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Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Travel Regrets

Travel is an amazing and transformative experience, but it also can be overwhelming, for novices and seasoned travelers alike. Jet lag, hectic schedules, and culture shock can create tension and anxiety that keeps tourists from fully experiencing the beauty and wonder of a trip abroad, or even, at times, domestic.

Travel has a sweet spot...the key is finding yours. 


Learning from others' mistakes can help you avoid your own travel pitfalls and better insure that your own journey will fulfill, or even exceed, your own expectations. 

Here are three common travel mistakes that, in hindsight, may become travel regrets, and how you can avoid them.

Wait...where am I?
When you're visiting a new city for the first time, it's exciting to see the places you've seen only on television or in movies. Perhaps you bought a guide book or looked up the must-see locations online. 

As tempting as it is to try and fit in everything, refrain. You may end up exhausted and cranky, overwhelmed, and feel like you're only moving from place to place, snapping photos of landmarks that you passed too quickly to truly remember. 

And, if you haven't seen everything, you have a reason to go back. Don't look at your travels as some grand checklist or "Been there, done that." Live like a local and less like a tourist. 



I wish I had tried that...
When you travel abroad, or even out of your home region, it may be tempting to stick to what you know. If you have dietary restrictions, I empathize with why this makes sense. But, if you are able to eat, throwing abandon to the wind, so so. 

Go off the beaten path and eat where the locals do. Nothing sends me farther away than when I see an "American menu" abroad. Even in the most tourist driven areas of Spain, you can enjoy the Menu del Dia, and experiment with flavors and culturally adored comfort food. Why search out pizza when you can experiment with tortilla española. Even if you don't like it, you can be assured that, more than likely, it was properly prepared and cooked, not simply cut out a bag, standardized across a chain or franchise of restaurants.



What a waste...I never even used that...
It's tempting to pack options. With variable weather and dining options, it's hard to know exactly what you will need when you travel. Here's what I learned. Overpacking is a nightmare. Worst case scenario, you buy something in your destination and you end up with a souvenir. It's a win-win.

Unless you are traveling to the most remote areas of civilization, I can almost guarantee they have what you need. If sizing is an issue, I appreciate your concern, but nevertheless, you may be carrying that bag around...at least at the airport. Think before you pack.

Take out everything you want to bring. And then, aim to remove half of it. Bring your most versatile items that can serve double duty. And truly consider what you need versus what you want. Less is more. And you'll feel like a packing ninja! 


Travel is a transformative experience. As someone blissfully infected with wanderlust, I can vouch for the power of the journey. But making mistakes, like the ones above, can diminish the experience and prevent people from taking chances on longer, more extensive trips. 

Knowledge is power. Note people's success and learn from their mistakes and set off on your own journey. And then inspire others to take that first step themselves. 

What travel advice would you offer novices? 



36 comments:

  1. I always bring motion-sickness medicine. Even if you've never suffered from motion sickness before, you never know when you might need it. And also I bring a little bag for money, documents and phone that you can wear close to your body. I think it's safer than storing everything in your carry-on. Besides that I can only recommend following your guidelines although I still need to stick to the packing rule ;)

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    1. Great call! You never know...and motion sickness can be debilitating! I tend to overpack too. And I email a copy of my passport to myself...check out my tips for 1st time international travelers here. http://www.alovelylifeindeed.com/2013/06/pack-your-bags5-tips-for-first-time.html Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  2. I totally agree with not trying to fit everything in at once, me and my boyfriend had a pretty stressful long weekend in Paris last year by trying to do this, you end up needing another holiday to recover! We are off to Barcelona on Thursday and I have a totally different mindset this time, I am less concerned about seeing all of the 'must see' tourist attractions and more interested in just wondering aimlessly around, eating the local food and just getting a proper feel for the place!

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    1. Your Barcelona trip sounds like a dream. And, if you see everything, there's no reason to go back...how sad! Have a wonderful aimless wander! I would love a link to your blog to follow along. :-) Cheers!

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    2. Thank you Kelly - I am so excited about it!

      Here is the link to my blog http://daydreamsofsummertime.blogspot.co.uk/ :)

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    3. Thanks, Sarah! I'm following. :-)

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  3. Great post! I loved your idea about buying something at a destination and using it as your souvenir. My advice? Make lists and check them 14 times. I am less stressed when I can check things off.

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    1. I am a list maker too, Jen. I love the souvenir idea because then I have something practical that is also a conversation piece. A win-win. Thanks so much for visiting!

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  4. I totally agree about over packing. I've cured myself of that and it's wonderful.

    I always do my research before so I have a basic knowledge of how the transportation works and what I must see and would like to see.

    I also build in time for just roaming around.

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    1. Good call on the research, Steph. That way you can prioritize. Knowing what you would be disappointed to miss makes your must-see much more manageable. Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  5. I would add that they shouldn't overplan. I often make that mistake, and while it comes in handy often, sometimes it's nice to be 'wow'-ed and surprised.

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    1. Great call, Farin! Overplanning adds stress. It's nice to wander and enjoy .Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  6. Amen to avoiding the "American Menu". Couldn't agree more!

    All of these rang true for my experiences. I would add a note about refraining from purchasing too many souvenirs. If I could do my study abroad experience again, I'd make sure to only purchase maybe one item from the countries I visited, and only after that item passed a series of questions: Do I need this? Will it break/tear/fall apart the second I take it home? Will I display or use it? Is this something legitimately native to the country?

    I wound up with so much junk I don't know where any of it is anymore, or it broke, or shrunk in the wash. Now I only purchase what I think to be a worthy purchase (ex: Croatia, known for candle making, bought a candle, displayed it proudly).

    Great post! I'm sure it will help quite a few new travelers.

