Getting ready to take a vacation somewhere new or perhaps a place you’ve already visited? If you’re looking for ways to make the adventure more unique than previous trips, consider these tips to make your travel more meaningful.
SEND POSTCARDS HOME
It’s impossible to dislike snail mail! According to a survey organized by the United States Postal Service, 65% of those who received handwritten correspondence felt a boost in their morale. Pick a few of your closest friends or family members and send them each a postcard. Tell them what you loved most about your visit and what you learned. Describe the best meal you ate or even an embarrassing experience while riding public transport. Did you have a neat conversation with a local? Share what they told you. Not only will your friend be touched by the kind gesture of receiving mail (remember, morale boost!), but you are advertising what you loved most about your visit. Sharing positive insights about the country you’re visiting may inspire a return visit with a friend.
Another suggestion is sending postcards to yourself. Send a postcard each day from your trip and see how long they take to arrive home. Once you receive them, consider putting them in a scrapbook or junk journal. It’s a fun, simple, and inexpensive way to preserve memories from your vacation.
READ UP ON THE HISTORY & CULTURE
Understanding the stories that built a nation and culture will enrich your experience. No need for dense encyclopedias or thick history books – delve into whatever resources that engage you most. Documentaries, travel shows, children’s books, historical novels can serve as accessible, captivating resources. Most importantly, engage with the locals to gain an appreciation of their history and customs. Be sure to research ways to be respectful during your visit. Simple Google searches can get you started!
In the words of Rick Steves, “To me, understanding people and their lives is what travel is about, no matter where you go.” By learning more about the people you’ll be visiting, the more you will appreciate your travel experience.
BRING DISPOSABLE CAMERAS
This one has become a tradition. While studying abroad almost 18 years ago, I was one of the only students who didn’t have a digital camera (ok, probably the only one). I sported an old Pentax film camera that belonged to my dad (that I still use today) as well as a few disposable cameras. When I’d finish up a roll, I would drop my photos off at the local Snappy Snaps film shop and then hurry back the next day to pick up my prints. I cherish those photos so much. It actually made outings more meaningful because I was more selective about what I would photograph. In turn, this allowed me to be more present in my daily outings. Instead of worrying about what photos I would post to Facebook later that day (very pre-Instagram), I was actually allowing myself to enjoy my visit. With 24 photos per roll, I had to make every shot count.
A few years ago, our family took a trip to Mesa Verde National Park and Sante Fe, New Mexico. Our oldest was four at the time and she loved having her own disposable camera to take photos. After the trip, we developed the photos and were delighted to see the trip through her eyes (even the pictures where her cute little fingers were accidentally blocking part of the lens).
Film photography has made a beautiful comeback in the last few years, so disposable cameras and rolls of film are easier to find. Developing studios may be a little trickier, but there are several online companies that will develop your mailed-in film to create prints and digital files.
We’re not suggesting you stop taking photos with your phone or other digital cameras, but perhaps be more selective with your film or disposable camera. You’ll be super excited to see the results!
LEARN A FEW KEY WORDS OR PHRASES
We live an era where language resources are abundant. It should be easy learn a few phrases. From Duolingo to Pimsleur to guidebooks and Google – you can find out how to say anything! There are translation apps like Papago that can translate things in real time, including menus and conversations. These can be especially beneficial for character-based writing or languages with an unfamiliar alphabet, as real time translations can be made from photos of written documents. However, prior to your trip, take a little time to learn a few words and phrases that can help you once you set off.
PLAN FOR A DAY WITH NO PLAN
On a recent trip to Japan, my husband noticed a morning with no scheduled plans. He thought that going to a park for a walk might be a fun idea, so we picked a botanical garden in central Tokyo and made our way there. While wandering around, admiring the beautiful landscape, he noticed a huge Japanese pine tree, and jokingly took the kids to ‘’hug’’ the tree. At one point, we noticed families and couples enjoying picnics in the grass. We decided we should all take a break from walking and just sit. Our break in the grass devolved into a family wrestling match. Driving home from the airport after a trip full of delicious food, Sanrio shopping, and Tokyo Disney, we asked the kids about their favorite part of the trip. Surprisingly, “wrestling in the park and hugging the tree” took first place!
While planning your itinerary is important, allow for one empty day, or perhaps an empty morning if your travel dates are packed. Perhaps you really enjoyed a place you visited earlier in that week, or maybe there was a meal that you’ve been dreaming about since eating it a few days prior. Why not go back? Maybe you want to sleep-in, get a massage, or read a book in the park. There is no wrong answer for how you can spend your itinerary-less day! It might be just the recharge you need to finish out your vacation on a high note.
What ways have you made your travels more meaningful? Share in the comments below!
