07/19/2025
10 things I've learned traveling:
1. Go in with an itinerary.
Be sure to plan ahead and write down everything you want to do. I add everything to a map and then plan where to go each day based on what's closest to each other. I use TripIt to make my itineraries. Be sure to note if anything has to be done at a certain time for things like tides, hours open, or pre-booked tickets.
2. Don't plan every second.
Leave room for things to go wrong, for weather to not cooperate, or for finding something fun you want to do last minute. Apparently some people like to relax a little too 😉
3. Find new foods to try.
I am the PICKIEST eater, but Michael loves all the foods. Growing up we didn't really go outside of the foods we knew when we were traveling, but now I look for something unique to the area we're visiting to try. I usually search Food Network for where we're going and see if I can find any crazy restaurants.
4. Always bring the dogs.
We have NEVER regretted bringing our dogs with us.
5. Try something new.
We try something we've never done before almost everytime we go somewhere. Eventually we'll run out, but we still look!
Things we've done: Apple picking, via ferrata, hot air balloon, helicopter ride, lobstering, and waaaaay more.
6. Support local people.
Find the locals and support them. Avoid the companies that just come into town during the busy seasons.
7. Don't be afraid to talk to strangers.
Thankfully I have Michael for this one. He will literally talk to a brick wall. We have met the most interesting people while traveling and some of them have the most fascinating stories... Some have even invited us to come visit them back in their country (I'm talking about you guy from Austria with 5 inch fingernails on the tube in London.) 😆😆
8. Get off the beaten path.
Sure, the popular places are popular for a reason, and by all means go visit those places, but look around for new or less popular things to do. We went snorkeling in Alaska and it was just us and two guides! Yes it was cold 🙃
9. Travel with friends.
Invite people with you! My parents invited us on our most recent trip, but we're always trying to talk people into joining us when we go places. Be sure to find people that want to do their own thing too and know that you don't have to spend every minute together. You can visit the same area and experience one or two things together and have completely separate schedules. Plus you have someone to take pretty pictures of 😉 Bonus points if you're able to split some expenses together!
10. Take the long way.
If Google is showing you one way on all the major highways because it's the fastest option, look at the alternative routes and see where you could drive through. Could you be going through a bunch of mountain towns on curvy roads with the most picturesque places instead of 8 lane highways with 5 million truck drivers?
11. Bonus- Get outside!
Go for a hike, sit on the beach, find some wildlife, enjoy God's beautiful creations!
