Group Travel Etiquette

Just as different cultures have different expectations, group travel has its own set of rules people have to follow. It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling with someone you know or with complete strangers. These rules will help you avoid friction with your travel partners whether it’s a group of ten or less.

By the time you’re done reading, you’ll be able to learn how group travel works and what is the proper guideline to traveling with a group. 

Be polite and friendly

When meeting the rest of the group for the first time physically, smile. Make eye contact. Shake hands or give hugs (if that matches the mood) and introduce yourself. Meeting strangers you'd spend the next couple hours with can be pretty intense for some people but you can ease up, make light jokes but don’t go overboard with it and just be yourself. Have a positive attitude. Offer to help with things were necessary but don’t insist. Complaining, griping or whining is not a good strategy to make your vacation better. In fact, it’s better to keep a cheerful attitude to defuse any tension. Rely on your tour leaders to mitigate conflicts, even potential ones. 

Be time conscious

Familiarize yourself with the day’s itinerary. The time to meet for breakfast or go out as a group. Don’t take so much time prepping in your room at the expense of other people’s time. Be punctual and apologize when you fall behind time.

Stay organized 

Nobody wants to put their vacation on hold to go in search of a lost travel partner. For security reasons, don’t wander far away from the group. If you must disengage from the group, inform your tour guide of your reason and whereabouts. When you’re sharing a room with someone else, cleanliness is a priority at all cost. Changing your clothes often, showering at least once a day, brushing your teeth, and washing your hands regularly are very basic and important things to do.

Have your essential items with you

Don’t forget your important personal items that you have to go around borrowing. Never make it your someone else’s problem to keep you clean and smelling fresh. A day of borrowing is okay, but five days of using somebody else’s shampoo can bring flare-ups among the group. Next, never use somebody else’s property without their consent, however small these items are. If they do end up letting you borrow their stuff, return it in the exact condition as you borrowed it 

One overall travel etiquette you should follow is the golden rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Be gracious, courteous, thankful, respectful and kind. With the right attitude, you can meet as strangers and leave as friends.

Thank you for reading. To learn more about our upcoming tours, click here.

What You Should Know About Travel Seasons

There are many things you have to consider when planning for a vacation – either before you select a destination or after. Even if you’re free to travel any time you want, understand that not every time of the year is best to visit your destination of choice. This however depends on the kind of traveler you are and how much you have and are willing to spend on your vacation. 

If you travel a lot or go around your town often (assuming you live in a popular city), you will notice it gets really crowded and busy during a specific month or time of the year. This is attributed to time and seasons. Therefore, while planning your trip, consider the following to get your timing right;

• Off seasons

Off season also known as low season is when fewer people are traveling to a particular location. This is primarily due to the weather condition of that environment and so certain tourist activities may be restricted. During this time, airfare and hotel rooms may be at their cheapest prices of the year, and tourist attractions may have reduced hours or not even be open at all as a result of low demand since crowds become smaller.

• Shoulder seasons

If you’re visiting a destination for the first time, it’s advised to go during its shoulder season as you’d get to spend less on travel expenses. During this time of the year, crowds at popular tourist sites are not dense and airfare and accommodation costs are moderate as well as the weather. This season varies by location and may occur more than once in a year. However, you’ll have to do your research to find out but at the end of this guide is a free resource that can help you schedule your vacation to almost anywhere in the right season.

• High or peak seasons

This is the most popular time at a destination. Although a destination during this time experiences its best weather, the crowds are busier and travel expenses generally increase due to influx of visitors. Seasoned travelers normally avoid traveling during this time to avoid the crowds.

• Your annual leave from work 

This is important if you don’t work remotely. Don’t schedule your trip during a busy work season or during annual reviews. Ask or negotiate for time off if possible. Exude a positive attitude and show work commitment as that could guarantee time off with ease and give you job security. If you don’t have much time off from work, consider traveling during long weekends (a holiday period that includes one or more of the days preceding or following a weekend, in addition to the Saturday and Sunday).

Now that you know the different seasons for traveling, I hope this guides you in making informed decisions during your travel planning. If you’d like to know the best places to visit each month of the year, check out this resource by Globotreks.

