What we discovered about travel in 2022

As the second year post-pandemic, many people have been ecstatic to leave their homes and open to catch flights. And as the year we officially launched our brand, it's been an exhilarating 12 months of experience helping people expand their boundaries by exploring the world the way they want.

In the past months, we've guided different travelers to Jordan, Dubai, Los Cabos, Santorini, Tulum, Kenya, Tanzania, and Costa Rica. As a travel company, here are some things our team has discovered about travel in the year 2022.

Traveling will always remain a privilege

Spending money on vacation is something only some can do. So when we guide our travelers to new places, the onus is on us to ensure they get the best out of their experiences and learn a thing or two while abroad. 

Wellness retreats are becoming popular

Travelers are looking for adventures that will fill their souls and be suitable for their bodies. Wellness retreats can show you how to relax and connect with your innermost self through meditation and yoga. These retreats can take place in resorts, hotels or even wellness camps, with daily classes focusing on rejuvenating your body and transforming your mind. 

More travelers are choosing comfort as a luxury

Despite the global economic situation, travelers are willing to splurge for a good travel experience and a pleasant hotel stay. Spending on experiences that will make you happy and relaxed will become a norm as we advance, and we are here to help you with expert advice and recommendations.

Work-from-home and remote work travel is on the rise

The pandemic year caused an enormous shift in the future of work and travel. And two years after the pandemic, we're already in the future and climbing to more possibilities. New concepts like a 4-day work week and hybrid work are thumping constant on-site working systems except in some fields where in-person duties are in high demand. If you're looking for more time to travel, consider negotiating with your boss for a full-remote operation or a mix of both, as in hybrid. Nothing beats a relaxing change of scene to kickstart a productive day.

Sustainability and eco-friendly travel remains a significant priority

Traveling sustainably to protect the planet is increasingly essential. There are little things we can do to positively impact the earth, the people we meet and the places we visit. We can start by reducing our waste when traveling.

There is more to learn about different people and places in the world

This realization can be profound, but all we need is a little courage to take a bold step and be willing to be agile and adaptable.

Our travelers expect more from their experience

We are always ready to provide our travelers with expertly curated experiences that are fulfilling and give them a sense of purpose through our organized group trips and travel planning service.

Overall, travel makes you experience new cultures, meet unforgettable people, create lasting bonds, and, most importantly, appreciate who you are. For us at Gojolley, 2022 was an incredible travel year.

What did you discover about travel in 2022? And where do you have your sights on for 2023? Let us know in the comments below!

Your guide to travel journaling

A travel journal may serve as a personal travel companion to you. It is also a great way to preserve memories of your adventure, store your photos and a medium to express your creativity while on the go. In your journal, you can document your vacation experiences, write about the people you meet and new friends you make, and describe the places you visited.

A travel journal can also offer inspiration for your next trip or a guide for a repeat trip to the same location as details of all major and minor experiences are penned down and you can easily refer to them. There are a variety of ways to start a journal either with an app or a notebook – though the latter is most efficient and allows you to express your thoughts and tap into your creativity the old-fashioned way, below are some tips you can employ when starting out.

Get a dedicated notebook and pen

Visit your local bookstore or shop online for simple and unique notebook pieces. Depending on your style, go for a book you’d be comfortable looking at and writing in. Pay attention to the cover page and how that fits into your kind of person. Be intentional about the size, and shape it comes in and the details that come with it. The same goes for the pen or writing tool you’ll go for. If you don’t mind, you can decide to shop at your destination because of the range of options you might find there. 

Choose when to make a journal entry 

It’s up to you to decide what time of the day is most convenient for you to write. You can choose to write in the mornings once out of bed or late in the evenings to reflect on your day’s activities and encounters. Regardless of what you decide, it’s important to record your experiences while they are still fresh in your mind so you don’t lose details. The location also plays an important role when journaling. Choosing a comfortable place, void of distractions can help you get in touch with yourself on a deeper level to express your thoughts and feelings. Journaling in your hotel room, at the park, on the bus, or in a cafe are some good locations to explore.

