Whether you’re in pursuit of becoming the modern day Hemingway or simply want to see the world on your own terms, your heart is in the right place.
After all, one of the most common regrets we constantly hear from those in their twilight years is that they wished they could have traveled more.
From small weekend trips to big-time planned excursions out of the country, the modern man should likewise look for as many opportunities as possible to go beyond their own backyards and out of their comfort zones. Doing so is much easier said than done given how easy it snag a cheap flight or accommodations via the likes of Airbnb.
Even so, how do you ensure that you make the absolute most of each and every trip you take? Here are the top eight travel tips for men to help get you in the right mindset for your travels.
Treat Locals with Respect
This is perhaps one of the most important yet overlooked aspects of travel.
Vacations aren’t just about having fun on your own terms. Travel represents an incredible opportunity to meet new people, make meaningful relationships and introduce yourself to different cultures. This means treating locals with a sense of respect rather than acting like a loud, aloof tourist.
Everyone from your waitress to your Uber driver, and especially those who deal with tourists day-in and day-out, deserve your respect. For example, when you look at the breakdown of Uber fees, it’s eye-opening to understand how much drivers work and the importance of tipping etiquette.
Not only is being respectful during your travels the right thing to do, but also opens you up to conversations and interactions with new people.
Dress the Part
Conventional wisdom tells us not to be too “loud” when we go out on vacation, which is fair enough. That said, don’t totally abandon your unique sense of style while traveling.
No-brainers like wearing comfortable clothing while trekking through a city are obvious, but bear in mind that there’s no shame in looking sharp while doing so. Try to pack a combination of “practical” clothing in addition to pieces that speak to your style.
Take the Time to Unplug
Your vacations are not the time to be fiddling around on your phone. Enjoying a vacation to the fullest extent means living in the moment and filling up your itinerary with local sights, sounds and flavors. Although taking snapshots is fair game, don’t let yourself get caught up in the social media game during your trip.
Play the Cocktail Connoisseur
Being a sort of “yes” man that goes out of their comfort zone represents one of the biggest joys of traveling. From enjoying the local nightlife to putting some hair on your chest, make a point to check out the bar scene in any given city if that’s your speed.
Whether it’s mojitos in Miami or Manhattans in the Big Apple, there’s no better way to unwind and find opportunities to mingle with locals.
Always Strive for Somewhere New
Although you might have your favorite vacation spots in mind, be willing to expand your horizons by having a “next” location in mind that you’ve never been to before. Not only does doing so constantly give yourself something to look forward to, but you can also be one step ahead when it comes to finding flight or accommodation deals.
Growing as a person means seeing as much of the world as you possibly can. With these travel tips in mind, you set yourself up for richer, enjoyable trips while also looking forward to your next one in the process.
