How To Travel Like a Travel Blogger

I love capturing and sharing exotic locations on the net. You can imagine my delight when I found the blogosphere filled with epic travel buddies who love to do the same. There’s something special about sharing personal travel stories with other readers but for a new blogger, it can be some what intimidating. What if my pictures aren’t good enough? What if I don’t always visit a five star hotel? So what! One of the blogging lessons I’ve learned along the way is that it does not matter if you’re already a world renowned explorer or just a new blogger on the block – either way, it’s pretty easy to travel like one. You don’t need to have a lot of money and book expensive spa days in exotic locations but there are some things you can do when on a budget.

Here are some tips to help you travel like a travel blogger.

1. 1. VENTURE INTO THE UNKNOWN

When on vacation most people like to stay within the confines of their hotels or resorts and preferably hit the popular tourist spots highlighted on maps. Whilst this is of course something you should do and see, why not try finding something a little more off the beaten path? Something more localized. The key is to do your own research online for hidden travel spots. Talk to the locals as soon as you arrive and read more travel blogs about the place you’re visiting. Ask your hotel concierge for advice and maybe plan a day trip to a nearby unheard off town.

 

1. TAKE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Trying out the public transport means you get a better feel of local living. You’ll see more of the city you’re visiting and will have a better chance of interacting with the locals too. It’s also a cheaper way of getting around. Just be sure to take a map with you and be aware of your personal belongings at all times.

1. FIND A UNIQUE SOUVENIR

When I’m travelling, I like to buy souvenirs that will remind me of the places I have been too. Not the usual fridge magnets or bookmarks, rather I prefer something that is special to me and different. Something that is reminiscent of the memories I have created there. I usually pick these up from the local markets or surrounding hole-in-the-wall stores. These can be anything from earrings and bracelets to shells off the beach, pretty leaves that I can dry and scrapbook to novels that will go on my every growing book shelf.

 

1. DOCUMENT THE DETAILS

Take photos. Draw. Post on social media. Jot down notes in a travel journal. It does not matter how you do it, just be creative. Take in every opportunity to capture the details of your trip. There are some memories you just don’t want to forget. Having said that, be sure not to get overwhelmed with documenting that you forget to just relax and enjoy yourself. Many travel bloggers I know, schedule some time each day to do all their blogging stuff and then just enjoy the rest of the trip. Have a schedule and stick to it.

1. TRY THE LOCAL FOOD OR EAT SOMETHING / SOMEWHERE DIFFERENT

Don’t be afraid to try the local food. Some of the most delicious food I have tasted were bought in little whole-in-the-wall places. Chat to the locals and be more active among your favorite travel blogs. Comment and ask what their recommendations and favorite places to eat are.

 

1. LEARN SOME PHRASES THAT YOU’LL REMEMBER

Before your trip, try to learn some essential phrases that could help you upon arrival. It’s also a good idea to download a few translation apps that will make it easier for you to communicate with the locals.

1. EXPLORE A NEARBY TOWN

If you have the time, spend half or even an entire day exploring a nearby town. Often, there are beautiful unheard of cities nearby that can be reached by bus, bike, train or taxi. Wander around and see the surrounding sights and sounds. Walk through parks. Explore an art gallery or maybe even sit inside a church for a while. This is definitely a sure fire way to feel like one of the locals.

 

1. HIT THE TOWN AT NIGHT

The energy of a city changes at night. Lights glisten along water ways and bustling streets come to life. Experience the night life, even if you’re not a night owl. There are many things you can do, it doesn’t just have to be pubs and bars. Find something that suites your taste – late night jazz music, bustling bars, nightclubs, candlelit cafes and wine, art showcases or even night cruises.

1. GET LOST

One of my favorite things to do when I have spare time while traveling is to just get lost. I would do it all the time in when I was living in the Netherlands – just hop on a train and get off at a random unheard off stops and wander around. That was how I found out about the Charles Dickens Festival in Deventer. It may not sound like the safest thing to do for a young lady, but we’re smart young women. Judge the situation and if it feels safe, go on. If it doesn’t, go back. Don’t be ignorant and ‘get lost’ without any means of contact information, a phone or a map. That would really be a silly thing to do. Always have your hotel address with you, contact numbers and a map in your pocket or on your phone.

 

1. DO SOMETHING YOU WOULD NOT NORMALLY DO

One of the most memorable things you can do while traveling is to do something you would not normally do. Perhaps it’s something simple like tasting a local treat from a street side cart or maybe taking an unusual cooking class. Perhaps you’re a little bolder and decide to climb a mountain or go scuba diving. Whatever you do, push your limits and get out of your comfort zone. Learning that you can combat your fear of heights or that you really do appreciate some form of art means you’re learning something new about yourself. That certainly means personal growth and makes for great memories.

Do you have any tips on how to travel like a travel blogger? I’d love to hear them. Leave me a comment below!