Include time and location stamps

Not including dates, times or location information when making a journal entry can make it hard to recall an experience and the exact feeling you had at the moment in future references. At the top of your journal page, right before you get into the details, add some information that would help you remember the moment. Be as descriptive as possible. You can start with the day’s date and the time of day followed by where you are writing from. Describe your surrounding environment to the nitty gritty details. Is it a cafe on the corner of a street? What street? What is the name of the cafe? Are you sitting alone? What kind of chair are you sitting on? What’s in front of you or beside you? If you can’t entirely describe your surroundings as much as you want, take a photo of it and pin it to your journal page.

Develop your observation and storytelling skills

To have a great time journaling, you will need to be able to observe a lot of the things that go on around you. From the incredible sights of nature to wildlife and even buildings and their forms. To achieve this, you will have to make use of all your senses. What do you hear? What can you smell, see or feel? Using all your senses to craft your story helps keep the memory alive. For your storytelling, it doesn’t have to be spot-on. But just enough to bring you back to the moment when you read it in the future.

Read other people’s travel diaries 

This can come before or during your trip to help you get a sense of the different writing styles you can use and how you can express your travel story in a concise manner. A travel memoir, Eat, Pray, Love from 2007 by Elizabeth Gilbert is a good start to ignite your imagination.

Write after your trip is over or when you return home

While you can use your journal to plan your trip and envision what it’ll be like, you can also use it to share your afterthoughts on the experiences you had. Including the new things you learned or the interesting conversations you had and even the things that may have surprised you or made you disappointed. Reflecting on your travels gives you new guidance and information you can apply to your future adventures. It also opens you up to learning about yourself, the people you may have met and things you enjoy doing.

Now that you know what to write in a travel diary and how to write one, all you need to decide is where to go. Pick a place and Gojolley is here to help you get there.

How you can impact the lives of others through your travels

As you already know, traveling opens you up to a new way of being as you experience different cultures and interact with new people. However, this isn’t the only impact traveling has. Your travel significantly impacts the places you visit and the people you encounter. Here are some of the ways you help the lives of others when you travel. 

Support local vendors

Eating and shopping locally when you travel is vital since it supports independent businesses and the local economy. You can support a local farm by purchasing fresh produce or farm-to-table restaurants rather than high-end diners or even go wine tasting at a family-run vineyard. Patronizing them ensures they never lack or run out of resources, as their work is a means of livelihood for many.

Connect with the locals

Locals appreciate it when you try to connect with them by speaking their language, whether it’s asking for directions or greeting them. It goes a long way in making them feel appreciated. Take the chance to learn a few common phrases in the local language and infuse that into your communication with locals.

Support local projects

Donating to local sustainability projects that focus on making our planet a better place to live in encourages them to do more work in securing a better environment, or empowerment projects that help improve the lives of people in your destination is a great way to positively impact people when you travel.

Keep cultural traditions alive

It’s respectful to engage in the culture of places you visit. You’re not obliged to go the full length with cultural exhibitions. Still, subtle acts like buying into their arts and crafts, dressing up in their cultural attires, and participating in their festivals go a long way to supporting the local community. 

Share your travel story online

When you post about the places you visit, you help spread awareness and support people’s livelihoods. This way, your friends and followers share in the beauty and uniqueness of different cultures and can learn a thing or two about the place from you, pending their visit.

Your travels positively impact many people’s lives as numerous people worldwide rely on the tourism industry, and having a steady stream of regular visitors is a crucial income source for many. At Gojolley, we support a host of local businesses, from farm-run vineyards to art workshops and cooking classes. We do our bit to protect the places people call home.

Would you like to travel with us in 2023? Browse our group trips or check out our private trip planning service to get started. People all over rely on your support and patronage, so don’t delay. One trip today or in the future helps a lot of lives.

What to pack for a holiday trip

It might be challenging to decide what to pack for a trip during the holidays because of the activities you plan to do and the weather where you're going. But it doesn’t have to be. Whether you're traveling to equatorial or polar regions, we're here with a tip on what to pack for a holiday trip.

