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As we are nearing Labor Day weekend, while some of you may be staying close to home, others may have chosen to get away. While taking a trip can be so good for us physically and mentally, it can sometimes, many times, be a challenge. Here are some tips to get the most out of your trip so you come home feeling refreshed and ready for the next day!
- Plan, but stay flexible. It’s usually helpful to identify the things you want to do while you’re away. Once you’ve listed these out and prioritized what you want to be sure to do, create a rough itinerary. Be sure to leave room for the fact that some things take longer than anticipated, and especially make room for spontaneity. Some of the best times come out of unexpected discoveries. Usually, this is because there are no expectations of what the experience will be going into something that wasn’t planned. Have fun with the spontaneous moments!
- Pack smart. Packing smart is about ensuring you have packed the essentials, but packing light. It can be hard to lug around a large suitcase, depending on where you are going. Don’t pack so light that it will negatively impact your mood during the trip, though. If you don’t know what you want to wear for that dinner on Saturday night, for instance, bring two options. Having an extra dress or pair of shoes could put your mind at ease. Don’t forget essentials like chargers, medications, snacks, something to read or do for down times- like a playlist, cards, or a journal.
- Be present. Often times, we arrive at our planned destination and we’re still thinking about what’s back at home. Or, we’re on the last day of our trip and we’re anticipating leaving already. This is the time to put the phone away and savor the moment. Sure, you can have it handy, but don’t forget to take a look around, breathe in the surroundings, look your co-traveler in the eye and listen to them.
- Try something new. A trip away is a good time to step outside of your comfort zone. Soak in the surroundings and appreciate the nature or city around you. It could be as simple as going on hike, if you don’t hike at home. Or, try a completely new activity. Notice the intrecacies of an unfamiliar city and try a local dish you’ve never had before. Connect with a new cultural experience.
- Be kind to yourself. This means practicing self-care, like a morning walk, a meditation, or relaxing with a nice cup of coffee or tea, either by yourself or with someone else. Also, remember that things don’t always go as planned or as expected. Sometimes the things that go wrong end up being the things we remember most later that we can laugh about. It helps builds strength and acceptance, adds to our level of flexibility.
- Capture the moment. Take photos and videos, but don’t let it overtake your experience. Some moments are meant to be felt, without the added feature of a camera. If you have a journal, you can write about the day or moments that stand out in the morning or before you go to sleep. Documenting what we experience can be helpful, but shouldn’t become a burden. It’s a balance.
- Be mindful when you eat and stay hydrated. If you’re doing a physical activity, remember to bring water with you. Take the time to eat and eat so that your mind and body feel well. It’s good to have that dessert you don’t always have at home, and should be enjoyed! Just remember to fuel yourself so you can enjoy your time while you’re away.
- Connect with locals. Part of being on a trip is meeting people outside of our bubble. They can often times provide recommendations that are far more valuable than anything you read about online. They can help you learn a new language, at least a few words or phrases to help you better connect with others. Learning about others helps us appreciate people who are different than us and vice versa. It can also show us that in many ways we are far more alike than we realize, especially when it comes to what we value.
- Be a good teammate. If you are traveling alone, you only really have to answer to yourself. However, if you have a traveling companion, or even more, there are times you have to do things together. Its usually the purpose of going somewhere together- to experience something with someone else. You may align on a lot during the trip, but don’t forget you’re in it together. Compromising to ensure everyone involved is having a good time is key. That’s why carving out time for yourself can be valuable too because it makes those compromising times even easier.
- Reflect & recharge. Take a few moments at the end of the day to reflect on the day. Journaling can be a part of this too. It can help you to relax so that you can better sleep, especially since you’re sleeping in a new environment. That sleep will help you to recharge for what’s ahead the next day.
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