When you travel do you feel like you wish you knew how?

Question

I have traveled to several countries in the past few years, and I swear each time, i wish that I had planned better. I always find myself tired for one thing when I get there, so i dont have enough energy to see everything.
Plus , my main point is this, what do you really want to see when you travel? Sites? Buildings? Restaurants? Hotels? I think that sites should be second after meeting people. I have found this to be the best thing about traveling. It is sooo boring otherwise! Anybody know how to meet people better? I mean you just cant really walk up to them on the street and start acting too friendly they will think you are desperate or wierd! or you will start to feel wierd if they start getting too friendly!

Any tips on how you travel? What is it that you find best? It really takes an experienced traveler to get the most out of his/her trip. really takes know how.

Answer 1

yeh i know what you mean, i do feel that sometimes about planning it better.

i often find that the weather is against me, especially on British or cooler European holidays.

I like what you said about sites coming second after people, its a very intersting perspective and i tihnk you are right.

I guess it depends on where you go as to what you go there for. for me it is a mixture of sites, landmarks, restaurants, hotels and activities etc.

I'm going to Germany real soon and i'm going there to see the people and the culture.

Anyway, nice question. Have a lovely travel next time you go anywhere, x

Answer 2

Having travelled extensively in the last 4 years I find that a little planning can go a long way. Do some rudimentary planning on the internet, have a couple of things that you really want to do. But really the best thing is to suck it and see when you get there. I find if I plan everything to the last detail then it's not so much fun. Some of the best restaurants I have found around the world have been ones that we have found down an interesting little alley. Go off the beaten track as well. We don't tend to socialise too much when going away, but often do strike up conversations with the local people, my husband always tries to learn key phrases from the language as well, this always goes down really well with the locals. When I travel what I really want to see is the culture, how the real people do things, what their homes are like, what the local markets are like. And the most important thing, what the local food is like. Wherever we have been, we have always tried the traditional dish - the most amazing was a seven course meal in Tokyo - we had no idea what we were eating but it was great fun!

Answer 3

I love travelling. I always checkout where i am going and what is going and in that country the time I plan to travel. I will be going to Jamaica for two week in the summer. I have one week for my self and the following week three others will be coming to join me. Already I have each day plan, the hotels, the sites the parties etc. My secret is also to plan because you want to have and idea as to what to do but when you get there have any open mind as to plans being changed. If someone smile at you smile back then ask questions not too much one or two to get the convo flowing.

Answer 4

I tend to visit places that have something I want to do or see. This the bare minimum I want to do or see in the place I travel to. I also try to leave enough time so that if I hear of anything interesting whilst travelling, I can change my plans at the last minute.

Whilst travelling, I gave up trying to see everything ealy on in travelling career. I find that there is no way you are going to see and do everything that is on offer. I just try to do what I went to see or do. Anything else I do is a bonus.

I don't stay in hotels regularly as I find them impersonal. I tend to aim for youth hostels or guesthouses as you get to meet a lot more socialable people who are willing to talk,

Answer 5

Whenever I am in a country for the first time, I always remember to gather information for my next visit. No, I don't worry about planning before I get there. If I like the place, I know I will be back.
As for meeting people, I don't find it difficult. Of course, you don't become friends right away - that would be weird. I do give out my email address, and invite a visit to my country. When I get home, I don't forget these people. Next time I go to that country, I'm set.

Answer 6

We always do our homework before in that we contact groups with common interests and arrange to join up with them. For example - the "Hash House Harriers" ,a service club or even the local museum. Inevitably this association results in invitations to other activities while there and the opportunity to meet yet more people.

As for the tips - the best has to be "Travel Light" !!!!
Always have some food for a quick snack...water is harder to take along these days.
Be sure to have the correct currency for the country you are going to and a translation book if needed.
Make sure your name and contact information is INSIDE all your luggage as well as outside.
Be sure to take contact phone numbers for back home and have them in a handy spot for quick access.
Travel safe !

Answer 7

Hi,

For your first question, how to meet people, I tackle that by ALWAYS staying in hostels ... and as soon as I get there, I go to the first group of people sitting at a table chatting, drinking, and start with 'Hi' !

When I travel, I want to have fun, meet other great travellers, and see stuff I won't see anywhere else...

Happy Trails

Philip

Answer 8

Go on a cruise you always arrive in the morning fresh and have a full day to explore your of to somewhere else the next day so you should never be bored
try Alaska, Northern Europe as the med and visit all the ancient sites of history

Answer 9

Thanks for the laugh. I'd heard most of them through working in an airport,but it's good to have them again. If you don't mind me returning the favour,have a laugh on this one. Flying into sweeter air after several minutes of violent turbulance in which the plane was almost turned over a couple of times, the pilot said to his co-pilot "Boy!That was a close shave. I'm trembling all over. I could do with a sexy girl and some strong coffee right now". Unfortunately,in the chaos of the previous few minutes, the cabin loudpeakers had been switched on in error. An attractive flight attendant,hearing it in horror, rushed forward to tell the captain the speakers were on.Just before she got to the door of the flight deck,a passenger grabbed her arm and said "Reckon you'd be perfect for him Honey, but you forgot the coffee!"