7 Things I wish I Knew Sooner About Traveling
Kym Tolson, LCSW, Traveling Therapist, Boss Biller 🙂
7 things you may want to know about Traveling or starting out as a Digital Nomad...
Traveling is a great way to learn more about the world and yourself. It can be an amazing opportunity to explore new cultures and meet interesting people, but it can also be challenging. There are a few things that I wish I had known before I became a digital nomad, so I thought I would share them with you. Here are seven things that I wish I had known sooner about traveling.
Packing light is a great way to travel with greater freedom and flexibility. It forces you to be resourceful and creative in navigating different climates and styles, opening up exciting opportunities for adventure. If you're looking to shed a few pounds from your bag, simply start by bringing less of the obvious items like clothes, shoes, and technology; replace them with multi-purpose clothing layers that can take you from the beach to the hills effortlessly. Then get creative – leave those bulky guidebooks behind and look up recommendations online or source local information from knowledgeable locals instead. And don't forget: to pack an attitude of fun, smart adventuring.
Another thing I wish I knew sooner as a traveling therapist is an importance of planning ahead. I used to just wing it and hope for the best, but that often led to stressful situations. Now, I make sure to plan my trips in advance and to research my destination thoroughly. This allows me to relax and enjoy myself while I'm visiting a new place.
Traveling is an amazing experience, and there's no doubt that planning ahead will make your trip even better. Doing research on the destination of your choice and planning out your ultimate itinerary will give you the chance to make the most of your adventure and avoid any last-minute surprises. Make sure to book accommodations so you can stay close to all the sights and attractions you want to see, as well as find restaurants, shops, and other points of interest in the area.
Taking all this into account will definitely pay off in terms of having more fun while traveling. If you get creative, don't be afraid to ask around for helpful tips from locals or other travelers - it's pretty much guaranteed they'll have a few great suggestions!
Budgeting is another important aspect of traveling that I wish I knew sooner. I used to just spend whatever I wanted without thinking about it, but that led to some expensive mistakes. Now, I make sure to set a budget since I live as a digital nomad and try not to go too crazy on excursions in each new place we travel to. I try to stick to it as closely as possible. This has helped me save money and has allowed me to live as a digital nomad with ease.
Budget travel can seem intimidating, but when done right it doesn't have to be a daunting task. Start by researching low-cost ways to get from point A to point B that avoid tourist traps. Once you reach your destination, ditch the expensive hotels. Instead, take advantage of rental homes or room-sharing sites - not only will you still get quality accommodations, but you'll also experience local culture and hospitality. Be sure to take time for free activities like walking tours or museum visits (many offer free days). And lastly, when eating out try some of the street food - not only is it more budget-friendly but it's usually some of the best cuisine available!
Communication is key when traveling, and there have been many times where I wished I had known this sooner. There have been times when I have not been able to communicate with locals due to language barriers, and this has led to some frustrating situations. Now, I make sure to learn some basic phrases in the local language before each trip. This has made communication much easier and has allowed me to have more positive experiences while traveling.
As technology continues to advance, the way we connect and communicate with people around the world is changing drastically. Communication apps are an incredibly useful tool for anyone wanting to connect with someone in a foreign country. Whether it's a business manager checking in on employees overseas, or a traveler who wants to learn more about the language of the place they're visiting, communication apps can help bridge distances and create immersive connections across cultures.
With ever-improving voice recognition features and translation services, these apps make it easier than ever to break down any language barrier - opening up countless possibilities for everyone from curious explorers to cultural experts. It's no wonder that communication apps are increasingly becoming one of the smartest and most fun ways to adventure abroad!
Culture shock is something that can be difficult to deal with when traveling, and I wish I had known about it sooner. Culture shock is the feeling of disorientation that can occur when someone is exposed to a new culture or way of life. It can be overwhelming and can lead to feelings of homesickness or anxiety.
When it comes to taking on a new culture and immersing oneself in unfamiliar territory, the key is to embrace it all with an open mind. Take a fun and adventurous approach while allowing yourself space to explore and grow - mentally, physically, socially, and culturally. Learn as many of the local customs as possible, engage in conversations with locals or other travelers who share your interest in the area, try out new activities that are specific to the culture you are encountering.
Celebrate your differences but also take comfort in what ties us all together - equality, kindness, and appreciation for different perspectives. Openly experiencing unfamiliar cultures can be both an exciting and rewarding experience if approached with the right attitude.
Jet lag is another common problem that travelers face, and it can be very difficult to deal with if you don't know what you're doing. Jet lag is caused by a disruption in your body's natural sleep cycle, and it can lead to fatigue, insomnia, irritability, and other symptoms. Now, I know what to expect with jet lag and how to deal with it, so it is no longer a problem for me when traveling.
Battling jetlag can be an annoying but inevitable part of going on long-distance trips. But, with a few smart tips, jetlag doesn't have to ruin your vacation. For example, plan ahead and adjust to the time zone of your destination well before takeoff. Going to bed and waking up at the scheduled time of your destination will help you ease into adjusting quickly. Additionally, while on board the plane, drink plenty of water before and during the flight, move around often (use time differences to get creative), and when you finally reach your destination take some time to relax. Last but not least have fun! Jetlag won't stop you from enjoying all the sites and places that await you - so get ready for a wild adventure!
When you're traveling, take the opportunity to meet new people from all over the world. You'll never know who you'll meet or where they'll come from, so it's always interesting (and fun!) to chat with people from different cultures.
Exploring a foreign country is always an exciting adventure, one that can be even more rewarding if you know how to meet people. Making local friends is the best way to really get in touch with a culture and its customs. The first step to meeting someone new is simply to say hello! Smile at those you pass on the street or greet your servers or shopkeepers—don’t worry about any language barriers; body language and friendly facial expressions go a long way. After that, try participating in organized events like festivals or classes, as well as attending hangouts in popular spots locals often visit such as cafes and parks. You never know whom you may wind up talking to next!
Traveling can be a great opportunity to learn about new cultures, meet new people, and explore different parts of the world. By embracing new cultures that come with traveling and preparing for jet lag, you can make the most out of your adventures. So get ready to pack your bags and explore some amazing new places!
