When you travel, you experience all kinds of new things that you don’t see at home. People live in so many different ways, and it’s interesting to see how they do things. Travelling gives you a chance to see the world in a whole new light and to come home with stories you wouldn’t have if you’d stayed put.
You want to make sure that when you come back, you feel like a different person, a better one, even. Seeing how other people live helps you think about your own life and what you can do differently. Here are some ways to make the most of your travels and come home with more than just souvenirs.
If you want to really get to know a place, make friends with a local
It’s one of the best ways to experience life in another country. Ask people what they do for fun, where they like to eat, or what they’d recommend seeing. If you’re lucky, you might even be invited to join them for something traditional that you wouldn’t have found otherwise.
Making friends with locals also means you might be invited back again, and you can return the favour when they visit your country. It’s a great way to learn, connect, and really understand how others live day to day.
Prepare for new experiences
When you’re away, there’s a good chance someone will invite you to try something new. It might be cooking a local dish, learning a dance, or going fishing with someone who’s been doing it their whole life. Say yes to as much as you can. It’s those moments that make trips unforgettable. Even if it’s something small, you’ll come home with a story to tell. Travelling isn’t just about seeing new things; it’s about trying them too.
Try as much local food as possible
Eating local food is one of the best ways to experience a place properly. Don’t just go for what you already know. Ask what dishes are most popular and give them a go. If you’re not sure what to order, ask the waiter what people from that area usually eat. You might be surprised by what you end up loving.
For example, in Bulgaria, families often eat a dish called sach, which is a big platter full of roasted vegetables and meat. It’s served sizzling hot and shared between everyone at the table. Meals like that show you what community means to people. Sit down, share, and eat like the locals do — you’ll feel more connected that way.
Learn the language
Even if it’s only a few basic words, it helps so much. Saying hello, thank you, or asking where something is makes a big difference. People really appreciate it when you try, even if you don’t get it perfect. You’ll feel more confident too. It’s also a great way to start conversations and meet new people. Before you know it, you’ll be picking up more words just by listening and trying.
Keep your mind open
When you travel, you’ll come across things that might shock you, surprise you, or make you feel unsure. That’s part of it. Try not to judge and instead learn from what you see. Things are done differently in every country, and that’s what makes the world interesting. Keep an open mind and you’ll find yourself enjoying things you never thought you would. Sometimes the things that surprise you the most become your favourite memories.
Take the time to learn about the culture
Every country has a story, and getting to know it makes your experience more meaningful. Visit museums, talk to people about their traditions, or look for cultural spots that show you what life there is really about.
The Saadiyat Cultural District in Abu Dhabi, for example, is a great place to see how art and history come together. You can spend hours walking through exhibitions and learning about different influences from around the world. Every country has its own version of that. Go find it.
Spend some time outdoors
Don’t spend your whole trip indoors or in cities. There’s so much beauty in nature wherever you go. Go for walks, visit a park, swim in a lake, or watch the sunset from a quiet spot. It gives you time to slow down and really take everything in. The fresh air and open spaces help you feel calm, even when you’re far from home. You’ll remember those peaceful moments just as much as the busy ones.
Write things down so you don’t forget them later
It’s amazing how much you can forget once you’re back home. A small notebook or a few notes on your phone can help you keep the little memories that matter most. The name of a street musician, the smell of a meal, a funny moment that made you laugh, they all fade over time. Writing them down brings it all back when you look later.
