5 things to try on your next trip

Part of the beauty of travel is to explore new things – to step out of the comfort zone you are so used to at home. Most people revolve their lives so much around a routine that something as simple as making a slight detour on your way home from work can throw you off. This also makes it challenging to not bring some of the routine with you when you travel. No need to try all 5 at once, but maybe start with one and work your way up!

1. Do NOT make a hotel reservation

This one can be daunting for so many people. It may give assurance that once you arrive you at least have a bed, but what if it isn't the bed you thought you reserved. Check out these funny “misleading” photos of different hotels that give illusions of paradise like pools, huge rooms, proximity of attractions, etc. (marketing tricks). Try having 5 places in mind and when you arrive you can check them out personally and make a decision… or pick one that wasn't even on your radar!

2. Try a local favorite or "hole in the wall" restaurant

I will guarantee that Joe’s Crab Shack in Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco will taste just like the Joe’s Crab Shack in your home town. On the other hand, walking a block further to Cioppino’s would be a different experience. (try it!). I ate here the night before I swam from Alcatraz and just because it does not have a brand name behind means they serve sub-par dishes or poison. I like to think it helped me survive! Don’t be afraid to try a local specialty!

3. Make a trip without renting a car

It is terrifying being at the mercy of public transit to get you from point A to point B, but outside the States, it is a common form of transportation. Europe is an easy place to start as the public transportation system is excellent. I have never rented a car in all my trips there. If you would rather keep your travels domestic, it can still be done! Check out walk score to get an idea of some of the cities that are best. Even some cities outside of the top 25 are perfectly capable of accommodating you, like Denver, San Diego, and New Orleans to name a few that I can personally vouch for.

4. Talk to some locals

Even if you are typically the shy type, branch out and open up. Odds are you will never see this person again, but if you strike a bond, even better! Locals love talking about their city; they can update you on some current events surrounding the city like bonds up for election. They also know what there is to see, do, and eat. They can certainly help out with Tip Number 2, as I don’t think their favorite place to eat over and over again is McDonalds. Hell they could even help you with Tip Number 1 and give you a place to stay!

5. Do not penny pinch

Saving money is a great feeling, and more than likely the reason you saved money is to go on this trip… so why save $5, $10, $50 to miss an opportunity? I am not insisting on spending $2,000 on an excursion that may be awesome, but set you back financially. But if you come across bungee jumping off a bridge, I am willing to bet you will remember working up the nerve to make the jump rather than how your spent the $50. Take chances and don’t be afraid!

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