If you’re going to spend the time, energy, and money it takes to go on a travel adventure, then you’ll hope that, at the very least, it’s memorable. You’ll want to think back in a few years and still have vivid memories of everything that you did. Of course, it’s rare to forget about a trip completely, but it’s also true that some trips just shine brighter in our memory banks than others.
So let’s try to make sure that most of your trips stand out, for all the right reasons. In this post, we’ve put together some handy tips that’ll ensure your next adventure is extra special.
Disclaimer: Links in this page are meant to help you find relevant information and book attractions easier by linking directly to specific pages on partner websites (i.e. TripAdvisor, Vegas.com). If you click a link, we may earn a small commission on transactions. This helps support the cost of running our website, and it adds absolutely no extra cost to you as the consumer. Thank you, we appreciate your support! You can read more on our disclosure policy.
Go Somewhere Different
One way to make your trip memorable is to simply go somewhere off the beaten path. All too often, you hear people going to the same old destinations. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with that, but it might not be all that memorable — and that’s especially true if you’ve visited the place before. Variety is the spice of life, after all. It’s a big old world out there, so you won’t struggle to find somewhere to go. If you’re feeling really adventurous, you can always throw a dart at a map of the world, and commit to going wherever it lands. You might want to give yourself three throws just to be safe, though.
Under the Stars
Most people think that traveling involves booking a hotel somewhere. Yet, while that might be how we spend most of our travel nights, there is another option — spending the night in a tent under the stars. It takes a little more work, sure, but it also offers an experience that you can’t get from any other travel trip.
Unless, of course, you prefer glamping. That gives you the experience of camping with luxury of comfort amenities. If that sound like you, then check out our many amazing picks for glamping sites across the U.S, like glamping in Zion or glamping Upstate New York.
Grab a couple of friends or your family, see what beautiful scenery is located within driving distance of your home, and research some campsites. It’s best to go for a few days, just so you can really sink into all the benefits that sleeping out in nature can offer.
Pack Your Exploring Shoes
Most people have a pretty set itinerary to follow when they’re traveling. And you can understand why — if you’re only spending a few days in a place, then it makes sense that you’ll want to make the most of your time there. However, it can also be exciting to throw away the plan for a little while, and simply go exploring. You never know what you might stumble upon once you break free from the beaten path.
A good tip for this approach is to pack comfortable shoes and commit to getting around by foot (if it makes sense for the destination). Also a good travel vest or jacket makes for a great investment if you plan on exploring by foot, as they contain many useful pockets and protect you against various weather conditions. Taxis and public transport can be efficient in cities, but you do tend to miss out on things.
Get Serious About Photos and Videos
Want your travel adventure to live forever? Then get serious about photos and videos. Of course, most people take photos when they’re traveling, but it’s also true that not many people take photos and videos that genuinely capture the scene — or that they want to look at again. So for your next trip, look at stepping things up. You could invest in a DSLR camera, or click here and find the drone that’s perfect for your needs. Taking high-quality photos and videos won’t just allow you to fully enjoy your memories later on down the line; the act of taking them can form a key part of your trip. There’s something magical about waking up early to get that perfect aerial drone shot, for instance.
Learn the Language
If you’re traveling to a country that speaks a language different to your own, then you should consider learning how to speak that language, at least a little. You’d be surprised at the doors that it opens up. For instance: if you visit a Spanish-speaking country and only speak English, then you might have to stick just to the tourist areas (where they will speak English). If you know that you can get by in Spanish, then you’ll have more freedom to venture off in alternative directions. No one’s saying that you need to be fluent (though it will help); just having the basics will put you ahead of the curve.
Hit a Festival
Building your trip around an event is a great way to make it memorable. You’ll be traveling, which is instantly enjoyable, and then you’ll have the added bonus of attending an event, which will make it even more memorable. There’s no shortage of events that you can attend. For instance, you might decide to get tickets for one of the world’s great music festivals, or you could attend a major sporting event. Everyone remembers the time that they went to the Super Bowl, for instance. You’ll have a great time.
Go Solo
It’s a bold move to suggest that you should travel by yourself, especially if you’ve always traveled with friends and family before, but it’s something that’s worth considering. You’ll find that you learn a lot more about yourself when you take a solo trip compared with when you’re traveling with people that you know. It’s not always comfortable, and you won’t always be having the time of your life — but there’ll likely be many moments when you realize that traveling solo is, in fact, worth it. Plus, you’ll be more likely to return home having grown as a person.
Set Yourself a Challenge
Finally, one fun way to liven up your travel adventures is to set yourself a challenge. For instance, you could say that you’re not going to travel by air, which means you’ll have to get by with trains, ferries, and cars. Or you might set yourself a daily budget that you can’t exceed. These travel adventures are fun because they force you to think in new and creative ways — and at the end of your trip, you’ll find that it’s very much possible to take a trip even with self-imposed restrictions. Whatever happens, you can be sure that it’ll be memorable.
That’s A Wrap!
It isn’t hard to make travel experience memorable, but adding some unique changes and challenges to your travel planning can add a level of excitement that is unforgettable. If you are traveling with kids, like me, than you will be amazed at what even the youngest members of your travel party will remember years later. The important thing is to have fun and enjoy the journey.
Disclaimer: Links in this page are meant to help you find relevant information and book attractions easier by linking directly to specific pages on partner websites (i.e. TripAdvisor, Vegas.com). If you click a link, we may earn a small commission on transactions. This helps support the cost of running our website, and it adds absolutely no extra cost to you as the consumer. Thank you, we appreciate your support! You can read more on our disclosure policy.