Summertime is around the corner. Days spent lounging poolside or sunbathing on a beach are ahead. Or if that’s not your style, raucous nights of urban exploration in local and distant towns. Camping by serene rivers or deep in covered mountaintops.
The arrival of travel season brings not only glorious anticipation, but of course, rampant consumerism. Travel writers and blogs are gearing up to flood timelines with, “twenty Amazon travel must-haves,” and curated “must-see” lists. While digital content creators shed light on unique or underrepresented experiences, the advent of short-form travel guides has negative consequences. Not only on the communities who inhabit touristy regions, but also on the personal pleasure we find while traveling. Travel, which should be a hobby of the passions, is now a consumer commodity. We go about it as we would shopping for the latest trendy gadgets, and we suffer greatly for it.
The “over-influencing” of specific sites can cause price inflation and overcrowding. This means longer lines, emptier wallets, and an overall unpleasant travel day. Travel often carries with it an imperative of enjoyment. Due to the cost of travel, whether it be the financial expense, physical burden, or used up PTO days, we are compelled to feign total satisfaction every second despite frustrations. We write off discomfort as ungracious or unimportant.
Given the aforementioned costs of travel, no one wants to return feeling like little was gained. Or that large swaths of memory were corrupted by lousy, tiring moments. When we travel, no matter how far, we are challenging ourselves physically and psychologically. Removed from the familiar contexts of home, we put ourselves in situations conducive to developing a deeper worldview. But to have evocative travel experiences, we should be deliberate about planning our trips in the first place.
How can we ensure our vacations are informative, challenging, and engaging? At the very least, how can we increase the chances of having a simple, good time? What can we to avoid the creeping emptiness after realizing how long you waited for that one thing that looked way cooler on TikTok than in reality?
- Research Your Destinations of Interest
Deciding where to go seems the obvious first step in planning a trip. It pays to be mindful about what draws you to a certain spot. Did you study the local language or culture? Are there specific historical monuments you are after? Or a cuisine you’d like to try? Does it just seem like a neat place to hang out in? All are valuable and valid questions. Be honest about your intentions without judgment. So you’re not into some famed historical relic and just want to party at nightclubs? Go right ahead! Some snobs may turn up noses, but they’ll be grateful for shorter lines at museums. This is your trip.
- Consider which “must see” spots you genuinely must see.
Of course, there are sights you would be remiss to not visit at least once in your lifetime. Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing, the Eiffel Tower and its surrounding park; sometimes it is worth it to endure sweaty crowds. However, hot-spots should not be the entirety of an itinerary. Inflated itineraries will cause you to run yourself ragged. You won’t have the energy to appreciate whatever it is you behold. With your personal interest and investment as reference, consider which tourist magnets you can forego.
- Explore local experiences and spots relevant to your interests.
Consider personal interest beyond the destination itself. Is there a specific area of history you are interested in? Or a dish you’re itching to try? Do you like exploring thrift stores in new countries? Or taking in natural sights? Is this destination home to artists or writers you admire? This step is the fun part. Research what your desired destination offers you in areas you’re already knowledgeable or curious about.
- Leave extra time to get lost.
I’m a proponent in carving out ample time for wandering. Some of the most surprising encounters occur while walking around town. Earmarking this time also allows for flexibility should new areas of interest arise. Flexibility is key; from weather mishaps to unexpected closures, plans are bound to change.
One of my favorite travel experiences was in Rome in the summer of 2022. The Euro Summer is a famed vacation tour, and Italy was certainly packed in the mid-July heat. Located directly next to the Spanish Steps is the Keats-Shelley House. Nineteenth century Romantic poets John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley resided in this little apartment for a moment of their creative lives.
As a literary history enthusiast, I knew I had to pay it a visit. Despite the crowds stomping in the Roman heat just meters away, the museum was effectively empty. Including myself, there were only one or two guests roaming about. I engaged the museum staff in conversations, amplifying my educational and emotional takeaways. Unlike the lingering guilt of many a botched travel experience, I reflect happily on this memory.
Ask yourself why you travel. What draws you to certain destinations over others? What are your best travel memories? Where you felt genuinely present. Exclude moments when you put on a happy face out of perceived obligation. While travel guides generate inspiration for new activities, they should be treated simply as recommendation, not indelible tasks on a to-do list. Take the trip you want to take.