Catch the Travel Bug

Tips for getting to know a place

Whether you’re re-discovering your honeymoon, visiting a city you’ve never seen before, or going back to the same old beach house, there are things every traveler should do to discover what makes a place pulse with life.

Keep a journal. Journaling your new experiences of a place not only keeps your memories intact, but it also invites your senses to really take in all there is to see. First impressions are worth a thousand words — literally! Jot down things that strike your interest throughout the day. You’ll be surprised how many pages you’ll have after a week-long trip! Reading your entries afterwards will fuel some great laughs and are wonderful to look at years after.

Do some research beforehand. Before you embark on your journey, find out what’s going on in that area that could give you a taste of the local culture. Are there any festivals, fairs, or shows going on while you’re there? Doing just a little bit of research can give you a better sense of what the city has to offer.

Indulge in the idea of being a tourist. Guide books and popular attractions are great in giving travelers the history of a place. Checking out specific sights, museums, or tours that are considered “tourist-y” aren’t all bad if you can learn about what makes a place unique.

Read a newspaper. Looking through a daily newspaper can tell you more of a place than you can imagine. And if you’re in a foreign country where you don’t know the language, just looking at the pictures and layout will be informative and interesting. 

Be flexible with your schedule. Having a set itinerary is wonderful, but make sure you plan for free time as well. Giving yourself an open afternoon or morning here and there can give you the freedom to explore your surroundings without time constraints.

Take to walking. Instead of renting a car and driving everywhere, walk or take public transportation instead. Being among the locals captures the essence of a place, getting a front-seat view of all that is around you.

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