Please note this is a collaborative post with Fat Joe Publishing


Happy 2020! Welcome to a new decade. I hope you’re just as excited as me to see what this new year and decade has to offer. Be prepared to receive lots of new travel and lifestyle content from me. Anyway to kick off the new year here is some fresh travel content that will breathe life into your 2020 travels.

Travel is supposed to enrich the soul, expand the mind, and quicken the heart with the thrill of being in new surroundings. That’s the ideal anyway.

But for many of us, the truth is far different. We don’t experience the full benefits of travel because we stick to tried and tested destinations. We follow the same routines. And we rarely venture away from our comfort zones. In short, our time away can become stale, and rather than stepping into the metaphorical land known as Thrillsville, we reside in the land of Dullsville instead.

That might not be the case for you, of course. Your travel adventures could put Lara Croft or Indiana Jones to shame. But if you do feel as if you aren’t making the most of your time away, you might want to consider the following ways to enhance your travel experience.

#1: Visit somewhere amazing

The world is your proverbial oyster, so don’t visit the same old countries year after year. Choose a part of the world that is going to give you new experiences, and that will give you those incredible memories that will last a lifetime. Where should you go? Well, that depends on you, but in terms of bucket list destinations and experiences, you might want to gorilla trekking with one of these African safari trips and tours, go scuba diving in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, or traverse the Lost City of the Incas in Peru, as just a few examples. These are places of true beauty, with much in the way of excitement and adventure. So, if your recent travels have become staid and boring, consider the examples we have given, or another destination that will give you a holiday to remember. 

#2: Take the paths less-travelled

Oh sure, you could follow the crowds when you’re away. You could do all of those touristy things that have been printed in your guide book. And you could heed the recommendations of friends and family who have visited the country you have found yourself in. But why not be a little more spontaneous? Instead of turning left at the sign marked ‘familiar,’ why not turn right at the sign marked ‘unexplored’ instead? We are, of course, talking figuratively, but you get our point.

Take the paths less-travelled, because who knows what you might find. You might find places you never knew existed, from stunning areas of scenery to fascinating local neighbourhoods. So, put away the map and guide book. Don’t rely on your travel apps for every part of your journey. Show a little curiosity and explore new areas instead of walking on well-trodden paths and roads.

#3: Get up early

How To Enhance Your Travel Experiences in 2020
(Pixabay License)

Okay, so there will be days when all you want to do is rest and relax, and that’s fine. If you want to spend the entire morning in your hotel room, then do so. But don’t make this the norm. If you can make the effort to get up early, you will be able to tick off more items from your travel itinerary. You will escape the crowds of tourists getting in your way. You will get to see those fabulous sunsets that will look great on your Instagram page. And you will have the opportunity to be the first in the queue of any attractions you are keen to try. So, sleep in occasionally if you must, but to enhance your travel experience, make the effort to get up extra early during some of your trip. There are many benefits to doing so.

#4: Embrace the culture

When you’re in a new part of the world, there’s no need to follow the customs from your own country. You don’t have to stick to English-speaking parts of the town or city. And you don’t have to eat those foods that you can usually find in your local supermarket in your home town. Embrace the culture of your chosen destination, as you will then start to truly enjoy the experience of being there. Learn the lingo so you can talk to the locals.

Take part in the festivals that are taking place in the area you are staying in. Eat the foods that are common to the country, no matter how weird and unusual they may be. And take in the architecture, visit the museums, learn more about the history of the place you are in, and do anything else that will help you to experience the local culture. You might then become a better person, not only in knowledge but in your worldly perspectives too!

#5: Step out of your comfort zone

In many ways, we have alluded to this already. If you can try unfamiliar foods, explore paths less travelled, and talk to people who aren’t from your home country, then you are already doing much to leave your comfort zone. And within this, you should also take part in those activities that you have always wanted to try, but have been too afraid to bother.

Hang gliding from a mountain? Cage diving with sharks? Trekking with wolves? There will be all kinds of experiences that you can try in your chosen destination, if you can pluck up the courage that is. Just think of the personal satisfaction you will achieve if you do. So, don’t stick to tried and tested things. Don’t let your fears hold you back. Do what you can to step out of your comfort zone. As you will have a more thrilling experience if you do. 

#6: Find a travel buddy

How To Enhance Your Travel Experience
(Pixabay License)

There’s something to be said about travelling alone, as you won’t have to make compromises on your travels. But if you can find a travel buddy who has the same passions that you do, and who will encourage you to step out of your comfort zone, take them along with you on your journey. You will then get the opportunity to share experiences together, and have that person by your side that you can laugh with, create memories with, and who will give you the courage to do things that you wouldn’t consider alone. There are all kinds of perks to having a travel buddy, so look at the people in your life, and choose that person who will enhance your time away. 

Thanks for reading, and enjoy your travels this year!

Stay Blessed

Lots of love

Jenna

xoxo