Category: North America

How To De-Stress And Relax On The Road: Tips For Travelers

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Traveling is fun, but it can be notoriously tiring and stressful. If you go away a lot for work or you love to travel, but you find it exhausting at times, it’s important to take steps to relax. Here are some top tips to help you de-stress next time you’re on the road. 

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Manage your time

One of the main reasons we find traveling tiring is that we try to pack too much into a short space of time. When you go on vacation, or you take a work trip overseas, it’s tempting to go crazy and try to see and do as much as possible. There’s nothing wrong with planning a packed itinerary, but it’s crucial to make time to rest and recover. You don’t want to get home feeling like you need another trip to get over the last one. Manage your time so that you can combine sightseeing, embarking upon intrepid adventures and soaking up the atmosphere with recharging your batteries. 

Use tried and tested self-help techniques

Many of us have techniques or strategies that we use to help us to feel more calm and relaxed when life gets hectic or we feel stressed or overwhelmed. When you’re traveling, you might feel that you need to make the most of every second, but it’s beneficial to learn to spot the signs of stress and take action immediately. Use the activities or methods you rely on at home to help you unwind or clear your mind when you’re away. This may mean researching how to get American Netflix in Canada and binging a box set, running a hot bath and getting an early night, video calling your best friend or going out for a walk, for example. Other ideas include meditating, reading, listening to music, doing yoga or sitting on your balcony and taking photographs or drawing. 

Plan ahead

Being organized can help to reduce stress when you’re traveling. It’s great to be able to add spontaneous trips or activities to your itinerary, but having a rough idea of where you’re going, how to get there and what you’re doing can help to minimize travel stress. It’s particularly beneficial to sort things like getting to and from the airport, coach terminal or bus station, booking accommodation and buying tickets for attractions. It’s also essential to make sure that you have the relevant travel documents and that you have insurance before you leave home. If you’re visiting a big city, and you’re organizing a grand tour, it’s also helpful to plan your journeys. This will save you time and money and ensure that you get to all the places on your list. 

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Traveling to different cities, countries and continents can be an incredible experience, but it can also be exhausting. If you’re on the road a lot, or you travel frequently for work, it’s important to take steps to relax and de-stress. Manage your time, plan ahead, make sure you have time to rest and recover and use tried and tested self-help techniques to help you unwind, reduce stress levels and recharge your batteries.

Tips For A Luxurious Trip To The States

Taking a trip to the States is one that can be incredible for those experiencing the US for the first time. Whether you’re heading over to New York or taking a trip to Florida, every state is different from the next. It almost feels as if you’re going to a new country for some!

Here are some helpful tips for planning a luxurious trip to the States this year or in the near future.

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Set a budget

Firstly, make sure you’ve set a budget. This is important because even though you might have a lot of money to spend, you want to make sure that you’re not overspending in parts where you’re simply burning money.

You also want to make sure that you’re spending from savings and not dipping into that trusty credit card. While a vacation is a luxury wherever you go, it can quickly become a trip that gets you in debt.

Research the resort or hotel 

Next, make sure you’re researching where you want to stay. From resorts to hotels like the St. Pete’s Beach Hotel in Florida, there are lots of options. You may want to do some comparisons depending on what you need from your stay and who you might be traveling with. 

Consider that some resorts might be exclusive to adults only, whereas others are promoted mainly to families. The type of experience you have at these resorts or accommodations may be greatly influenced by who else is staying there, so pick wisely!

Book any activities in advance

When it comes to a trip to the States, you’re likely going to find plenty of activities to go, regardless of where you stay. There may also be unique and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that you wouldn’t find in your own country or within any other country you’ve visited prior.

As a trip to the States for some is a once-only type vacation, try to book any activities in advance especially if they tend to be popular tourist spots.

Dine out where possible

Dining out is something you want to do plenty of when you’re on your vacation. While some hotels will offer packages for food, it’s always good to try some independent businesses and eateries outside of the resort.