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    1. You make a great point, Holly. I like souvenirs that are practical, so that every time we use it, we remember our trip. I've never been one for tchotchkes...dust collectors make me crazy. Signature purchases make much more sense. Thanks so much for stopping by! :-)

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  7. I definitely recommend trying out the local food. I came back from Uganda LOVING something as simple as chapatis and chai tea, which sadly American chai tea has NO comparison.

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    1. Thanks for your feedback, Sarah! Local food is so much more fun. And you're right, you find those signature items that make your mouth water at their very thought. Ugandan chai sounds wonderful. Someday, I hope to eat (and sip) my way around the world. Thanks so much for stopping by! :-)

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  8. Great tips. When my husband and I went to France, we knew very little of the language. When we ate out we didn't always know what we were ordering, but it was always a great surprise and we loved everything we tried.

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    1. Thanks, Janet! Local food is so much more fun, and it feels like more of an adventure. And you're able to find those signature items that make your mouth water at their very thought. Someday, I hope to eat (and sip) my way around the world. Thanks so much for stopping by! :-)

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  9. Great post! I've definitely done the cram as much into your holiday as possible thing before and it was so exhausting, I felt like I needed a holiday from my holiday! My fiancé and I have travelled at a great pace for the past 6 months and it's been fantastic! As for souvenirs - I buy non-gimmicky ones as presents for my family (only small ones) and don't even bother with buying myself any. I used to buy so much that either broke, didn't for properly or was just junky! I now know that I don't need any of that stuff - my memories and my photographs are the best souvenirs in my opinion!

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    1. We take a lot of photos, so we have that as well. I've never been one for tchotchkes...dust collectors make me crazy. Signature purchases make much more sense. :-) Thanks so much for your visit and for your feedback.

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  10. Great advice! I haven't traveled that much yet, but I already know that I like revisiting places I've already been to and finding new and exciting things there, as well as revisiting positive memories.

    Over packing can be a major annoyance and with airline baggage restrictions, packing lightly isn't just easier, it's less expensive!

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    1. Hi Rachel,
      Revisiting special places is a great reason to return. Or even to make new memories. :-) Overpacking is expensive, and not worth the expense. And, I've found that I rarely use everything I pack. Decide on your non-negotiables and go from there. Thanks so much for visiting. :-)

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  11. Great post with useful tips! I always try to avoid overpacking--if you have all this extra stuff to lug around, it can get in the way of enjoying your trip, especially if you're on the move a lot!

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    1. Hi Amy,
      Overpacking is a drag, especially if you're lugging around your gear. I like to decide on my non-negotiables and go from there. If I really need it and didn't bring it, I buy it there. Thanks so much for visiting. :-)

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  12. So many great tips here as I prepare for Spain!! I know that packing well (for me and the kids) is essential. I definitely plan to lay it all out and get rid of excess. And, I'm really looking forward to trying all kinds of new foods...well, after the race of course :-)

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    1. I think you'll love Spain. Galicia is spectacular! The contrast between the land and the sea is striking...farmland against ocean. It's breathtaking. I can't wait to read about your adventure! Pulpo gallego (octopus) is beloved in Galicia. Not my favorite, but definitely worth trying. :-)

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  13. I love the idea of just immersing myself somewhere rather than the bullet point must see this, this and this but a few must sees are good starting points.

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    1. Hi Kerry,
      Must-sees are a good start...especially if you think you might not have another opportunity to visit. Decide on your non-negotiables and go from there. :-)

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  14. I COULD NOT AGREE MORE!! I know people who have been to China and managed to never eat Chinese food!! This is a great list of suggestions thank you so much for sharing with the #AllAboutYou linkup. I also recently wrote a few posts of how we should "do" less on vacation in order to experience more, so glad there is someone that shares my sentiment!

    Angie from reasons to dress, life as a North American mom in Italy.

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    1. Hi Angie,
      Thank you so much for the opportunity to link up. I love the do less idea...for me, long-term slow travel is the way to go. I love living like a local. :-)

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  15. I absolutely love travelling and being absorbed into another culture. If we can do it, we have to appreciate how fortunate we are to do so. My top tips are to always try to communicate, with a few phrases - obvious, right? And also to always always always carry a sarong or two plus a bikini and some basic toiletries in your hand luggage. If your luggage gets lost, the bikini can double up as underwear, and the sarong can be a skirt, a dress, a scarf, a towel, a blanket - I won't go anywhere without one! Thanks for linking up to #AllAboutYou - off to Pin this post to the group board (I couldn't find you on twitter?)

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    1. Zaz, these are great tips. The sarong is a smart idea...using clothes that serve double duty is a win-win. Thanks you for the opportunity to link up. My twitter handle is @krod0519. The address is www.twitter.com/krod0519. Thanks!

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  16. Great tips! I try and pace myself and enjoy what I am actually seeing and doing and not rush the experience. I loved Paris, and saw the first handful of "must sees" on my list, and then just took in things and food as it came. I have now added to my list for my next visit someday. I love to ask locals for dining advice and have had great success with that.

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    1. Thanks, Winnie! I loved Paris! I can't wait to go back. Locals are the best people to ask. Eat where they eat and shop where they shop. They know best. Thanks so much for stopping by. :-)

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  17. Traveling in Asia has definitely given me good experience in avoiding "american" food in favor of local dishes. I don't like every local dish I've ever tried, but some of them are amazing--and the frozen french fries and chicken tenders that often pass as "Western food" are not appealing at all!

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    1. Hi Rachel. Asia must have some fabulous comfort food. What's your favorite? I would avoid Western food when possible too. Sometimes, because of dietary restrictions and allergies, it's difficult and it's safer to stick with what you know. But when you can, experimenting provides a richer experience. Thanks so much for stopping by!

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