When it comes to traveling, I am no expert, but I feel I have traveled enough to give some tips & advice when traveling the world. From the Caribbean to Europe, here are some tips to make your traveling & trip more enjoyable. Please feel free to share yours too!
1. Patience truly is a virtue. Planes get delayed or canceled, there will always be a solution. We had our first canceled flight to Ireland & I thought it was the end of the world, but it all worked out. Sure it sucks, but it's out of your control. Did you miss the bus or train, there will be another. Just remember there will always be some type of solution, unfortunately it's not always going to be flawless.
2. Meet the locals! I can't tell you how much this is helpful. We usually take a cab to our hotel once we arrive and always chat with the cab driver. They know the best restaurants and the best places to see. On our honeymoon, we got so close with the bellman at the hotel, he even invited us out to the bar after he was done work.
3. Get out of that bed! Wake up early, you can nap on the beach later. The sunrises are one of my favorite things to see, if you can catch at least one during your vacation, then do it. Not only get up to see a sunrise, but just get your day moving before 8am. Get lost on purpose & your day doesn't always have to have a schedule. Get out & explore, this also the best time to get some great photos!
4. Speaking of photos, TAKE A LOT. Make sure to bring an extra memory card or even an extra camera. Who cares if you look like a "tourist," you'll have these memories to look back on. Remember photos are the free souvenirs.
5. Splurge a little. You're on vacation, if you have the extra cash then use it. Even if you book a fancy hotel for a couple nights or go to that 5 star restaurant, you have to remember, you're on vacation.
6. Eat local. This is key to enjoying the culture and people that create the beautiful country you're in. The food is made with love & so fresh, especially in the Caribbean. Some of my favorite food has always been local.
7. The most important, travel more. I notice myself planning my next vacation when I am on my plane ride home from one. I long for the next one always. It keeps me motivated & excited on where I will be next. I think a lot of people want to travel, but find excuses not to, & unfortunately they are the ones that never go. So the next time, you say, "I have to work" or "I just don't have the money," make time & save for your next trip. "We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us."