Look at what’s popular and make sure you try any local cuisine or specialties in that area.

Find ways to splurge effectively

There will be certain areas within your vacation that you want to splurge out. From upgrades to your plane out to the States to those extra touches during your travel that makes all the difference. Consider where you want to splurge effectively, rather than just throwing money at every opportunity.

Planning a trip that’s luxurious is one that takes planning and preparation. The cost of traveling to the States from outside the country can be costly, as well as spending money you’ll need while you’re over there. However, if you’ve got a bit to splurge on your vacation this year, then a luxurious trip to the States is the way to do it.

How To Make City Traveling Easier As A Tourist

If you’re an avid explorer, then chances are, you’ve got a wealth of trips planned this year, and beyond, and currently brainstorming in your head.

It’s always good to travel and expand your knowledge and experiences within this world we live in. The world has so much to see and discover, that to restrict yourself to just a few places, is a real shame.

If you’ve got any plans to travel to some cities this year, then there are certainly a few tips to help make traveling easier as a tourist. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most out of city traveling this year.

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Consider a private car service

For getting around a little easier, especially as it can often be confusing the first time you’re in a city you’ve never been to before, it’s well worth considering a private car service. There are plenty of companies available, including this car service in Washington DC if you find yourself in the States for the first time.

Whether you’re needing transport from the airport to the hotel or you want to show up in style to an event you’ve planned the city trip around, a private chauffeur is always an indulgence worth doing.

Plan ahead

When it comes to city travel, it’s always useful to plan ahead. By planning ahead, you’re going to cross off everything that you wanted to do and anything you initially chalked up in your head. There’s nothing worse than forgetting something that you wanted to do and only realizing it once you got back home.

There are also some places in the world that will only be a once-in-a-lifetime trip and so you want to ensure you’ve done everything you want to do.

Follow recommendations 

There will be plenty of recommendations that family, friends and work colleagues are likely to offer to you when they’ve visited the city themselves. From food spots to tourist hotspots, be sure to make a note of all of these before going.

You may also find plenty of guidance and advice online from other avid travelers and travel bloggers that are wanting to share their own experiences and tips.

Get a tour guide

If you don’t feel like planning out your trip or you just want it all done for you, then it’s worth looking at the availability of tour guides. Chances are, when you’re visiting a new city, there will be plenty of tour guides available who will be able to show you the sites of a place you’ve never been to before.

From local recommendations to those top tourist spots. It’s a great way of seeing the city without needing to do much planning on your own part.

Allow yourself to wander

Finally, allow your feet to wander. While it’s great to plan ahead, you don’t want to pack your itinerary too full. Typically, the best experiences come from being spontaneous!

Making city traveling easier as a tourist is something that’s worth knowing about. Be sure to plan plenty of city trips for yourself this year.

Shore Perfection: 7 Ways to Guarantee You’re Getting the Most Out of Hawaii

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Some people like nothing more than vacationing in a colder destination, but most of us need sunshine and heat in our lives, and when it comes to endless sunshine, Hawaii is the most wondrous place that everybody should try once in their lives. Everybody knows how beautiful it is on the surface—wonderful beaches, opportunities to laze in the sunshine, and all of that wonderful culture, but what can we all do to get that little bit more out of Hawaii? Here are a few things to try.

Don’t Just Stay on One Island

When you land at Honolulu, it can be easy enough to stay right there, but it’s easy enough to visit other neighboring islands such as Kauai or Maui. Ensuring you spend enough time visiting the different islands can really boost your overall experience and appreciation, but when it comes to getting around, you might not want to rely just on Google Maps. In fact, the Shaka guide is a great app that you can use to gain a far deeper understanding of where it is best for you all to go. Ensuring that you stay for at least 10 days gives you more time to experience the different islands and make the most of all of the little things you can do.