Clothing

Pack clothing for either dry or snowy weather conditions or both depending on the time and place. Denim bottoms, cotton shirts, breathable tank tops, shift or summer dresses, and a jacket are good options to start with. Wear long-sleeved and long-legged clothing when you can to protect against the sun or cold. Carry along some pajamas or lingerie for a comfortable sleep-in at night. Optional items you can pack include compression socks for long-haul flights, activewear if you plan to work out, and bikinis for the beach. You should also take enough underwear to last you the time you’ll be away so you don’t have to bother with laundry. Center your clothing selection around cotton, linen, satin, denim, and leather fabrics so you don’t add extra weight to your luggage.

Shoes

Comfortable walking shoes are great to carry along. Leather sliders, mules, white trainers, strappy sandals, and flip-flops are some versatile options to consider. 

Accessories and gear

Some nice-to-have gear includes a refillable water jar or bottle, picnic blanket, lightweight beach or tote bag to go shopping with or which you can carry your daily essentials in; sunglasses or sun hat, and some jewelry pieces to elevate your outfit.

Toiletries and hygiene supplies

Sunscreen is at the top of the list here. If you plan to visit the beach or enjoy the outdoors on your trip, then sunscreen is important to have. Other items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, shower gel, wipes, lip balm, face and body moisturizers, serums, deodorant, perfume, and body spray should be included in your luggage. Also take your daily medications, painkillers, contraceptives, period products, insect repellent, hand sanitizer, and hydration salts (for the worst hangover if need be). Don’t forget to grab your mini makeup kit too if you plan to use it.

Travel essentials

On this list, you’d have all the necessary documents and gear you need to make it to your destination and have the fun time you need. These include your passport, boarding pass, travel itinerary (if you have one), maps, guides, visas, travel insurance documents, wallets, travel plug adapter, phone, camera, tablet, charging cords, power bank, ear plugs, neck pillows, beach towel and blanket, and a good book to relax with on your flight.

This holiday packing list is ideal for any trips you plan to make whether during Christmas or summer. After more packing checklists? Head this way for our desert packing list.

ICYMI: This Christmas, Gojolley will be vacationing for six days in Costa Rica. Have you got your own plans or would you like to join us? Fortunately, we still have some spots left. Visit our trips page to reserve yours before they are sold out.

How to minimize waste while traveling

Traveling lets us see how fragile our planet is and the duty we owe to the environment to make it a safe habitat for humans, animals, and plants. However, the majority of travel activities harm the environment; from transportation that pollutes the air to fine dining that leaves a horrible carbon footprint and deficit in sustainability. 

Another harmful activity is plastic use both at home and abroad. Every day around 8 million pieces of plastic make their way into our oceans and on average, there are 46,000 pieces of plastic per square mile. Sadly, plastics can take hundreds of thousands of years to decompose wreaking havoc on aquatic lives and surrounding ecosystems and coastal regions. Therefore, as travelers, we have to make conscious efforts to reduce our plastic consumption, minimize our carbon footprint, and reduce waste whether in the most crowded location or remote destination.

Read on for other ways to enforce zero-waste travel.

Pack reusable items

Most of the waste generated during traveling is from product packaging and storage as such substituting these single-use materials with reusable options reduces waste discarding. Carry a reusable bottle you can fill with drinking water as you go and a container for leftover food and snacks. Take a tote bag for your groceries and kindly refuse plastic shopping bags. Use packing cubes and cotton bags for laundry instead of plastics.

Replace your toiletries with waste-free alternatives

For liquids in this category, simply fill them into travel-size reusable bottles before leaving home. Items like toothbrushes can be switched to bamboo and wooden varieties. And as a waste-free alternative to tampons, menstrual cups and underwear are getting more and more popular. Bring them along with you on your trip and you can clean them and reuse them again and again.

