Another day, another collaborative wanderlust post for y’all! I know we’re still easing our way back into a new normal, and I have a feeling that when we do start back traveling we won’t be doing it the same way. Here are some tips to help ease back into that.
If you go on enough vacations, it’s easy enough to notice that you can begin to fall into a rhythm. Even in different locations, it can feel like you’re doing the same kind of things, staying in the same areas, visiting all the same points as other visitors. You’re not a local so it’s not like you can go out and explore as comfortably as you would like, but there might be a few ways to enjoy a little more freedom on your travels all the same.
Keep it close – The first tip might seem like an odd one, but if you arrange a staycation or a city break and keep yourself to a relatively small area, such as the city you’re in, then you can have a lot more freedom to explore that city. You’re not going to be rushing to hit up all the different hotspots in various locations, meaning you can take the time to really explore the closer area around you.
Pedal your way over the horizon – The road trip might seem like a fantastic idea to you, but it does have one disadvantage. It does necessarily mean driving past and skipping over a lot of the scenery surrounding you. One of the benefits of vacations like those from Happy Cycling Holidays is that you’re traveling at the perfect pace to get a great sense of your surroundings and to see more at the same time. Furthermore, if you see something on the distance, like a restaurant or signpost to a local attraction, there’s nothing to stop you from cycling your way over to it.
Do as the Romans do – If you want the freedom to see the best parts of your surroundings and to get off the beaten track, then there’s going to be no-one who knows the area quite like those who live there. As Epicure & Culture shows, there are plenty of opportunities to stay with locals and get their take on your surroundings, though they may seem few and far between. You can have a truly immersive and even somewhat educational stay if you hang with those who live and work where you visit and you may see a side of it that few others will.
Avoid overscheduling – Simply put, this is the biggest mistake that will limit the freedom you enjoy wherever you go. If you create a hard itinerary of stuff you are going to do, you’re going to have little time in the margins to fit in more organic options. Sites like Atlas Obscura are great for helping you create a to-do list, but the trick is to not make it mandatory. Enjoy your surroundings and, if you’re feeling bored, turn to the list for inspiration. Don’t let the schedule run your vacation for you.
Freedom, flexibility, and a bit more of an exploratory spirit can help you get a lot more out of your next vacation. Give them a try and see if they can’t help you explore a brand new love of travel.
This post was a collaborative effort – please check out my disclosure policy page for more details.