Go When It’s Less Touristy

Hawaii is an amazingly laid-back location, but you’ve got to time it right. There could be so many crowds coming for their dose of sunshine that you may struggle for elbow space on the amazing beaches. Therefore, going during off-peak seasons doesn’t just mean fewer people on the islands, but you will also save some money on the flights and the accommodation in the process! The best times are between February and March, mid-April and mid-June, and September to mid-December, but all of these have their own vacations, including Spring Break in March, Easter in April, as well as Thanksgiving week in November.

Eat and Drink During Happy Hour

If you are trying to get around Hawaii for cheap, the best thing you can do is set your alarms for Happy Hour. Happy Hour is serious business in Hawaii, and you can find a lot of amazing drinks and appetizers, known as pūpū, locally for as low as $5. Some people think Happy Hour is when the worst food and drinks get carted out, but in fact, as long as you don’t mind eating your dinner a bit earlier or your lunch later, you will have some amazing meals at a cut price. Happy Hour will totally depend on the restaurant, but it usually falls somewhere between 2 and 6 in the afternoon.

Schedule the Activities ASAP!

When it comes to the list of things to do in Hawaii, there are plenty. You can go on boat trips and swim with the fish, or if you want to experience high mountains and volcanoes in a helicopter, you can also do this. But make sure that you schedule those important activities as early as possible because the weather can change depending on where you are. For example, if you wanted to head to the top of Maui’s inactive volcano, Haleakala, it could get very cold up there, so make sure you take warm clothing and gloves.

Explore on Wheels

One of the best ways to take in the views of Hawaii is by car. The roads are easy to navigate, and you can hire a car easily, but just make sure you reserve your vehicle when you are in the process of booking everything because then you will guarantee you can navigate those amazing scenic lookouts, landscapes, and stop at any beach you want.

Don’t Bother Packing Much!

The climate in Hawaii is pretty consistent, and why bother wasting your time cramming pointless things into your suitcase? You might want to pack a couple of layers if you plan on venturing up places like the Mauna Kea Observatory or Haleakala, and maybe a nice shirt for your evening meal, but the fact is you’re going to be walking around in your beachwear or Hawaiian shirt for most of it! It’s the opportunity of a lifetime to experience your own little piece of heaven, so why weigh yourself down?

Eat All the Food!

The food is, to put it simply, fantastic! Rather than going for the typical tourist hot spots, there are plenty of local neighborhoods that offer local flavor, and you should eat your way through Hawaii with some of these amazing dishes in your belly! 

You may want to just relax on the beach but if you want to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, these are some of the things that can ensure you get the most out of it.

How Our Cities Can Become More Sustainable

If we want to leave a livable world for future generations, we must make some changes and seek inspiration from the likes of Selwyn Duijvestijn. And, as over half of the world’s population now lives in cities, it’s time for cities to lead the way in sustainable change. Here are some ways our cities can become more sustainable places to live.

Via Pixabay

Implement Renewable Energy Sources

One of the most important ways our cities can become more sustainable is by implementing renewable energy sources. Solar panels, wind, and hydropower are all renewable energy sources that can power our cities. Using renewable energy sources can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, significantly contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Not only would this help reduce pollution, but it would also create jobs in the renewable energy sector.

Increase Recycling and Composting Efforts

Another way our cities can become more sustainable is by increasing recycling and composting efforts. It’s estimated that about one-third of the waste produced in the US is recyclable, but only about one-tenth of it gets recycled. This means there’s a lot of room for improvement. Increasing recycling and composting efforts can reduce pollution and landfill waste and conserve resources like water and trees. 

Promote Sustainable Transportation Options

Another important way to make our cities more sustainable is by promoting sustainable transportation options. This includes things like public transportation, walking, and biking. By nurturing these options, we can reduce reliance on cars and trucks, significant contributors to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Promoting sustainable transportation options can also help improve public health by reducing sedentary lifestyles and increasing physical activity levels.