Avoid paper by going digital

To ease the stress of organizing documents in your luggage, scan them instead and save them in the cloud. Nowadays, a digital copy of a document is recognized just the same as a paper copy of it is. So, not only will keeping a digital copy of your itinerary, IDs, boarding pass and tickets help you reduce the waste you generate as a traveler, but doing so will help you save space in your luggage and reduce the risk of misplacing important documents. When you make purchases, you can also ask that the receipt be emailed to you rather than printed on paper if you need it. Rather than picking up a paper magazine or purchasing a book, simply read them digitally on a tablet or ebook reader. In this way, you can travel with a large number of books without carrying any extra weight.

Consider zero-waste dining

One way to reduce waste when eating on your travels is choosing to eat off reusable plates and silverware in restaurants over takeouts that come in disposable containers. Buy groceries at farmers’ markets, and shop for local delicacies from farm-to-table restaurants. If your accommodation permits, cook your own food and save on single-use packaging.

Shop ethically and locally

If you wish to take home souvenirs, support local and ethical stores. Look for retailers who support reusable bags, eco-friendly items, and a reduction in plastic usage. Your purchases will benefit both the environment and the community.

Choose environmentally conscious lodging

You can make a huge difference with the right choice of accommodation. Airbnbs are good in that you can cook your own food and do your laundry as well. But if you must stay at a hotel, one thing to avoid is letting room service change your bedding and towels every day. This will reduce wasting of water and laundry detergent. You can also explore the environment and support local market stalls and restaurants than eat all the time at the hotel. 

Even though you might not be able to use these suggestions on every trip, it is important to keep trying. As more and more travelers become aware of plastic effects on our planet and refuse to accept them, local vendors will also become aware and adjust accordingly.

Want to check out more tips on sustainable travel? Check out these travel practices to adopt.

Do you have other tips for waste-free travel or cutting back on waste when traveling? We'd like to know, so leave a comment below!

Things to do in Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena is a port city on Colombia's Caribbean coast with colorful architecture, a rich history, and plenty to see and do. Here is a list of the city's top attractions and activities.

Stroll the historic colonial walled city

Street in walled city in Cartagena Colombia

Taking a walk around Cartagena’s walled city also referred to as the Old Town is a great chance to experience the charming architecture and colorful nature of the city. The brightly painted houses, flower-covered balconies, and wooden doors are the highlight of this walled city. 

Enjoy tasty Cartagena food 

A delicious plate of food, fried fish, rice, fried banana, lime and onion, and tomato garnish

The city boasts of great culinary tradition amongst its rich cultural heritage. Take some time to explore the mouthwatering food, drink, cocktails, and fruits that come with the territory and soak in the culture of the locals. 

Enjoy a night out in the town

People performing vibrant traditional dance in a town square in the historic old city

Cartagena, like other Colombian cities, has a vibrant nightlife scene. Getting your dance on is something you can’t afford to miss. Tapping off salsa steps on the dance floor in a bar or a pub is a great way to enjoy your stay in the city. 

Visit Playa Blanca

Beach in Island Baru

Playa Blanca is a famous beach in Cartagena located on the island of Baru. It boasts beautiful, clear blue water. You can enjoy a day’s beach tour, participate in activities like snorkeling or just relax and get suntanned. Cabins are also available if you want to stay over and enjoy the beach when the day crowds have gone. 

Exfoliate at a mud volcano

People Taking Mud Bath In Crater Of Totumo Volcano Near Cartagena, Colombia

The Volcán del Totumo is located about 45 minutes outside of Cartagena. El Totumo, an active mud volcano, rises about 50 feet (15 meters) in the air, and its crater is filled with thick mud that is said to be very good for your skin. Take a bath in the mud and receive a massage from the locals if you want.

Finally, be on the lookout for pop-up markets. You can get much better deals on handmade crafts and souvenirs to take home from there.

Hope this inspires you to visit this Colombian city where you’d have no shortage of fun activities to do — whether it’s your first trip or a return trip. If Cartagena is on your bucket list, then you should grab the last two spots available and come with us to visit this beautiful town in January 2023. Check out our itinerary and dates here.