Remember, the cheapest vacation probably isn't the best vacation, and weather, work and your budget will usually impact your plans. You'll have to balance all of these factors and make some tradeoffs to get the most out of your trip. Need help with travel planning? Let’s take the stress off you today. Learn more about our travel planning service.

How Traveling Encourages Personal Development

Traveling offers many outstanding benefits to a person. The experience of seeing new things, meeting new people, and experiencing new cultures opens up your mind to new ways of thinking. And the act of exploring helps you develop an awareness of your surroundings and encourages you to see the world in a different light. Let’s explore the ways traveling encourages self development.

Traveling helps you discover your true self

Self discovery is one of the most reported experiences of travelers. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a frequent traveler or once in a while kind of traveler, the opportunity of moving away from familiar environments can help you find yourself. Like our beliefs, our identities (who we are) or presumed identities (who we think we are) over time are shaped by our environments, the people around us and experiences we encounter daily. Experiencing life outside of these familiar factors can provide real insight and understanding of who we are during travel.

Group trips as well as solo trips offer this benefit of traveling. Within a new travel group, you have the freedom to present yourself however it feels true to you without having to live up to the expectations of people who have known you for a long time. It may even be an opportunity to express yourself freely which you might have to minimize at home. To learn more about how traveling helps you find yourself, read our guide here.

Traveling increases your environmental consciousness

Travel opens us up to experience life from a different perspective. The culture, lifestyle and struggles of a people in a place helps you identify with the new environment. Taking the opportunity to travel helps us move beyond focusing on how environmental issues might impact us personally, to thinking about how issues might affect us globally. When we travel, we tend to be more aware of our impact on the planet—and we're more likely to start making changes in our daily lives that support the environment.

Traveling ignites and improves your creativity

Traveling brings with it a lot of inspiration. For individuals in the creative industry, this will help you get out of your head and into your heart. As you connect deeper with yourself while on your trip and allow yourself to feel the emotions your destination emanates from within you, your creative juices start to flow. This will inspire you and your work during your trip and even when you return. Or maybe you've met someone who inspires you, or who challenges your way of thinking about things. Visiting historic sites and viewing masterful artwork can help us grow as creative individuals.

Traveling strengthens your independence

We are able to assess our strengths and weaknesses in different situations when we travel. This helps you develop a sense of independence and rely on yourself more than others. Knowing you have to be responsible for your decisions in a foreign country, you will get to learn how to survive and solve problems that may arise on your own.

Traveling boosts your self confidence

Traveling offers a wealth of experiences that will make you fall in love with life all over again, from climbing a volcano or mountain to admiring historical architecture and artwork to swimming in various waters and watching breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. You will feel fantastic knowing that you have brought so much wonder, love, and beauty into your own life. Even challenging travel experiences can boost your self-confidence. You can miss a train, get lost in a strange city, or misplace something important. Even though these incidents are annoying at the moment, you can always make things right. Using your own street smarts and your own instincts can get you out of sticky situations, and sometimes you can look back on those moments and laugh. Problem solving while traveling is not only a necessary skill, it also helps you gain confidence in your own abilities.

There are more benefits of traveling than listed above. While some are easy to document, others are left to be experienced. Beyond personal development, traveling can shift your perspective, broaden your horizon and help you discover who you are.

If you’re a first time traveler feeling uncertain about taking a chance here, check out this post on tips to enjoy and relax on your first trip.

Productive Activities to Engage in During Your Summer

Summer is a great time to relax, the time to get out and enjoy the sun, but it's also the perfect time to get back into some productive activities. If you've been spending your summer in front of the TV or on social media, I've got some ideas for you! Here are 8 activities that will help keep your brain active and your body moving:

Learn a new language

Learning a new language is a great way to keep your mind active, and it can help you in the future. You can learn on your own—with or without an instructor. 

As it is with learning something new, you don't need to have any previous knowledge of the language when trying out this activity; there are plenty of websites and apps available online that explain how everything works so that even beginners can get started right away. If you would like to leave your home for this exercise, another option is attending physical classes at schools or community centers and learning from and alongside other people.

Pick up a new skill or hobby.

You can learn a new skill in a week, or you can learn it in one day. It all depends on your dedication and motivation to stick with something. If you want to start learning how to play an instrument or paint, no problem! There are plenty of resources online that will teach you how. Just make sure that the goal is not just for fun but also because it’s something that interests you.

