Tips for Planning a Unique Vacation

Sep 14, 2020

I am a proud member of the “Travel Fan Club”.

It’s no secret that getting on a plane invigorates me, wandering down narrow cobblestone streets fills me with an unexplained purpose, and being in a new place inspires me to my very core.

I’m one in a million who feel this way.

Travel is amazing, and it is something that I believe changes the way that we see the world, and ourselves.

So, travel more!

But, before you can hit the road, you have to put your dream trip together.

And, unless you are working with the experts (shameless plug to my day job), it’s your responsibility to but together an amazing experience for you and all your travel companions.

So, how do you plan an amazing trip that veers away from the cliché and over-touristy?

I have some tips for you, based on my experiences that will help you put together a customized trip and avoid that cookie cutter factor at all costs.

AIRBNB

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, I can guarantee you’ve heard of Airbnb.

Now, I’m not knocking hotels, I like them quite a bit more than the average Millennial…

However, if you want to plan an experience that will make you feel more like a local, I recommend you book your own rental - whether that be a Parisian apartment or private beach house, Airbnb is your place.

I can easily (and have) spend hours browsing amazing properties searching for the perfect home-base for my next adventure.

AIRBNB EXPERIENCES

Did you know you could book other things on Airbnb besides rental properties?

Airbnb Experiences allow you to browse all types of amazing excursions, tours and activities hosted by locals that are passionate about sharing their city with you.

It’s through experiences like these where you can truly connect with someone from across the world and realize that we really aren’t that different at all :)

VIATOR

Along the same lines as Airbnb experiences, Viator is a similar platform that lets you browse hundreds of excursions for your next trip.

If you aren’t ready to give up more of the touristy sights (and please note - I have NOTHING against them), this is your spot. Excursions booked on Viator will more likely have a larger group, but that doesn’t mean the experience won’t be amazing and meaningful.

EATWITH

I have yet to try this, but can’t wait for the right opportunity.

Eatwith lets you have a meal with a local in their own home! Although it might seem intimidating at first - it is a wonderful and personal experience that lets us truly connect with another world-resident and truly experience what their life is life while enjoying a home-cooked meal.

OTHER TIPS

Here are some more recommendations that I have to help you make sure your next travel experience is one that will stand out in your memories as a highlight to all things amazing.

Document your plans - I use an app called TripIt to store all of my bookings and details. It’s been a lifesaver!
Don’t overdo it - this is so important. Let’s say you’re going to Europe for 2 weeks. As tempting as it would be to plan a crazy jam-packed itinerary so that you could see 7 amazing European cities during your adventure, I HIGHLY recommend that you boil it down to 2 - maybe 3. Enjoy these places and take your time getting to know them. Don’t travel with the assumption that you will never get this opportunity to go again, so you need to hit up all the sights. Slow down and take time to be inspired by what lies beneath the surface of every destination.
Schedule downtime - similar to the tip above, do NOT over-plan your days. When you visit a new place, you are going to want time to just explore your surroundings. Schedule time to relax!
People watch - this is one of my favorite things to do when I travel. I love to get a coffee at a cafe and just sit and enjoy it. Notice how you don’t need to rush, you can take time to breathe in your current surroundings and let yourself be truly inspired.

Travel is something that I am obviously truly passionate about and believe that every able-bodied person should experience.

Life is too short to stay put.