Why you should spend Christmas in Costa Rica

In about 86 days, millions of people worldwide across 160+ countries will be celebrating the most universally recognized holiday in the world — Christmas. 

The season features bright colored decorations and gift exchanges in many countries but Costa Rica is famed for its unique decoration style. Homes, shops, and most parts of town are decorated with sparkling festive lights and the pasito or portal which is the nativity scene is created with so much detail and beauty, and offerings are placed in front of it in the days leading up to Christmas. 

Indisputably, this small country makes for the perfect Christmas destination. Besides its exotic wildlife and nature offerings, other reasons you should visit this beautiful place at Christmas are;

• To take a break from the winter cold

Holidaying in Costa Rica where there’s enough sunshine to warm you up is the perfect break from being bundled up in layers of clothing just to keep warm during Christmas. Located in Central America, the warm sunshine and clear blue skies add to a great festive celebration you wouldn’t forget in a lifetime. 

• To enjoy the festive spirit of Costa Ricans

An essential part of the Rican culture is elaborate Christmas decorations. Nativity scenes which are carefully detailed and often life-size are constantly on display in homes and public spaces during the season. Another common theme during this time is Christmas wreaths made from cypress tree branches which can be freshly scented or artificial.

• To explore some of the country’s special destinations 

San Jose, the country’s capital, is filled with activities for tourists during this time and you can enjoy the popular festivals here. Another famous tourist town is La Fortuna. Famed for the geothermal hot springs in its local area, it is a real attraction for tourists who want to soak up and enjoy regenerative naturally heated water. 

Have you experienced Christmas in Costa Rica or somewhere in Central America? What makes you want to visit? Let us know in the comments. If you’re yet to, check out our Costa Rica itinerary for this year’s Christmas getaway and secure the last two spots left to join in the festivities!

This traveler joined us on two trips in one year.

Jolley Traveler — Rose Reynolds from NYC

We've had some fascinating travels this year at Gojolley, with a few more coming. But we love to pause, reflect on the journey so far, and highlight our most important assets – our travelers. 

On the top of our highlight is our two-time traveler who booked a future trip to Santorini while already in Los Cabos with us. Continue reading to learn how Rose traveled with us twice this year.

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Hi Rose! It’s been a pleasure having you travel with us twice. And an even greater one that you want to tell us how it was for you. Let’s get right into it. Did you plan to travel this year?

I had it on my 2022 vision board. Fun fact, I created it this year on 2/2/22. I wrote that I wanted to travel more. I didn’t plan it out financially, but that’s what I hoped to do.

That’s interesting! It’s courageous that you made it happen. Your first trip with us was to Los Cabos. What made you choose this destination?

After getting confirmation about my new job in April, I did the math and decided that I could afford the trip and that it would be a great treat for myself for the trying year I’ve had so far. Also, the itinerary was fire! I loved everything I would do there, like a picnic on the beach. It was very on-brand for me. I also liked it was a girl’s trip. That made me feel I would meet other solo travelers who were also there to have fun!

Camel back riding in Los Cabos

Not to mention, it was everything you imagined it would be. What stood out about traveling with us when you made it to Los Cabos?

I loved how smooth everything was. I didn’t have to do any heavy lifting with the itinerary or communicate with the hotel, not even the drivers. And kudos to Tolu, our trip host. She handled everything well. I just had to show up at the call time for each excursion. That alone allowed me to focus more on relaxing, having fun, and content creation.

Oh! I love that you were able to relax and focus on enjoying yourself. You booked another trip with us to Santorini while in Los Cabos. Can you let us in on how you came to that decision? 

Ahhh yes! I was having such a good time in Cabo I wanted to keep the fun going l.o.l. I contemplated going to the Amalfi coast or Santorini on my way to Cabo. I decided if things worked out on this trip: the accommodation and the itinerary, etc. I’d book another. Gojolley did deliver on what I read online! While in Los Cabos, I realized there is more value in traveling with this company than continuing to plan all my trips myself.