Improve Building Efficiency

Another way to make our cities more sustainable is by improving building efficiency. This includes using energy-efficient lighting and appliances, insulating buildings, and using green building materials. By making these improvements, we can reduce energy consumption and water use, saving money and resources while also reducing pollution.

Support Local Agriculture 

Our favorite places could become more sustainable by supporting local agriculture. When people buy locally grown food, they’re reducing the need for long-distance transportation, reducing pollution. Additionally, local agriculture often uses less water than large-scale industrial agriculture. Buying local produce also helps keep small farmers in business, strengthening the local economy. It could also help with the environment’s health by reducing the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides.

Reducing Energy Consumption with Solar Panels

By installing solar panels on rooftops, cities can reduce their energy consumption and reliance on fossil fuels. Solar panels capture solar energy from the sun, which is then converted into usable electricity. Not only does this help reduce pollution and lower energy bills, but solar panels can also provide a source of income for homeowners who choose to lease or sell the solar energy they generate.

Focus On Restoring Natural Ecosystems

A crucial aspect often overlooked in the quest for urban sustainability is the restoration of natural ecosystems within city limits, explains Selwyn Duijvestijn. Urban areas have historically expanded by encroaching upon natural habitats, leading to decreased biodiversity and disrupted ecological balances. To counteract this, cities can initiate projects like urban forests, community gardens, and green roofs, which provide not only green spaces for residents but also restore native plant and animal species. Wetland restoration can also be implemented to manage urban stormwater naturally and improve water quality. Establishing native plant corridors can support pollinators and local wildlife, helping them navigate and survive in urban settings. By integrating these practices, cities can enhance their resilience against climate change, offer therapeutic green spaces for their inhabitants, and foster a deep connection between urban dwellers and the nature surrounding them.

These are just a few ways our cities can become more sustainable places to live. But, if we want to leave a livable world for future generations, it’s time for us to start making some changes—and there’s no time like the present to get started.

6 Must-Haves when Visiting a Cold Destination

When planning a winter vacation, many people automatically think of tropical destinations like Hawaii or the Caribbean. However, there are other great options to consider – cold destinations! These can be just as beautiful and enjoyable in the wintertime and offer a different kind of experience. If you’re looking for some ideas on where to go, read on for this list of six must-haves when visiting a cold destination.

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1) Warm clothing

The first necessity when traveling to a cold destination is warm clothing. Layering is key— opt for lightweight layers like wool and fleece, as they provide the best insulation while still allowing you to move comfortably. Don’t forget hats, gloves, and womens thermal socks; these are essential in keeping your body heat regulated when temperatures drop. It’s also important to note that the temperature can change drastically during different times of day, so it’s wise to bring a range of options for long days out exploring.

In addition, waterproof and breathable fabrics are ideal for outdoor activities, as they will keep you both warm and dry. Look for items with waterproof shells and durable synthetic insulation that won’t lose its warmth when wet.

2) High-quality winter boots

High-quality winter boots are an absolute must when visiting a cold destination. It’s important to invest in a pair of waterproof, insulated boots that can handle snow and ice without causing your feet to get too cold. Look for features like removable liners, which provide extra warmth in extreme temperatures; Vibram soles for added traction on icy surfaces; and breathable fabric so your feet don’t overheat. Additionally, it’s helpful to have gaiters or boot covers so your ankles and lower legs stay dry and warm.

3) Sunglasses

Though it may seem counterintuitive, sunglasses are a must-have when visiting cold destinations— even in winter! This is because the sun’s rays reflect off snow and ice, making UV exposure higher than usual at these times of the year. So don’t forget to pack a pair of quality polarized lenses to keep your eyes healthy during long days outside.

4) Lip balm

The cold weather can be harsh on your skin, particularly the delicate area around your lips. To keep them hydrated and protected from the elements, make sure you have a quality lip balm with SPF on hand at all times.

