You’ve booked your flights, found the perfect accommodation, and organized every last detail of your trip. Your vacation is almost here… but it could still use a little something extra. Whether you want to elevate your standard getaway or set new standards for future trips, there are plenty of ways to take your vacation from good to great. If you’re looking for ideas on how to make your next vacation better than the last, these 5 travel tips will help you take your trip to the next level.
Go off the path
If you’ve traveled to a popular destination like Paris or Rome, you’ve probably followed a similar path as the millions of tourists who visit those cities each year. While those landmarks are important to see, they aren’t the only thing worth exploring. Instead of following the crowds, find a new path to explore the city. Walk off the beaten path to explore the neighborhoods locals call home. Take a side trip to learn more about the history behind the city’s landmarks. Visit a hidden gem that most tourists won’t find. Instead of following the crowds, go off the path to see a new side of the city and experience a vacation that’s uniquely yours.
Stay in a local place
If you’re visiting somewhere like Southeast Asia or Latin America, the cost of staying in a hotel can skyrocket. To save money, stay in a local place, like a hostel or Airbnb. You’ll not only save money on your accommodations but also have the opportunity to meet and talk to other locals. While hotel guests are often mostly tourists, hostels and Airbnb places are often occupied by people living in or visiting the city. You’ll gain an authentic perspective on the city like you would by staying with a local friend. Hostels can be a great option for meeting fellow travelers, and you can often find themed rooms to make your stay more memorable. If hostels aren’t your thing, Airbnb is a great way to stay in a local place while saving money. Plus, if you find a place that’s outside of the touristy city center, you’ll get to see a different side of the city.
Image Source: Freepik
Try excursions
When you visit a new city or country, you’re bound to come across excursions that promise a once-in-a-lifetime experience. While it can be tempting to pass over these guided tours in favor of free time, doing so might leave you regretting your decision. Taking that one-day trip to the Grand Canyon, or hiking the Inca Trail, is a memory you’ll cherish for the rest of your life. Even if you’re pressed for time, try to make time for one guided excursion during your vacation. If you’re visiting a new place, you might not know where to begin when it comes to choosing excursions. A travel app like TripAdvisor can help you find the best guided excursions based on what you want to do while you’re in town.
Don’t forget the food
Whether you’re traveling in Asia or Europe, the food is an integral part of the vacation experience. Make sure to take time to enjoy the local cuisine and explore the best restaurants in town. If you’re on a tight schedule, take a cooking class or food tour so you can learn about the local food while enjoying a hands-on meal. Some restaurants host special tasting events where you can sample the best dishes the city has to offer. If food isn’t your thing, that’s OK too. Make your vacation all about the activities. But remember that one of the best parts of exploring a new city is enjoying the local food. If you’re visiting an Asian city, take the time to learn how to use chopsticks—and don’t forget to finish your meal with green tea. If you’re in Italy, don’t pass up the chance to enjoy an espresso. Sample local treats and drinks during your trip to make your vacation truly memorable.
Set deadlines for yourself
When you’re trying to do everything you want to in a single vacation, it can be easy to get overwhelmed. Instead of trying to do everything, set deadlines for yourself. Instead of trying to do everything, set deadlines for yourself. You might not be able to see everything, but you can make sure to experience the must-see highlights and spend quality time with the people you’re with. To make sure you see the must-see highlights, use a travel app like TripAdvisor to find the best tours and activities in town. If you’re traveling with friends or family members, use a collaborative travel app like Wanderio to set deadlines for each day of your trip. That way, everyone knows what they’re responsible for and can meet their deadlines without feeling rushed.
Bottom line
If you want to take your vacation to the next level, go off the path, stay in a local place, try excursions, don’t forget the food, and set deadlines for yourself. Whether you’re traveling to a new city or exploring a favorite vacation destination, these 5 travel tips will help you take your trip to the next level.