Improve your cooking and baking skills.

You'd be surprised at how many people have never cooked a single meal. It's not hard, and it can be fun, too! Cooking is a great way to feed yourself and others. You can learn new recipes or improve your old ones. You can also learn how to cook healthier foods, which may include things like making your own pasta sauce instead of buying jarred pasta sauce. You may also want to consider learning some skills that will help out with cooking later down the line when kids come along in your life: baking breads; roasting vegetables; making sauces; marinating meats; etc., etc., etc...

Start journaling

If you're like me, the warm weather makes you want to get out of the house and enjoy some time with friends and family. But while spending time with loved ones can be fun, there's something special about having time alone to reflect on your life. One of my favorite things about journaling is how it allows me to remember what has happened in my life over the past months—and how I felt about it at that moment. It helps me understand myself better as well as who I am today compared with who I was then (or wish I could be). Journaling also helps me reflect on other people around me; when writing down what happened during an interaction with someone else, it gives us insight into their thoughts and feelings toward us during those moments together! Finally, if done properly (and often), journaling will help build stronger relationships between friends/family members because we'll start talking more openly about ourselves instead of focusing too heavily on superficial topics.

Go on a trip

Traveling is a great way to learn about different cultures and get inspired by them. It can be an adventure, and you never know what kind of experience you might have! But traveling doesn't have to be expensive—we can help you plan your trip according to your budget starting at $45 a day. You'll meet new people who will share their stories with you as well as offer their opinions on life in general. You'll also find out how other people live their lives and what they think about themselves, the world around them and how things should change or stay the same. This kind of knowledge will help shape your own ideas about how things should operate in society today or tomorrow (or even next year).

Listen to productivity podcasts

Listen to productivity podcasts while you're commuting, walking, or doing household chores. This is a great way to get more done without feeling like you are not actually working! If possible, listen to the podcast one episode at a time so that you don't fall behind on your other tasks.

Here are some of my favorite productivity podcasts:

• On Purpose with Jay Shetty 

• The Tim Ferriss Show 

• Smart People Podcast 

Get ahead in your career development.

In the summer, there are many opportunities for you to get ahead in your career development. Learning new skills is one of them. Developing leadership skills can be done by volunteering at an organization or school, joining a club that does something you enjoy (sports, arts, etc.), taking classes related to your field of study and learning about how other people do things differently than how you do it yourself.

Do some gardening or become a plant parent

Whether you are a novice gardener or have been doing it for years, there's no better way to spend your summer than tending to plants. Whether this is through the care of an indoor plant or an outdoor one, there is something calming about being surrounded by beautiful greenery. The sense of satisfaction that comes with watching your hard work pay off can be indescribable—and it doesn't cost much! You can even get started on this activity as soon as possible: simply buy some pots and soil at your local hardware store (or even Walmart) and then get started watering them regularly. Most people find themselves becoming passionate about their green thumb over time as they develop a feel for what grows well together and which needs more attention than others.

So now you know what to do during your summer. Believe it or not, there’s more to a productive summer than just sitting around and doing nothing. In fact, there are plenty of activities you can do that will help you stay on track with your goals and get ahead in your career development.

And remember, productive activities don't have to be boring! While some people might think creative work is best in the winter or fall, it's actually more productive when you do it during the summer months because there are fewer distractions. Plus, you get more time off from school or work so everyone wins!

We hope these tips inspire you to find new ways of maximizing your time during the remaining summer months!

Five things we can’t wait to do in Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful places in Italy. Located in the South of Europe, it's famous for its stunning coastline, amazing beaches and delicious food. You can visit the island Capri or the town Sorrento if you have time and want to see more than just the coast; but if not then we've got some exciting ideas for you! Here are some of the things we can't wait to do on this magical coast this summer.

Take a day trip to Capri

Island of Capri is a must-see when you're in the area and is only a short day trip from the Amalfi Coast. Its coastline is famous for its stunning beauty; it's on nearly every travel brochure. We will take a private boat tour around the island to explore and make stops at grottos along the way. It's a full day of adventure. On the other side will be a hearty meal waiting for us.

