Explore

All over the world there are places waiting to be experienced. One of the best things to do while visiting a new place is to take part in one of the ways locals have fun.

That may be zip lining over the jungles of Costa Rica, make wine in the hills of Tuscany, or hiking one of the great peaks of the Rocky Mountains. Often places have their own unique traditions, that you may not be able to do in other places. At least not in the same way.

Either way, there is not better way to understand a place then to experience all that it offers whether that to be culturally or geographically.

Eat

Being a foodie didn't come out of no where. All over the map, there are amazing dishes, often featuring ingredients you have never heard of.

Even the McDonald's abroad features an entirely different menu.

Food is a great way to get to know a culture. Not only do you learn about the local's favorite things to eat, but how they eat them. In many places, eating involves different routines and rituals. And eating in traditional places of wherever your visiting can be an experience in itself.

Meet People

Chances are on any vacation you will meet people from all over. They may be fellow vacationers, locals, or even your cab driver. What to do with this new found relationship is up to.

Many of the people you meet will be able to suggest the best places to eat, or sights that you may miss otherwise.

You may even meet a friend. It wouldn't be the first time I have heard of someone walking away from a trip with a new connection. In fact I have even revisited places to see people I have met along the way.

The Perspective

It's not all beautiful sights, unfortunately the grass isn't always greener on the other side. This doesn't have to be a bad aspect of your trip though!

From personal experience I have walked away with new perspectives. I often walk away with feelings of gratitude and thankfulness. Additionally, often some of the people who have the least appear to be the happiest, something that isn't as common here stateside.

Appreciate Life

Traveling is life changing, in more ways than one. The world is too big, and life is too short to stay in one place. The greatest affect traveling has is opening the eyes of the traveler to appreciating all that the world has to offer.