Travelling is all about experience.
It's about experiencing new things, new ideas and new places which not only can give you joy and good memories, but travelling is a source of growth for an individual.
When we travel we learn.
Not every situation situation on the road will be pleasant but you can do your best to make it as positive an experience as possible - not just for you but the people around you!
Improve your travel experience today by starting fresh today and stopping these bad travel habits.
5 Bad Travel Habits to Break Now
5 Bad Travel Habits to Break Now 1) Not saying hello to a neighbour on a flight/train
I get it - talking to strangers can be awkward (and not always safe!) but a simple hello and a smile will make sitting beside a person for an 8 hour flight much more pleasant.
You don't have to be a Chatty Kathy, but a simple acknowledgement of the person sitting beside you shows respect (and in my case - makes it much less awkward for when you have to get up to use the restroom several times during the flight).
Who knows, you may even make a new friend!
2) Giving the Gate Attendant or Flight Attendants a hard time
Your flight may have been delayed, the child sitting next to you while waiting to board might have thrown a tantrum, and you may be exhausted but guess what - the gate agent and flight attendant is likely just as tired as you are and is working hard to make you happy.
If a gate agent delivers bad news about your flight, do your best to remain calm and understanding. A smile will also go a long way in lifting not only your spirits, but theirs as well.
Remember, pretty much all travel delays are out of THEIR control. They are just doing their best to help you get to where you need to go on time.
It's a win-win.
3) Going to another country without learning a few words in the local language
Especially please and thank you!
I remember this one time while dining in France, a couple beside me tried to order a side of fries - in English. I could tell the waiter was confused, and the couple was getting frustrated, so the friend I was traveling with was nice enough to step in and help them out. But I felt really bad about it! Not on the couples behalf, but the poor waiter that couldn't understand them.
Needless to say, knowing a few words in the local language not only is helpful, but it's respectful to the people you're interacting with on the journey.
I recommend carrying a phrase book for such occasions!
4) Never leaving the hotel resort
Resorts are the place for maximum relaxing while still getting to experience a new destination (or climate!).
They tend to come in nice, little, trip packages during the winter months and are a great way for an affordable escape. However when you visit a resort, it's easy to stay closed up within the resort world and miss out on the chance to really experience another country.
Even if it's for just one day of your trip - try to get of the hotel room, off the resort area and spend some time with the locals.
5) Staying in your comfort zone
Travelling can be scary - a strange place, new customs and tons of strangers. But this is what makes it so exciting!
Make an effort to try a new food dish or indulge in a local pass time. Don't hide behind your phone, book or computer - there's new things to see and people to meet.
In a new place, nobody knows you so it's easier to be more open to new things - just be safe! The worst part of any trip that I've gone one, is the regrets I brought back. Not because of things I did, but for the things I didn't do. That friend I could have made, that food I could have tried, or that place I could have been to - had I not been afraid to do it. I'll be tackling this bad habit on my next trip, that's for sure and I encourage you to do the same as well!
Have any travel habits you're working on breaking that aren't on the list?
Share below! I'd love to hear them!
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With thanks,
Brittany
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