How to Use Your Time Well When Traveling
Tips to make time stand still
Go out and observe. Listen. Be mindful. Unplug. Disconnect. Reconnect. There are so many tips out there about how to make the most and get the most out of our travel experiences. It can be a bit overwhelming — we understand. But it doesn’t have to be! Everyone just wants to make sure they’re fully experiencing their travel, and we can help you with just that. Check out these easy-to-follow tips that you can implement into your next trip.
Set down your camera and gaze into the waters, looking for whales and inspiration.
See with your eyes, not your camera lens
We definitely don’t want to dissuade you from taking photos. No way. Capturing moments, landscapes, and even a perfectly plated meal or two is a great way to be able to look back on your experiences and share them with friends. However, we would suggest limiting the amount of time you spend behind your camera lens. Make sure you’re really looking with your own eyes, gazing out onto fields of lavender in France, scanning the horizon from a Croatian beach, looking up as birds fly over Lima, Peru. It’s best to find the right balance between “capturing” moments and “experiencing” them.
Put down your phone to experience the street markets like this on in South Bank, London.
Leave technology in your pocket
While it’s always good to have your cell phone available in case of an urgent issue, don’t spend too much of your week in Tuscany or Spain checking emails or keeping up with texts. Think of it this way, your everyday life has been put on pause so you can have the freedom to explore. Embrace being carefree. Don’t worry about letting catch-up calls go to voicemail — you’ll be able to grab lunch with your best friends and family members once you’re back home.
One more note: You might be tempted to put your headphones in and listen to some familiar music while you stroll down the streets of Ostuni or Florence, but you’ll be missing out on all the sounds of these unfamiliar cities! Walk freely and listen to street music, take in the local language, the sound of church bells ringing, and stores opening and closing. It’ll help you feel that much closer to your destination.
Don’t just taste and smell — use all five senses to enjoy your lavish meals.
Remember your five senses
Taste, sight, touch, smell, and hearing. These are your gateways to authentic experiences abroad. Really savor the flavors you’re tasting at wine tastings and meals. Be mindful about taking in the sights, like the smallest details on baroque buildings. Wander through craft shops and street markets, touching local produce and textiles. Paying attention to your senses will make it easier for you to slow down and be in the moment.
Follow your guide while hiking in Aguas Calientes, Peru.
Go with a plan
One of the best ways to make the most of your travel time is to follow a thoughtful itinerary. Our programs are curated to offer the very best gourmet experiences in our select group of destinations, and our itineraries are created by expert trip designers. Traveling with us will mean you don’t have to worry about lining up your transportation in your destination or making sure you have enough time to make it to our dinner reservation. We handle the minute-by-minute details so you can focus on all the life happening around you.
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