In Oaxaca, take a daytrip to Hierve el Agua. Infinity pool hot springs with expansive mountain valley views. 10/10 you will not regret.
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.
Don't take checked baggage! You need less than you think, and there's nothing like walking straight off the plane and out of the airport.
One for the girls: always bring a big scarf! It’s a blanket, a cover up, a makeshift skirt etc. So versatile & handy for religious sites.
Get a water filter and a water bottle. Saves the planet, saves money, and keeps you hydrated.
If you're into coffee and struggle with quality when traveling, an aeropress fits in carry-on and turns "meh" coffee into "pretty decent."
Capsule wardrobes! Every piece can work together interchangeably.
Travel by yourself at least once in your life, you’ll get to know yourself better and learn that you are damn good company.
Check out La Puerta Falsa in Bogota, Colombia for an afternoon pick-me-up. I recommend getting "chocolate caliente y dos pandebono."
Put down your phone and experience travel through your own two eyes instead of a screen.
Travel overland. You might have to fly to reach your destination, but always travel by rail, sea and road once you're there.
Go ATV-ing at Sand Hollow State Park in Utah. Also buy Allbirds shoes because they're super lightweight and comfortable.
To experience the local life, travel off-peak, book Airbnbs, walk everywhere, shop supermarkets and local markets, and try local cuisine.
For a short but beautiful hike with lush rainforest and multiple waterfalls, visit Kaiate Falls on New Zealand's North Island!
Try to travel with carry on luggage only—it makes trekking through airports and spontaneous side trips so much easier!
Maximize frequent flyer points not only redemptions, but for benefits such as lounge access and fast-track.
Create lists of your favorite places and where you want to visit in Google Maps to make it easy to keep track and get directions on the go.
Discover new foods and save money by visiting the local farmers' markets wherever you travel!
Walk as much as you can - you'll never know what you'll see and find along the way.
Say “yes” around 30% more. Common sense applies heavily here - but what better way to open yourself to new things to love?
Be sure to seek out the coziest cafes and bookstores wherever you go!
Spend a weekend camping on a beach in Baratti, Italy. No tent and no sleeping bag. Just cured meats and local wine.
Let yourself be surprised—don't plan the life and spontaneity out of your trip!
Say YES to side adventures. Find a hidden beach. Go to a local festival. Stop and listen to buskers. Go to a show that you found on a flyer!
Pick a food that you love and try it everywhere you go. It's fun (and tasty!) to see how other places put their spin on something
This isn't for everyone, but try packing everything you'll need into a carry on for reduced stress.
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.
Download all maps and information for places you want to visit, or get a local SIM card to avoid paying expensive roaming charges.
Consider why you are traveling and what you want to get out of it. With the right mindset and good intentions the world will open up to you.
Plan way ahead for visas or travel document renewal if you hold a passport from an African country.
Download offline Google Maps, Airbnb in local neighborhoods, and a learn few phrases in the local language.
Make plans, but be open to changing them. Some of my best memories are of the misadventures and serendipitous discoveries I never expected.
If you're ever in Mexico, Ik Kil is a must visit Cenote spot.
Try to bring back a unique object from each trip, to display in your home. It's nice to surround yourself with fun travel memories!
Keep a travel journal, digital or analog as you prefer! It's a fantastic personal memento and fun to revisit after the trips are over.
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!
Walk when possible. This will reveal hidden gems, spontaneous conversations with locals, and help burn the excess vacation calories.
Eat everything! Dive into whatever the locals are eating. There's no better way to connect with a place and its people.
