off the beaten track!
I cannot emphasise this enough. While tourist attractions are attractive for a reason, they are riddled with sightseers and tend to lack the essence of the every-day life of a city. If I aim to see the sights I am most likely to do a walking tour of the city in the least amount of time and then get out and explore on my own. The best possible way to learn about a place is to get lost. Keep a map for emergencies, but take your nose out of the page and stick it into the side streets, the local cafés, the nooks and crannies and favourite spots of the people that were born and raised in this place you chose to visit. If you are going to make a plan for while you are there, plan what NOT to do. Make a list of avoidable, unsafe, or unattractive areas and things so you know what to steer clear of. Everything else is free game. Strike up a conversation with people you meet, fellow travellers or otherwise, and see what they recommend. Learn about the area and the possibilities for not just where you are but what is going on while you are there.
5. Observe.
If simply to be aware of your surroundings so you stay safe (which is incredibly under-appreciated at times), or if it is taking your eyes off a map or your phone screen so you can get the most of your experience. Look around you. Watch how people interact; learn how the city was built and continues to live; find the popular areas; embrace culture shock; look out for happy people and I guarantee you their happiness will transfer to you so you will feel exuberant and open-minded.
As I said, I cannot hope to tell you what to do or how to do it. This is simply how I like to enhance my experiences abroad or otherwise. It is unrealistic to say that I live every day by these principles, but I certainly try to.
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