5 Ways to Make Travel More Meaningful
When you’re traveling, do you stick to the same things each time? Most people tend to have a type of travel they favor. Whether it’s lounging by the pool in the sun, or taking in all the sights and sounds of a bustling city with your nose firmly buried in a book, we all usually have our go-to style.
If you feel like each of your trips is exactly like the last one and that they’re losing their lustre, here are a few ways to make your next travel experience more meaningful.
1. Go somewhere you’ve never been before
Don’t just go somewhere — go somewhere you’ve never been before. By taking time to explore new places, you’re not only opening yourself up to a whole world of new experiences, but also to the chance to learn and grow as an individual.
Don’t be afraid to pick places that require a bit of effort and not just choosing a place that’s convenient or easy to get to. Take time to research the places that really interest you and your personal interests, and then make the effort to really dig into them. The journey will be more meaningful when you put in the leg work to get there.
2. Create your ”why”
If you want your travel to be more meaningful, you can ask yourself the following question: Why am I taking this trip? The answer to that question will give you the purpose your travel lacks. It’s a simple but powerful exercise and it works like a charm.
Traveling without a ”why” makes it hard to remember why you took the trip in the first place — and after you get back home, it’s easy to drift right back into your old life. If you want to be more focused and intentional about your travel, then you need to start by knowing why you’re traveling in the first place.
3. Break the habit
When we travel, we want to experience things that are new and different, things we can’t see anywhere else. We want to learn and grow and find inspiration in everything around us. But very often that excitement falters when the travel routine sets in. We pick places we’ve been before or things that are literally on the map. While this repetition might make our travel experience more relaxing, these habits kill all the unique, inspiring and wondrous experiences that we can get instead of them.
If you want to revamp your travel routine, first try staying in a place that is unlike any that you’ve visited before. Instead of booking the typical hotel, stay in a hostel or book an Airbnb in a neighborhood that speaks to you. You’ll experience a different kind of travel routine and will find yourself making new friends along the way.
Consider going somewhere off the beaten path — for example, if you always visit historic sites when traveling, consider exploring an unfamiliar neighborhood or getting out into nature instead. You may decide to spend a few days in a retirement community or even visit an animal shelter. You may choose to explore an abandoned castle or try a food that you dislike, just for the experience of it.
Or maybe shake things up completely by trying out going solo?
Unusual travel experiences make you feel alive and keep you excited about discovering new things. It helps you look at the world in a different way. It’s sometimes uncomfortable but it can have a very positive impact on your life. Trying something out of your comfort zone will definitely make your travels more meaningful and memorable.
4. Find a deeper connection with the place you visit
It’s easy to forget that travel isn’t just about being in new places, it’s also about experiencing and learning about other cultures and lifestyles. With every new place comes a new culture, language and cuisine and exposure to these differences is the best way to make a deeper connection with the place you visit.
Have you ever tried a “homestay”? The concept is simple: you stay with a local family and share meals with them throughout your visit. This can be a great way to learn about the local culture, and stay in touch with the community you’re visiting. A visit is an opportunity to see what life is like for people who live there, not just those that travel through it. When you experience something firsthand, you get to connect with the world around you in a whole new way.
You can also try volunteering. Many organizations provide ways for travelers to spend their time while abroad by helping out in the community. You can teach English at an elementary school or work on an environmental project and have some fun while doing so! Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and help make life better for others — that means it’s also good karma.
5. Make memories, not just photos
Take a picture. It’s the perfect way to document a trip. Right? Maybe. The problem with this, however, is that you’re not really there. You’re trying to capture something that is ethereal and ephemeral, and in doing so, you aren’t paying attention to all of the other beautiful things around you. A beautiful sunset deserves your full attention. An incredible street performer is best experienced without taking a million pictures of them to post on social media.
To make travel more meaningful, you have to be present — you have to pay attention and really experience everything the world has to offer. It means slowing down. Noticing details. Forgetting about your phone and living in the world around you. Think of it as fusion between travel and slow living: traveling at a slower pace, allowing yourself to soak up the culture, appreciate the details and take in more than just what meets the eye.
So go ahead…take a few photos, but really experience the moment by living in it. And make memories that matter.
Far too many people think travel is about having a bunch of experiences, places and things. But really, it’s about having meaningful experiences — ones that are worth remembering. Making travel more meaningful means taking a step back from the daily routines, a step away from everyday life. It is not something that we are naturally inclined to do, but we think it’s worth putting some effort into it.
This post was first published on viewbound.com.