5) A good camera

Cold destinations offer some amazing sights, and you don’t want to miss them! Make sure you have a quality digital SLR or point-and-shoot camera with extra batteries. Winter conditions can be harsh on electronics, so it’s best to bring backups of any important components, such as memory cards and lenses.

6) A sense of adventure

This may not be something you can pack in your suitcase, but it is essential when visiting a cold destination: a sense of adventure! Cold climates provide the perfect backdrop for all kinds of outdoor activities like skiing, snowshoeing and ice skating. So don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new — you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.
Visiting a cold destination can be daunting, but with these must-haves in your travel arsenal, you’ll be well on your way to having the trip of a lifetime! So whether it’s admiring the beauty of a snow-covered landscape or taking part in a winter activity, make sure you take advantage of all that cold destinations have to offer.

Driving Abroad? Here are 6 Tips that will Help you to Feel More Confident

Getting behind the wheel of a car for the very first time, when you are in a completely new country can be a very stressful experience. That being said, it really doesn’t have to be. If you want to make sure that you are as safe as possible when driving abroad then this guide will help you to drive more confidently in no time at all.

Get Used to the Car

The first thing that you have to do is take a bit of time to get used to the car that you intend to drive. Before you set off on your journey, take a minute to get used to being sat at the wrong side and even changing gears. Now may be the time for you to spend some time driving around a nice quiet car park so you can familiarize yourself with the car and you can practice using some of the auxiliary controls on your car too. This could include the indicators, the wipers and even the headlights.

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Hire an Automatic Car

Automatic cars are ideal if you are a nervous driver. They are impossible to stall, and you don’t have to worry about the clutch or even changing gear. You can easily sit back and relax, knowing that all you have to do is focus on the road. Not only this, but you can give yourself the chance to rest your left leg. If you have not had the chance to drive an automatic car yet, then it is possible for you to hire one for a couple of days in your own home country. Believe it or not, taking a test drive is the best way for you to get used to the various transmissions you have, and you can also adjust much faster when you do arrive at your destination.

Know the Side of the Road

It is imperative that you know what side of the road you have to be at. If you can, take note of essential equipment or even documents that you may need to carry with you as well. If you need to take a car seat with you then make sure that you do everything you can to understand the laws for this, so you can make the best decisions possible when you are on the road.

Drive Slowly

It is very natural for you to feel somewhat anxious when you are driving on a foreign motorway or highway. That being said, everything will come to you in time. You just need to ensure that you drive at your own pace and that you feel nice and relaxed whenever you are behind the wheel. One extra thing you can do is take the time to drive in the slow lane until you feel 100% ready to drive in one of the faster lanes. If you are somewhat nervous about driving on the road, then make sure that you leave a big gap between all of the traffic on the road before you choose to change lanes. Remember to never drive when you are tired either. Fatigued driving is a major cause of most road accidents.

Don’t Be Put off

Depending on where it is you intend to visit, you may find that the driving style of the locals is much more aggressive than what you may be used to at home. If you can, try not to let other drivers bother you and also do not be tempted to respond to any gestures by them either. If you do feel somewhat flustered, then take a breath and move into the slow lane. You can also choose to pull over entirely if you know that it is safe for you to do so. Just make sure that you are focused as much as possible.

 Don’t be Too AmbitiousIf you can, you have to make sure that you do not plan a drive that is too long when you are behind the wheel. Drive for short distances so you can build up to taking much longer road trips. You may also want to try and avoid driving when the roads are really busy or even city driving in general. When you drive in areas like this, you may find that you have to concentrate far more and if you are a novice driver, then this can be very overwhelming very quickly, so be mindful of this if you can. It’ll help you to be more comfortable all-round and you may find that you are able to enjoy your trip more as a result.

3 Tips To Enjoy Your Vacation

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Everyone wants to enjoy their vacation. It’s why they go on one in the first place. Sometimes, things come up and prevent people from doing so. Last-minute cancellations, hotels that weren’t up-to-par, and similar factors can all get in the way of this.