ATV riding in Los Cabos

I’m curious. Tell me, what made you want to keep the fun going?

I loved the level of safety I felt on my trip to Cabo. Even though I was a solo traveler and had never been to Mexico before, I felt safe that I had someone looking out for me in a sense. In this case, it was the trip host. Also, I didn’t have to bother with reliable airport transfers as that was taken care of and included in the overall trip cost. We had a group chat where I could reach out to Jess or the trip host if anything changed or if anything happened. As for the activities, I felt like I went to Cabo and did everything with enough free time to do my own thing – whatever that could have been.

That sounds so cool. What do you say? Did Santorini match your expectations?

Yes! Yes. First, I walked into the suite and realized we had a hot tube. I felt like I was already in heaven. I loved the tour on the first full day. We saw so much of the island in one day. Going on all the excursions, I learned a lot about the country and its culture. I feel like I visited Santorini and can share with people many facts about the island and the culture I learned there. Also, we had a private boat. A LOT of the other tourists there did not. They were on those overcrowded boats having the worst time. There was music and food onboard. We danced, swam in the sea and took photos. It was life-changing to have experienced Greece in this way.

Wine tasting in Santorini

It’s safe to say you’re our two-time traveler this year. How beautiful. What do you like most about traveling with Gojolley?

I liked the convenience mostly. Traveling with Gojolley alleviates the stress of planning and executing a trip which sort of rids you of having a good time. Especially since I’m not a professional trip planner, something will likely go wrong. I would hate to have trouble in paradise. Also, the accommodations are more luxe than I would have been able to budget for as a solo traveler. They are perfect for content creation which is my secondary focus while traveling.

Would you travel with us again?

Absolutely!

A primary Gojolley mission is to guide people to become well-rounded individuals based on their travel experiences. How do you think your life has changed since you started traveling?

I’m now at a place in my life where I value the opportunity to travel, have new experiences and see the world over material things now that I’ve gotten a taste of the world outside of New York City. I am more knowledgeable about other cultures and different ways of life. I’ve visited places and landmarks that I’ve only seen in textbooks. The sunsets in Santorini were so breathtaking I had to thank God for creating all of this. Living in a busy city like New York, you don’t get to appreciate the beauty of nature as much. So getting away from it all gave me a new perspective. I’ve also been more grateful for what I have and the lifestyle I’m capable of affording.

It’s been such an incredible time gathering your story, Rose. Thank you for the opportunity to do so. To people yet to travel with Gojolley, one word you have for them is?

Go!

With the exclamation, I love it. Los Cabos and Santorini are two destinations that should be on every lover of picturesque backgrounds’ travel list. 

Photo from Santorini

You’ve heard from Rose. Travel is an activity everyone should engage in more than once in their lives. Do you desire to engage your creativity and boost your wellness? Join us on our upcoming trips. We have flexible payment plans available so you don’t have to break the bank. 

How to Maximise Your Time on a Short Vacation

Everyone deserves a breather from a 9-5 job or school or even family. But with the never-ending list of things to do, places to be at and events to attend, the time to get away or travel can seem near impossible.  

Instead of looking to create time to travel, how about you maximise the short time you have? Is it two or three days of a holiday or a weekend you can manage? Here’s how you can make the most of it and tick things off your travel bucket list.

Make your travel plans ahead

Get a calendar and mark the time of the year (month and week) you’d like to travel. This could be around your annual leave or not. Since it’s a short trip, you can choose a weekend you’d be free and make your plans around it. It’s best to start planning as early as possible so you can plan with your budget in mind. Also, making plans early will ensure no issues pop up last minute to interfere with your trip.

Create an itinerary

Having chosen your destination, make a list of sights you want to see and activities you want to engage in. Prioritise your must-sees and must-dos and plan your vacation days around them. Don’t plan to the last second, though. Leave room for surprises and rest as you don’t want to come back exhausted. You can also stretch your short getaway if possible. Ask for a day off from work or target weekends where Monday is a holiday (long weekends) to add extra days for adventure and rest.