Go on a wine tasting and food tour

What's Italy without wine? We'll have a chance to learn a lot about Italy on this trip. If you're looking to learn about the local wine, food and culture of a place while you travel, then a tour is definitely worth considering. Food tours give visitors insight into how locals eat their meals at home every day while highlighting local flavors through recipes made with local ingredients found nearby such as olive oil or cheese. Wine tasting tours will take you out of your comfort zone and give you an opportunity to experience something new. You might be surprised by how much there is to taste!

Walk through Pompeii

The ancient Roman city of Pompeii is one of the most famous archaeological sites in Europe. It was discovered by accident in 1748, when a shepherd accidentally broke through into it while digging for his sheep. Since then, it has been excavated and preserved so well that you can see what life was like back then—and even smell it! Pompeii has been flooded with tourists for centuries now; this means there are plenty of places to go if you want to see all that this ancient city has to offer. And guess what? We're going to see it all.

Beach day at Positano

Positano is the image of an Amalfi Coast village, filled with breathtaking views and charming pastel-colored homes – the kind that can be seen in every well-known photograph of the Amalfi coast. Even if you've never gone, it will be as you imagine the Amalfi Coast to be. Positano is a place to naturally indulge a little and reward yourself because of its lovely sandy coastline, crowded seaside bars, even busier nightlife, and elegant boutiques. If you want to enjoy the beach and see some fairly amazing views from the top while you're in Positano, be prepared to climb a LOT of steps.

Eat gelato and pizza

Pizza and gelato have origins in Italy and since we’re in Italy, there’s no better time to enjoy amazing pizza and gelato. If you're looking for the best gelato and pizza around, look no further than Positano.

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful and romantic places in Europe. It's also a great place to have the vacation of your life! The region has been called “the most beautiful place in Italy” and we think that's a pretty accurate description. If you're looking for a unique vacation with lots of adventure, then look no further than this incredible region! We hope this guide inspires you to visit the Coast sometime in your life.

Travel tips to help you enjoy and relax on your first trip

iStockphoto by skynesher

Traveling abroad for the first time can be thrilling as much as it can be terrifying – but that’s not to worry. Whether it’s your first time traveling or first time at a new destination, you’ll need to do a lot of planning which Gojolley can certainly help with. Gojolley is committed to taking the stress off travel [planning] so you can have the very best of experiences. 

A general guideline is to get to the airport on time. Anticipate long queues and delays at checkpoints and give yourself enough time to go through them and still not miss your flight.  Another important tip is to email yourself scanned (digital) copies of all required documents for your trip before leaving home in case there’s any chance of forgetting or misplacing any document. Although travel experiences differ from person to person, it helps to have several guiding travel tips in your arsenal. So here are some tips to ensure you enjoy and relax on your trip.

Research your destination thoroughly

No tip beats knowing the ins and outs of your travel destination before actually leaving the comfort of your home. From common local phrases to approved dressing styles to where not to be at what time of the day (for foreigners especially). This research can be overwhelming, yes but it’s very important so don’t pass on it. Ask google for information or previous travelers to your preferred location on social media if you have to. Facebook groups are also great avenues to find useful travel information.

Make an itinerary

Making a plan is similar to envisioning time spent during your trip ahead of time. You’ll feel relaxed when you have an overview of what you intend to do while on your trip. Simply make a list of the things you’d like to do and places you’d like to visit within the time gap you have and be ready to ditch it and embrace spontaneity when the opportunity presents itself.

Travel light

Shed all the extra luggage as much as you can. This will not only save you the stress of dragging an overstuffed suitcase across town but will also save you money in excess baggage fees. Check what limit your airline offers and if you can, weigh your luggage at home to ensure you do not exceed that limit or a convenient rate you're okay to part with. To ensure you do not carry more than necessary, research the weather of your destination at the time you’re leaving and take appropriate clothing and items with you.

Be vigilant and stay safe

Read signs wherever you go so you don’t get lost. Study the body language of the people around you to know when you’re safe or have to exit. Prioritize taking care of the things you own. Keep an eye on your things and hold your bag tight. Avoid putting phones and wallets in your back pockets. Whenever you alight from a bus or cab, double check to be sure none of your personal belongings are left behind. Tag your bags properly for easy identification. Never get carried away in a conversation or a sight and risk being robbed. 