Figuring out how to enjoy your vacation means knowing how to book it the right way. Going into a travel agent and letting them take care of things can be an option, but it takes a lot of control out of your hands.

You don’t need to do that. With three practical vacation tips, you can book your vacation yourself while making sure you’re able to enjoy it.

How To Enjoy Your Vacation: 3 Top Tips

1. Be Creative & Spontaneous

When you’re planning out your vacation, you could end up having every specific thing planned out. What you’ll do each day, when you’ll eat, where you’ll be, and similar areas could all be covered in this. As natural as this approach might be, you should also be creative and spontaneous on your vacation.

Being flexible with what you’ll do each day and taking things as they come can add to your vacation more than you’d think. You could come across things on the holiday you wouldn’t have thought of. With creativity and spontaneity, you can enjoy this.

2. Do Your Research

You’ll need to do some research before going on vacation. If you’re going to Lake George, for example, it’s worth looking into things to do in the Adirondacks. The same applies to anywhere else you’ll be going.

By doing this research, you’ll find plenty of things you can do once you’re there. You’ll also find better deals on flights, accommodation, and more. With a little time, you’ll have no problem figuring out ways to enjoy your vacation. Leave some time for spontaneity when you’re doing this.


There are plenty of resources online to get stuck into when it comes to doing your research. If you’re looking for vacations in the USA, take a look at each state individually. Some places are going to offer a more personable experience for you and your party, whereas other states may not be suited for your vacation requirements.

If you’ve never traveled to the USA before, then the more research you do, the better. The country is a big place, so you want to make your trip the best it can be.

3. Experience Something New

Vacations are supposed to take you out of your daily routine. If you’re on a trip, you shouldn’t be doing the same things you do in your daily life. There isn’t much of a point in it if you do. You should go out of your way to experience something new.

Doing this expands your horizons and helps you enjoy yourself more than you’d thought. Your research can help with this, as you can find more than a few things you wouldn’t have done before.

New foods, hiking, and even talking to the locals can all be recommended. You’d be surprised by how much more you’d enjoy your holiday.

How To Enjoy Your Vacation: Wrapping Up

You’ll need to know how to enjoy your vacation and book everything the right way to make sure it goes as smoothly as possible. Each of the above tips apply to everything from a last-minute weekend away to a weeks-long vacation.

By experiencing something new, spending time researching a particular destination, and getting creative, your trip will be as enjoyable as possible. There shouldn’t be anything stopping you from putting your feet up and relaxing when you’re away.

9 Tips For First-Time Youth Travelers

When planning a trip, it’s important to do your research and plan ahead as much as possible. This is especially true for first-time youth travelers who may not have experience with long-distance travel.

Photo by Leah Kelley

Here Are A Few Tips To Help Make Your Trip Go Smoothly:

Budget wisely

Traveling can be expensive, so it’s important to budget wisely. Decide how much money you’re willing to spend before you even start planning your trip. Once you know your budget, research costs for accommodation such as glamping in upstate New York, food, and transportation so you can plan accordingly. Keep in mind that you can often find ways to save money by doing things like Couchsurfing or taking local buses instead of flying.

Be flexible

The best-laid plans often go awry, so it’s important to be flexible when you’re traveling. Things will inevitably go wrong at some point during your trip, whether it’s a missed train or a closed museum. When these things happen, don’t get upset – just go with the flow and make the best of the situation.

Step out of your comfort zone

One of the best things about traveling is that it allows you to step out of your comfort zone and experience new things. So don’t be afraid to try something new, whether it’s a food you’ve never heard of or an activity that seems a little scary. You might just surprise yourself with how much you enjoy it.