Make reservations

Take the bold step and book ahead else the trip will never happen. If you need to fly, research flights for your selected period. Booking your flight early can help you save some money likewise your accommodation and if you need to purchase tickets for unique experiences, do that as well. Check out sites like Skyscanner or Google flights for flight ticket deals and Booking.com, Airbnb or Couchsurfing for accommodations. To get the best a destination can offer if you’re a first-time visitor, join tour groups. Search Viator for amazing things to do in your destination or research online to find a tour group that aligns with your interest and join them.

Pack less

You’d be gone for just a few days so it’s pointless dragging an entire suitcase behind you. Take a carry-on or two to save time at airport check-ins and at the carousel. Only carry your essentials and keep your style to a minimum. Don’t carry what you won’t need and don’t leave behind what you can’t live without.

Get an early start each day

Finally, you are at your destination and ready to explore. Remember, the early bird gets the best worm. It can be tempting to want to sleep in the first few hours but don’t give in to that urge. You fall for that, and you reduce your chances of ticking the most things off your list. Make it a priority to wake up early. Depending on your destination, arriving at your first sight of the day can help you skip long queues and crowds.

Now, you no longer have to wait for that annual leave to choose between a vacation or staying at home to rest. If you can’t afford to block out an entire week or two to travel, don’t hold yourself back from taking the two or three-day trips that are available. Make travel a necessity for yourself because when it is, you’d find a way to make it work no matter what. 

There are only two months between now and Christmas. Start now to make plans for your end-of-the-year vacation before it’s too late. Or join us in Costa Rica for a Jolley Christmas. What do you say?

How to Be a Responsible Tourist in Every City You Visit

The expression ‘when in Rome, act like the Romans’ applies heavily when you travel. And not just to Rome but everywhere. It’s easy to forget that while you’re on vacation and taking a break, others are not. They are going about their regular daily lives and so your vacation should not hinder others from living fully or going about their businesses smoothly.

Here are six practical ways to improve your stay abroad and ensure you remain on the good side of the locals and authorities.

Research your destination

Whether on a group trip or traveling solo, it helps to have some research in your arsenal. All the information you need for a particular destination is just a google click away. So open your app and get some research done. You don’t have to overwhelm yourself with too information but knowing the basics is better than not knowing anything. Ask people who have visited your destination before you for firsthand information too. Research your destination before planning your trip so you know what is expected of you in terms of dressing, tipping, bargaining and public gestures.

Read about the culture and respect it

The farther you move away from your familiar environment, the more different things will be. Understand this as a natural phenomenon and respect it. Don’t do anything that’s prohibited as you’d risk being penalized. Understanding the culture is a significant mark of respect and can make the locals friendlier.

Read signs and adhere to them

If you plan to do a lot of moving around on your own, then you need to do this skillfully as it will save you from accidents and nasty stares. Adhere to the traffic signs and public signs as much as you can. If you’re given tourist handbook, ensure to read it contains information that can come in handy during your stay.

Keep an open mind and your opinions to yourself

When traveling abroad, you could occasionally encounter something that doesn't quite fit your tastes, either in a restaurant or at the market. And that's good, but you probably don't need to say it out loud. Enjoy the fact that you are in a foreign country with a different culture instead.

Learn some common phrases in the local language

To avoid awkward situations, learn some common phrases in the local language. This will require some effort on your part but it will make a difference in your travel experience. Phrases like hello, how are you, how much, thank you, will help you communicate effectively with the locals and reduce your gesturing and pointing. You can also use a translator app to guide you through.

Support the local community by dining out and buying souvenirs

You didn’t travel halfway across the world to visit Starbucks or KFC. Valuing the local foods, arts, crafts and customs often shows an appreciation for the place you're visiting, altogether improving your travel experience.

As you’ve already thought, being a responsible tourist takes effort but it’s all worth it and put you a step closer to making the world a better place. Apply these tips on your next trip and rate your experience afterwards. Our trips for 2023 are open. Explore our full destination list here.