The world is gradually attempting to get back to its normal activities – even though the almost year-long battle with a global pandemic has not ended. Around 3 billion people were staying in lockdown during the peak of the coronavirus outbreak. And due to the heavy impact of COVID-19 on the travel and tourism industry, avid travelers just cannot wait to step out and make up for the lost times. Are you considering taking a trip post-lockdown but want to make it special? The following tips could be of great help:
1. Plan your trip with travel agents
If you are visiting places for the first time, travel agents’ services could be very helpful. For example, an adventure trip to Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina may be tricky if you do not plan your trip with travel agents who know the ins and outs of the Balkan country. Avoid getting stranded in the middle of nowhere by planning your holiday trips with the right travel agencies. Doing this increases your likelihood of having a special vacation trip.
2. Have an open mind
The first step here is to make good travel arrangements, and you are sure to enjoy every mile of your journey. Also, be receptive to new cultures, and be willing to adopt different strategies of doing things. When you open yourself up to the available possibilities, you can discover unlimited ways to grow as a frequent traveler. For example, you may have planned for a specific location, but your plans would have to be canceled because of the restrictions. In this case, consider other locations that you may have never thought of. Take it as an opportunity to learn about their culture, and you might enjoy it even better. As the saying goes, “to grow is to change, and to be perfect is to have undergone a number of changes.” Without opening yourself up to new things, you may find it hard to experience the best things while traveling.
3. Move out of your comfort zone
Just like having an open mind, stepping out of your comfort zone involves doing things that you would not normally do. It will not hurt to stretch your boundaries and do something unexpected. For example, while traveling, you can put spending the night under the stars on your bucket list if you have not already done so. You can also visit exotic locations and eat “strange” foods along the way. Even by talking to random strangers, you may end up making new friends for life. At the end of the day, it will be one more experience to add to your accomplishments. At the same time, be careful and mindful so that you do not end up on the wrong path.
4. Cherish moments over possessions
Travelling all over the world is really about creating experiences and memories, and it will help make the trip more special if you keep that in mind. You can keep a souvenir or two as proof of those experiences, but at the end of the day, you would be fine without them. Material things fade away with time, but great moments are more likely to last forever. Bringing someone along with you to share in your experience will make these moments even more enjoyable.
5. Be passionate: Love the trip
There is something about looking forward to a trip that makes it even more fun. The excitement about packing and all the planned activities creates a more enjoyable time. Before you book your traveling ticket, ensure that you are mentally, physically, and emotionally ready for the adventure. One way to fully enjoy your travel is to avoid distractions, especially from your electronics, and allow your five senses to experience and feel everything happening around you. Of course, take pictures, videos, and document the experience for future reference, but do not let that become the only reason why you go.
6. Budget well for the trip
Your finances will have to be intact to be able to engage in many activities at your travel destination. Therefore, make sure you have a well-planned budget for everything. Since the coronavirus ruined many businesses and individuals’ finances, consider cutting down on expenses for the trip and slow it down if you need to. Instead of covering the whole planet in one day, pick a few interesting destinations and spend longer times over there. That is one strategy to spend less and experience more when traveling.
7. Be safe
The world may be returning to normal post-lockdown, however, this new normal does not necessarily mean that everywhere is safe. You have to prioritize security even as you seek adventure; research on your destination and what the prevalent safety issues are there, so you can plan ahead. Perhaps the first enemy you may want to guard yourself against is the coronavirus, as it ‘s not over yet. Do not forget to practice safety protocols such as wearing masks, using hand sanitizers, washing your hands frequently, and social-distancing directives. Also, pay attention to your surroundings, and watch out for danger. For example, if you are going camping in the jungle, you may want to watch out for wild animals or even mosquitoes. Or if you are heading to the coast during the summer, don’t forget to grab a quality pair of shades for the beach. These can protect your eyes from the harsh sunshine.
8. Be nice to locals
One good turn always deserves another. As a traveler who is visiting a place for the first time, acting like you know everything is definitely not a good idea. Speak to the locals and be nice to them. When you respect and open up to them, they can show you interesting places and teach you new things, and you may end up gaining more than you even paid for. All in all, your interactions with other people can make the difference between an enjoyable trip and a bad one. After all, a friend in need is a friend indeed.
As countries begin opening up their borders post- lockdown, many travelers are getting struck by waves of joy. With that said, a good travel experience is not always guaranteed. It takes proper planning and the right mentality to enjoy a beautiful adventure, so use these tips as the starting point and have a good time.
