Enhance Your Travel Experience with iBestTravel’s Tips

Determined to make some travel resolutions that stick? According to life coach and best-selling author Penny Zenker, relying too much on willpower to influence behavior change doesn’t always work. With that in mind, it might be time to ask yourself why you haven’t embarked on that once-in-a-lifetime trip or why becoming a savvy traveler seems elusive. Whatever your goals, the following ideas will help elevate your travel plans for 2020.

Try Something Adventurous

While relaxing on a beach has its charms, predictable vacations can lack excitement. Let’s face it, if high-octane adventures weren’t a little intimidating, they wouldn’t be true adventures. “We underestimate the power of the change in environment,” says Zenker. “The bigger the change, the greater the recharge. Trying new and exciting activities alters our perspectives, enhancing productivity.”

Adventure is as much a state of mind as it is an activity; it’s about saying “yes” before stepping into the unknown. Whether it’s participating in a half-marathon through the ruins of Cambodia, swimming with sharks in Australia, or daring to try that fermented fish delicacy in Sweden, embracing adventure can lead to unforgettable experiences.

Less Planning, More Spontaneity

While preparation is crucial for rewarding travels, an overly rigid itinerary can stifle spontaneity. Some of the most memorable experiences arise from the unexpected. Keep your phone tucked away, and embrace the chance to adjust your plans if something sparks your interest.

Consider altering your planned road trip route or exploring a side alley instead of sticking to the familiar. Embracing impromptu adventures enhances the beauty of travel.

Learn to Unplug

Does the mere thought of disconnecting from digital devices cause anxiety? Try resisting the urge to check your phone for just one day and relish the benefits of being present. “Holidays are supposed to be a time for relaxation,” states Lena Waizenegger, co-author of a study on gadget-free vacations. “While immediate access to maps and information simplifies travel, we often miss out on engaging with locals and discovering unadvertised gems.” The research indicates that being offline allows travelers to reconnect with their surroundings and the people within them.

Be More Sustainable

Recent years have emphasized that sustainability is a shared responsibility, extending beyond our carbon footprints or the environmental impact of our travels. “A major misconception about sustainable travel is that it’s more costly,” states Mac Gaughan, owner of the ethical travel company Clean Travel. “Travel should empower local communities. By choosing local produce, staying at locally-owned hotels, and engaging with local organizations, you eliminate the international middle-men.”

While avoiding flights may not always be feasible, opt for train travel whenever practical and embrace the “leave no trace” philosophy. Essentially, this promotes responsible travel and enhances local ecosystems.

Go Domestic

When asked to recommend destinations close to home, many of us default to our travel bucket lists, often overlooking astonishing sites right nearby. A “staycation” transforms familiar surroundings into a new adventure, according to Stefan Artesis, one-half of the travel vlogging duo The Nomadic Boys. “We frequently underestimate what lies in our backyards. Upon returning from a major trip with a traveler’s mindset, we realized the unique experiences our home had to offer.”

Journal Every Trip

If a few Instagram posts don’t suffice to capture your journey, consider maintaining a travel journal. This analog approach can effectively document memories, while numerous digital journal apps can arrange everything for you. “Journaling provides incredible insights into your trip,” says Stefan Artesis. “Just remember to occasionally lift your head and savor the moment.”

Travel Lighter

It’s simple: the larger the suitcase, the more you’ll cram into it – leading to heftier baggage fees. Even seasoned travelers sometimes err by packing ‘just-in-case’ items. But are they really necessities? Moreover, have you considered how your ‘destination self’ would manage with oversized luggage while navigating airports, train stations, and bustling cities? Here are a few packing tips: leave cherished but unnecessary items behind, utilize every available space (for example, fill shoes with socks), and edit your pack list limiting redundancy.

Snag Those Early Flight Deals

Misty Belles, Managing Director of Global Public Relations at travel network Virtuoso, points out that the timing of your travel can be more critical than when you book. “The least expensive travel days are typically Tuesdays and Saturdays, while Fridays, Sundays, and Mondays tend to be costlier.” To save money, consider opting for a layover. “Connecting flights often reduce your fare, and although nobody relishes additional airport time, booking a later flight during less desirable hours can yield substantial savings.”

Maximise Long Weekends

Many travelers are moving away from extended two-week vacations in favor of shorter, frequent getaways. The focus should not be on the length of each trip but rather on how effectively you utilize that time. Regular breaks serve as a welcome punctuation in life, which can be more restorative than a single lengthy holiday. Plus, packing tends to be easier, and it’s often simpler to find someone to watch the cat for a weekend compared to a week.

To optimize your short break, Belles advises adjusting your travel dates. “By switching from the traditional Friday to Sunday trips to Saturday to Monday, travelers can experience hotel savings of 5–25%, depending on the city.”

Take a Solo Trip

Recently, the notion of dining alone has shed its stigma. Today, solo travel reflects a growing demand for independence, whether you are part of a couple or single. You no longer have to consider what your partner might prefer if you wish to spend the day lounging poolside – you are free to choose your own adventure.

Although the Nomadic Boys typically travel as a duo, they acknowledge that solo excursions can enhance their experiences. According to a recent Mintel survey, you solo travelers seek adventure and unique experiences: learning a new language, sailing down the Amazon, hiking through the magnificent Scottish Highlands, or enjoying a quiet retreat in Bali, where having another person around can feel crowded.