HOW TO TRAVEL BETTER, WHEREVER YOU GO
That feeling that only travel gives you can happen almost anywhere. It’s easier on a gorgeous faraway land (preferably with the sun on our backs and a drink in our hands); but it doesn't have to be. It can be achieved on an afternoon walk in the hills at home, or a long-weekend in some god-awful tourist trap with you parents.
And that's why, instead of letting the depression wash over you, you have to stop - take a minute - and realise just how lucky you are to be travelling in the first place. So here’s some simple principles to help you achieve what I call a “worthwhile adventure”:
1. You are lucky enough to be travelling, hopefully, with good health, some hard-earned cash to spend and time to do something special in your life.
2. You don't have to see everything, making the most of each experience or place you visit.
3. Push yourself out of your comfort zone - try a new food, be the minority, blend with locals - is a core part of why we should all travel.
4. You will make mistakes and that every destination or adventure has its downsides.
5. Fully enjoy the place you're in, no Instagram regret.
6. A country is never 'done'; you've only experienced it at that moment, at that time and through your own interactions.
7. Going slow is always better; if you can, it’s better to spend time in three places in fourteen days than ten places in seven days (if they’re worth).
8. That some of the best friends you'll ever make will be those you'll never see again.
Elements to ✔check in each trip
They're nothing complicated or too ground-breaking but, taken together, they've always helped me make the most of every adventure:
1. Visit local markets.
2. Taking meaningful photos (which double up as our main souvenirs / memory-makers).
3. Reading or watching at least one book/video about the country from the country before our visit.
4. Learning hello, goodbye and thank you in the local language.
5. Eating street food (whenever possibile; avoid useless food poisoning).
6. Taking public transport wherever and whenever possible.
7. Spending money on at least one authentic and traditional meal.
8. Trying the local alcohol/drink at a local's hangout (beware some really dangerous places).
9. Only taking a tour if it's completely necessary or adds significant value to the experience.
10. Keeping to a budget - a great trip shouldn't be about the amount you spend.
11. Being aware of sustainability and animal welfare.
12. Being respectfully curious.
13. Walking as much as possible in cities (time, safety and common sense permitting).
If we do most of the above, alongside a lot of research, then we stand a good chance of not being that dickhead traveller who everyone hates and also making sure that we've travelled in a way which gives us a good chance of having had a memorable and worthwhile trip.
And, if you like the sound of it or think that it sounds a lot like your own travel hustle, then there's a good chance you'll like my travels.
Now, go out and see the world. You never know, you might just like it.
Let’s create something beautiful together.
Every season there's something new or updated in your place that need to be advertised.
Let me show the best of that to your audience.
Many of my clients build a portfolio of photos as a core element of their communications strategy as it reflects the full breadth and depth of the company. I can work with you to determine which areas of your business you wish to highlight. Together, we’ll create a shot list and visual approach that will speak your brand message, image by image.