Get travel insurance

A travel insurance covers for all unexpected mishaps that could occur during your trip. It is an essential part of your travel planning. If you can, get one that covers health and property. From emergency evacuations to reimbursement for lost luggage, travel insurance can save you a lot of money in the unlikely event that something bad happens while you’re abroad.

Finally, breathe

When you return from your trip, you’ll realize it’s nothing you couldn’t manage. So while on your trip, breathe and take in the beauty before your eyes. Remember, it’s okay to be nervous on your first trip but don’t let it ruin the experience for you. Use these tips to your advantage and soon enough you’ll become a guru at venturing into the unknown.

Why Santorini Makes for a Memorable Experience

The Greek island of Santorini is one of Europe's popular holiday destinations – and for good reason. The dreamy backdrop of whitewashed blue-domed houses and the deep-blue Aegean Sea and the northern village of Oia offers picture-postcard sunset views. You will recognise three of Santorini’s blue domes from the postcards. The famed trio of domes is located in Oia and they belong to two churches tucked neatly away.

Santorini is a holiday destination that nobody should miss and visit it at least once. This great scenic destination offers many dreamy experiences that will guarantee an unforgettable occasion. If you are still not sure whether you should visit Santorini or not, we will give a few reasons why you should visit this majestic island.

• Incredible sunset view wherever you stand

Santorini is famous for its breathtaking sunset. The sun seems to drop into the sea and the sky reflects golden colors and bright shine that make the whitewashed buildings glow. Travelers from all over the world visit Santorini to experience this extraordinary natural spectacle. The picturesque village of Oia situated at the north side of the island and built on top of the impressive cliffs is the most popular spot to take in the best sunset you'll ever see. 

• Caldera and sunset cruises

Leisurely sailing around the island is the best way to explore the scenic wonders of Santorini and take in its splendid natural beauty and captivating sunset. Santorini’s caldera is a 300-metre high basin that was created after a fierce volcanic eruption that occurred in 1613 BC. That great eruption sank the center of Santorini into the bottom of the Aegean Sea and the outcome was the creation of this unique terrain morphology. The diameter of the caldera is 16 km covering the areas of Oia, Fira (the capital city), Firostefani and Imerovigli with extraordinary beauty. The picturesque island of Santorini is literally built on a cliff. The distinct landscape of the caldera adds to the rare beauty of the island making Santorini an incredible holiday destination that offers, among all, a view that will take your breath away.

• Mouthwatering Mediterranean cuisine

The island features everything from fusion food at fine dining areas to traditional platters at taverns. Most menus contain delectable dishes featuring indigenous fruits and vegetables and the robust Santorinian wine and the exhilarating concoction of refreshing cocktails served all over the island.

• The fascinating landscapes and picture perfect scenery

Breathtaking views, outstanding sceneries, colorful volcanic beaches and the traditional whitewashed houses compose the most fascinating landscape for photo shooting and for travelers. Much of Santorini is built on the rim of an old, extinct volcano (the caldera) which makes the towns look as though they are tumbling down the hillside. The effect is remarkable and extremely photogenic, but it does mean that roads and pavements are very steep.

• Special flavors and tasty Greek wine

Santorini is a unique wine-growing region where the volcanic, mineral-rich soil in combination with the climate creates uncommon, high quality wine varieties. The island has vast plantations of vineyards, which are the oldest in the whole world, and a huge production of wine, including rare types that own distinct characteristics but share the same rich exotic flavor. Α food tour or visit to a winery, or more, is a memorable luscious journey among exceptional flavors and aromas. Besides the passionate wine tasting and the chance to try many voluptuous varieties, the wineries provide tours where guests can explore the vineyards and become acquainted with the history and production of wine in Santorini.  

The bountiful natural beauty of Santorini is undeniable and outstanding in every corner. These and many more exciting adventures await those who wish to explore and try out new, out of the ordinary things. Planning to visit Santorini? There’s no better time than now as we’re headed there this August. Join our group trip and be rest assured to have a memorable time. Check out our itinerary here.

How to Plan a Summer Trip to Europe for the First Time

Planning your first trip to Europe can be exciting and can as well be a maze of uncertainties.  Your first trip to Europe will provide you with memories that will last a lifetime and planning your first trip to Europe will not only build anticipation but will also be a fun part of the vacation. Successful planning will ensure a stress free journey such that you will want to return time and time again. 