Be respectful

When you’re traveling to a new place, it’s important to be respectful of the local culture and customs. This means dressing modestly, being aware of your body language, and not being too loud or disruptive. If you’re not sure what the etiquette is in a particular situation, just ask – locals will be more than happy to help you out.

Meet new people

One of the best parts of traveling is meeting new people. So don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with someone, whether it’s the person sitting next to you on the plane or the bartender at your hotel. You never know who you might meet – they could end up being a great friend or even a travel buddy.

Keep an open mind

When you’re traveling, it’s important to keep an open mind and be willing to try new things. After all, that’s what travel is all about – expanding your horizons and learning about different cultures. So don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and explore the world.

Be prepared for possible jet lag

If you’re traveling long distances, be prepared for jet lag. This can ruin your trip if you’re not careful. To avoid jet lag, make sure to get plenty of sleep before your flight and drink lots of water during your travels.

Stay in safe areas

When you’re exploring a new city, it’s important to stay in safe areas. Ask the locals for advice on where to go and where to avoid. If you’re unsure about an area, it’s best to steer clear.

HAVE FUN!

At the end of the day, remember that travel is supposed to be fun. So don’t stress about things like missed trains or bad weather – just go with the flow and enjoy your time exploring new places. After all, you’ll only get to do it once, so you might as well make the most of it.

How to Make the Most Out of Any Trip

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Many of us travel because we want to relax and really enjoy all the world has to offer. Often, we fall short of doing that because we don’t know how to really make the most out of the trips we take.

If that sounds familiar, here are a few ideas that may help you to squeeze every drop of enjoyment out of your future trips whether they be in North America, Europe, or elsewhere:

Learn to live in the moment

This might sound like a trite phrase trotted out by a certain kind of person, but actually, it is the best advice you will get for traveling and life in general. If you are too busy trying to get the perfect selfie or too preoccupied with all the work that is piling up at home, you will never truly enjoy that sunset in Tuscany or that stunning painting in the MoMA gallery.

How do you learn to live in the moment more? Meditation can really help with this, but basically, focus your attention on what you are doing at the time and only what you are doing.

Do the most meaningful things

Instead of hitting the tourist traps just because you think you should pick out the things to do in Greenwich, Connecticut that really speak to you or make a point of finding the one attraction that blows your mind and focus on those experiences. Yes, many of the tourist traps are tourist traps for a good reason – they are amazing – but if they don’t speak to you on a meaningful level. Skip them and do the things that do. There is no right way to travel.

Try new things

Whether it’s staying with a local host family instead of booking into a generic hotel or going rock climbing when you have previously shied away from anything that might seem risky, trying new things will mean you have lots of new experiences, and although you may not enjoy them all, you will learn lots of new things about who you are and what life and travel means for you. You’ll end up having bigger highs than you did when you were just playing it safe, staying in a resort and sipping cocktails day after day )although if that’s your bag, there’s nothing wrong with that.) Be brave, try new things and the world will really start to open up to you. Why not head to try some Duke’s Spirited Cocktails Healdsburg or arrange a trip to try something exciting like bungee jumping? 

Be spontaneous

Yes, it can be a good idea to have a loose itinerary of what you want to do so that you can fit in as much of the good stuff as possible. However, it’s also a good idea to embrace spontaneity and be a bit flexible with your schedule, so you can spend more time at that amazing gallery you just discovered or have dinner with that interesting new person you just met and not feel so rushed.

Don’t do it alone

Traveling solo has its merits, but there’s something inherently magical about sharing experiences with someone you care about. Whether it’s your partner, friends, or family, sharing those awe-inspiring moments can deepen connections and make memories even more special. A great example of this is the Hussain al Nowais family. They embrace the joys of spending time with family, reinforcing the idea that together, every sunset watched, and every mountain climbed becomes a cherished memory. So when you travel, consider taking someone along, because the journey becomes richer when shared.

Traveling should be fun, and with these ideas, you can truly embrace the fun part of traveling and make your trips even more amazing than they have been in the past.