Most of us with a taste for wanderlust already know we want to travel far, travel thoughtfully and travel often. We know we should be more open minded and spontaneous, more courageous, playful and appreciative. It’s just that we sometimes need reminding. Or, I do anyway. Here’s a shortlist of ways to help make your adventures more meaningful.
1. Open yourself to possibility
When someone suggests something that at first feels outrageous, or outside your comfort zone, open your heart and mind to the possibility that it might contribute to better understanding or experiences.
2. Embrace wildness
Give yourself opportunities to experience the restorative power of wilderness and wild places. It’s impossible to feel disconnected or alone in the natural world.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
I asked my globetrotting facebook friends and twitter followers to share their favorite travel tips for planning the perfect trip. From hard-won wisdom to practical advice, here’s what they had to say…
1. Air travel in US - Dress for security screening; no belts, buckles or bows! Seriously, undressing in public is a pain for all! Via @BronaCos
2. Don’t overschedule! Leave lots of time for wandering, I like to make just one real plan a day and leave the rest to serendipity! Via @SophiaDembling
3. Kathy Dragon Travel light. Feeling weighed down by luggage, packing and repacking, especially if you are moving about, can take the fun out. Carry on is the only way to go. Samsonite Spinner can carry everything, really.
4. Sheri Anderson Wallace For families, I recommend avoiding DVDs and video games as much as possible. It’s counter-intuitive but they really are long-term losers because they teach a short attention span. Nothing with an on/off switch.
5. I pack an empty water bottle in my carry on so I can fill up at a water fountain past security. Via @jesstagirl
6. Serendipity Traveler Spontaneity and Serendipity are two essentials for traveling well.
7. Margalit Sturm Francus Plan ahead, close your eyes and envision a plan A and B to every day/stop to eliminate surprises!
8. Lauren Hefferon Reaching perfection in travel, as in life, can prove frustrating and futile. How about setting overall goals for one’s travel like: learning, cultural exchange, absolutely doing nothing or completing an new adventure. Recently for me it’s been to blend a visit to the world’s great cycling cities into my travels. So far we have been to Copenhagen, Portland and this year Barcelona. Welcoming Serendipity is always one of my general rules. Ask me more if you like!
9. Anne Dimon For anyone heading to Italy, especially the Tuscany region, I highly recommend Adler Thermae Spa Resort. Plan to spend at least a couple of days. It’s fabulous!
10. Serendipity Traveler Start your travels well rested , spend enough time to immerse yourself and talk to locals everywhere.
11. Lauren Hefferon Reaching perfection in travel, as in life, can prove frustrating and futile. How about setting overall goals for one’s travel like: learning, cultural exchange, absolutely doing nothing or completing an new adventure. Recently for me it’s been to blend a visit to the world’s great cycling cities into my travels. So far we have been to Copenhagen, Portland and this year Barcelona. Welcoming Serendipity is always one of my general rules. Ask me more if you like!
12. Allie Avernie Almario Learn to laugh at yourself on the road, wherever you are. Laughter is a free and universal currency that everyone understands, whether you’re in Madagascar or Malaysia. Except possibly in North Korea. I don’t think they laugh much there.
Join the conversation, post a comment below and share your own tips with other travelers.
About Ellen Barone: Consumer travel expert Ellen Barone is the founder and publisher of TravelUpdatesbyEllenBarone.com and YourLifeIsATrip.com. She’s currently at work on her first book - I COULD LIVE HERE. Click here to learn more or stay connected on Twitter at,Facebook, Google+, Pinterest and LinkedIn.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
10 THINGS NOT TO DO IN VEGAS
Vegas is one of the few cities on Earth where you’re encouraged to do pretty much whatever…but with a few notable exceptions. Check out this list from Concierge.com of Vegas experiences to avoid at all costs. Finally!
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Prices Are Hitting Record Highs, Know How To Keep Costs Down When Renting a Car
Car rental prices are skyrocketing across North America, so Hotwire.com®, a leading travel discount site, has announced five car-rental savings tips that will help you drive off the lot with a full wallet.
Here are five tips to help you lower car rental expenses this summer:
1. If you see a good rate, book it right away. Prices are expected to continue rising through July and will stay high all the way through August.
2. Rent on the weekends. When business travelers have gone home for the weekend, there is more inventory and lower prices for the consumer.
3. Rent away from the airport if possible. Off-airport and local rental centers can often be cheaper due to lower taxes and fees. Often, by sacrificing convenience, you can save money.
4. Make sure to fill up the tank before returning your car. Rental centers charge a hefty fee for those who forget to do this. If you don’t want the hassle, many rental car companies will also allow you to pre-purchase your tank of gas to avoid fees, but it’s still cheaper to fill it up on your own.
5. Book opaque. Although prices are expected to spike this year, by booking through opaque sites such as Hotwire, consumers can save up to 45 percent and rent a car from $13.95 a day.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".