Understanding that travel isn't exactly the same as before the pandemic is important to ensure a smooth journey. There is a lot to think about and a lot to do but this guide will help you get started.

• Narrow your plans and keep them simple

Make sure your plans for your first trip to Europe are simple. Map out the places you'll want to visit and stick to those. Don't try to see everything and do everything at one go unless you want to exhaust yourself chasing impossible schedules. Allow yourself enough time to explore and rest. It’s not a race and the place won’t drop off the surface of the earth after you return home. There’s always another trip to look forward to. So take your time and narrow down your plans as much as you can.

• Plan as far ahead as possible

Europe is a large continent and one of the things set to ruin a first time visit to this continent is rush hour travel planning. Have part of your trip booked before departure. This includes accommodations, tours and your movement around your destination (car rental). Buy tickets for popular landmarks, like the Eiffel Tower or Colosseum, well in advance. Also, make hotel, restaurant, and transportation reservations well in advance. If you are planning to travel to Europe this summer and don't have your arrangements finalized, you can easily skip them and hop on one of our summer trips to Europe this August.

• Know the entry requirements

With the ever-constant changing rules due to COVID, there's been a bit of chaos moving around. Steps for entry are country-dependent. Some are requiring a PCR test for entry, others are not. If you are looking for specific country requirements, the best advice is to go to the country’s tourism site. You can do this by searching “country tourism entry requirements.” Additionally, call your accommodations to ask what the requirements are for check-in. For instance, most hotels in Italy require proof of vaccination.

• Research your destination thoroughly

It will be a disaster to skip this part of your planning before hopping on a plane. Do you require a visa to enter the country you wish to visit? What's the major language of communication? In the comfort of your home, whip out your phone or laptop and do your research. Grab a notepad and jot down important information. Before you start to confirm and pay for arrangements, ensure that you have everything planned out and can see the big picture going forward. If you don’t feel confident about personally managing your plans, you could join our group trips this summer.

• Anticipate delays and give yourself plenty of time

Summer is considered a high season in Europe. It runs from mid-June to the end of August. The simple fact is that Summer in Europe can be hot – very hot. It’s a lovely time to travel which means Europe in summer is busy, very busy. The beaches are inviting, the water is warm and the evenings balmy. You will enjoy beautiful weather but you will enjoy it with the rest of the people that troop into Europe this time of the year. Expect long queues at airports and tourist sites and arrive early so you don't miss your flight or miss an experience you'd traveled all the way for.

Going to Europe? Don't wait to make your plans

If you're headed to Europe this summer, and don't want to stress over planning information, join us on our summer trips to Europe. We've got Amalfi Coast, Italy and Santorini, Greece covered for you.

Free Spirit or Not: This is How to Go with the Flow when you Travel

Photo of Jessica Ufuoma

Traveling is freedom and being flexible about it enriches your experience. You don’t have to get caught up in your pre-planned itinerary. Whether your trip is fully planned out or you let yourself get inspired along the way, it is about you and your adventure. Don’t forget about that. You don’t have to go anywhere you don’t feel like going if something better comes along.

Remember, it is all about seizing the opportunities in front of you — especially when they’re chances to throw away your plans. There are a few ways of embracing the flow when traveling.

Be flexible with your plans

Travel is so much better when you ease up on the agenda. There’s just so much google can tell you about the activities you can do in a particular place. An itinerary is good to have but make time out for some good surprises and let curiosity be your guide. Also keep in mind: No matter how perfectly you believe you planned your trip, there will always be things that go wrong. Try to make the best of every situation, because there will be a solution for everything.

Do not limit yourself to your itinerary

Vacations are great and being a tourist is fine. But to enjoy it to the fullest, you will have to try new things not included in your itinerary. In the case of a guidebook, it is exactly what it is – a guide. There’s no rule that says you have to stick to it. Go out of your way and your guidebook to experience a place deeper. 

Ask for recommendations from locals

While the internet is useful in its ways of connecting places and travelers, it can’t be denied that a random local probably knows more about a place than an online article. Take the time to ask your hotelier, barista, waiter, or even some random folks in the park about what their favorite thing to do in their own city is. Odds are, you’ll get some advice that you can’t find online. 

Always try to stay realistic. 

