Book a walking tour your first day (many are free!) - you'll get the lay of the land and a better idea of the places you want to further explore on your own later.

Be Flexible! Be spontaneous! Do at least one thing that was not originally in your plans.

For a short but beautiful hike with lush rainforest and multiple waterfalls, visit Kaiate Falls on New Zealand's North Island!

Subscribe to local lifestyle vloggers from the destination you'll be visiting! You might discover spots you wouldn't usually find on Google.

Go solo! You learn so much about yourself discovering a new city for the first time, and also meet so many more people.

Make friends with the locals. Not only will you gain a new pal or two, but you'll also open yourself up to many more adventures.

Create a Google doc itinerary for your trip and edit it along the way. It's a great way to help your friends plan in the future.

Take a suitcase twice as large as you need - you'll want the extra space for all the goodies you'll want to bring home!

Pack light! You do not need most of the things you think you do. Keep it simple.

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Write your packing list the week before you travel, noting the items you use regularly in your daily routines.

Make a list - and don't forget your pajamas 😂

It’s easy to overplan, but try spending more time in fewer places. I always have more fun when I allow time for wandering & people watching.

Don't overthink, overplan, or overpack. The best adventures are made by winging it, making your own memories, and doing what the locals do.

Learn basic words in the local language. Interact with locals - watch daily life for a few hours from a coffee shop away from tourist areas.

Don't feel intimidated to travel by yourself, if you have the opportunity, just do it! You'll be surprised what you are capable of.

Pick a new song or album and listen to it often during a specific trip. You'll then be reminded of your trip when you hear that music in the future.

Travel overland. You might have to fly to reach your destination, but always travel by rail, sea and road once you're there.

Say “yes” around 30% more. Common sense applies heavily here - but what better way to open yourself to new things to love?

Always keep a complete toiletries bag ready to go! It simplifies packing and guarantees you never forget something essential.

In Oaxaca, take a daytrip to Hierve el Agua. Infinity pool hot springs with expansive mountain valley views. 10/10 you will not regret.

Eat everything! Dive into whatever the locals are eating. There's no better way to connect with a place and its people.

Exchange rates can have a dramatically positive impact on the quality of your trip, do your research.

Download all maps and information for places you want to visit, or get a local SIM card to avoid paying expensive roaming charges.

Let yourself be surprised—don't plan the life and spontaneity out of your trip!

Be curious! Take time to wander around without a map or your phone. You can experience so much more of a destination by doing so.

Save luggage weight by buying your toiletries upon arrival!

If you're ever in Mexico, Ik Kil is a must visit Cenote spot.

Capsule wardrobes! Every piece can work together interchangeably.

Put down your phone and experience travel through your own two eyes instead of a screen.

Make plans, but be open to changing them. Some of my best memories are of the misadventures and serendipitous discoveries I never expected.

Go with the flow, it'll be a better experience!

If you're traveling internationally be sure to download the mobile passport app, it will save you a ton of time in the US customs line

Book the flight. Learn a couple key phrases so you can get around in a new country. Eat, Eat, Eat! Don't get trapped going to touristy spots — find good local eats.

Pay the extra $$ for early onboarding. It's *always* worth it.

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Bring travel-size packets of laundry detergent so you can wash clothes in the sink. No more packing 12 pairs of underwear for a 3 day trip!

Try slowing down. Slow travel allows you to break out of tourist spaces, get to know the locals, and find hidden gems in a city or country.

When packing, instead of folding your clothes, use the Ranger Roll technique. It saves a lot of space and keeps them tidy and wrinkle-free!

If there’s another language spoken where you're going, learn a bit! “Hello” and “thank you” go a long way. Knowledge = best souvenir.

Keep a travel journal, and add photos, receipts, ticket stubs, anything that will remind you of how you were feeling at the time.

Walk when possible. This will reveal hidden gems, spontaneous conversations with locals, and help burn the excess vacation calories.

Leave large gaps in your travel itinerary for spontaneous re-routes and travel recommendations from locals/fellow travelers!

When traveling with children, remember to bring gum for them to chew during takeoff/ landing. The chewing helps avoid "airplane ear".

Add all of the places that you are interested in exploring and tag them in Google Maps, then download the maps once in destination!

Always ask a local. They will be sure to give you the best recommendations which you may not have found on your own.

Leave the city! Go on a nature and wildlife tour. Take a tour of a local farm or producer. And eat at local, small restaurants.

TSA PreCheck lets you skip to the front of airport security lines - and it's just $85 for five years! Beyond worth it!

Book places with a washer & dryer. You can pack less clothes and do your laundry before heading home! Also, follow the locals for food.

Carry-on bag + Global Entry = never spending more than 15 minutes going through US customs and immigration—most of that time spent walking.

Day one stop at a bakery and stock up. You get great local treats for the road usually at great prices.

Just do it! Forget about all the things holding you back and just go. You'll never regret the trips you do take--only the ones you don't!

Don't be afraid to try the local food outside of the touristy areas. You'll get some of the best food in the country.

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Explore your area in concentric circles. You can learn & experience so much more.

If it's something you can do or eat at home...DON'T DO IT. Experience the culture where you are and be open to new things.