Many destinations seem a bit overwhelming in the beginning. You’d love to see and do everything. But if you don’t take breaks and time to relax during your travels, it will get harder to enjoy your trip one day at a time. Think about what you’d like to prioritize and cut what’s too much. You can always come back anyways!

In the end everything is up to you. If you’ve caught the travel bug, then you should go with the flow. You’ve got all the time you need, nothing to lose and you will find countless places that make your heart beat faster. However you decide in the end, make sure you enjoy it to the fullest!

So, how are you going to decide for your next adventure? We are curious and would love to know whether you decide to plan everything or jump into the unknown. Let us know in the comments.

Lessons That You Learn When You Travel

iStockphoto by Anna_Om

Travel indeed offers a great learning opportunity. Apart from learning a few phrases in a different language or learning about a new culture, travel imparts far more important values and lessons in an individual. Significantly, it helps build positive character and can influence your view of life. The lessons from traveling often occur in the most bizarre of times. While some are practical and physical, others could be mental or emotional. Regardless, they all have lasting effects.

Travel inspires a sense of wonder and discovery, and there’s an entire world of things to do and people to meet. You could explore a forest or walk down a new street. Try a different cuisine or learn about another culture. When you travel, you never stop learning.

An outstanding primary lesson you will learn is how to be comfortable doing uncomfortable things. 

Leaving your familiar routine to explore an unknown destination takes a lot of courage - and leaving your comfort zone.

That being said, when you travel, you will learn: 

To adapt

Things won't always go as you have planned them as there will be surprises and bumps in the way. When you travel, you'll learn how to adapt to harsh conditions and become familiar with unfavourable situations without losing your calm. You will often need to deal with problems without getting completely stressed out. Traveling teaches you how to improvise, compromise and to not sweat with the little stuff. Thinking creatively is a major life lesson you will gain from traveling the world.

To be patient

You never know your limit or how far you could go until you're stretched. Waiting for your turn on long cues at the airport or a tourist site can be stressful but it's a valuable lesson in patience. You’ll likely encounter many small frustrations on your journey. Dealing with these frustrations patiently boosts your morale and at the end of your trip, you’ll be able to deal with almost anything.

To value experiences over material possessions

One of the greatest lessons you’ll learn through travel is that we need very little to be happy. You are most likely to learn this lesson even before you travel. If you have to cut down on your spending to save up for your trip, you'll see that your best feelings don't come from the things you can buy or own but the experiences and memories you are able to create. Also, when you have to pack so lightly and bring only the essentials, you rely more on your experiences for pleasure.

To welcome uncertainty and embrace spontaneity

As rigid as your plan might be, to enjoy the fullness of travel, you will have to ease off and go with the flow. No doubt you have enough rules in your home life, so take the time to do stuff out of your books. Find your impulsive side. Drifting is one of travel’s best pleasures. Instead of making a strict plan, just drift and see where it takes you.

To find beauty in little things

We sometimes fail to see how special something is until we travel. The sun rises and sets everyday but it is mostly only when we travel that we notice its beauty. Travel offers a new perspective. It's moments like these that teach you that the good things are always around you and you'll learn to never take them for granted.

To be kind and humble

When you open yourself to learning through travel, you will realise just how small your footprint is in our enormous world. You will understand how lucky you are and how much you may take for granted in your daily life. You may also often encounter acts of kindness and generosity from strangers who have far less than you. Travel quickly teaches the value of kindness and humility.

That being alone is not a bad thing

Traveling solo could sometimes get lonely. On the other hand, being alone also gives you time to reflect on your experiences. You won’t be distracted by outside opinions and you also won’t have to deal with conflict of interest and activities.

To smile more

Although it’s always good to learn a few phrases in the local language, smiling is a universal communicator. Sometimes you won’t always be able to get your point across or make conversation with people as you travel around the globe. The good news is, you always have gestures you can use. One of them is smiling and it’s the best way to show people that you’re approachable. Frowning, on the other hand, does not.

There is a lot to learn when you hit the road. The above are some of the outstanding lessons you have learnt or will learn. When you’re away from everything and have all that time to yourself, you’ll be surprised how zen you feel. You are more receptive to new experiences when you are alone and it can be one of the most transformative experiences in your life. Probably the most important lesson of all that comes from traveling is that you are more powerful than you thought.