Traveling is an incredible experience, whether domestic or foreign, from exploring a new culture to the remarkable changes in scenery. But that’s not the only allure travelers get excited about. A recent online discussion regarding travelers’ hidden thrills and joys reveals these are the most underrated parts of traveling. Do you agree?
1. Airport
I get a spine-tingling chill on every plane ride I take when I arrive at the airport. Airport security doesn’t exactly thrill me, but walking through the monitor and sitting at the gate makes me smile.
2. Orange Juice
I love orange juice. I always order orange juice to compare the consistency and flavor wherever I travel. Since I live in Florida, we have excellent orange juice, but some of the orange juice I’ve tasted from London comes close to Florida’s freshly squeezed.
3. Nostalgic Snacks
“This is kinda silly, but there are many things I never buy unless I’m traveling, like a coffee/tea from Starbucks or Dunkin or any kind of fast food. So when I’m just starting out on some long day of travel, I at least have the novelty of rare treats at the airport. Kind of makes me feel like when I was a kid, and my mom would fill a backpack up with new books, games, and treats for me when we would fly anywhere,” one jet setter writes.
4. Stepping Out of the Plane
Many travelers claim their favorite menial experience while traveling is the first step outside the airport. Once they land, they grab their bags and take that refreshing journey outside the airport’s confines, breathing in the air of a new place and letting their surroundings sink in.
5. Convenience Stores in Different Countries
Stores in different countries offer different items for purchase. You find different items in each country’s convenience stores, and you will be surprised by some of the findings.
For example, someone from Amsterdam may be shocked to see Gator jerky in a Florida convenience store. I loved buying fresh skyr (yogurt) and Icelandic chocolate while fueling the car in Iceland.
6. Learning the Area
When you arrive in a new place, your mind floods with thoughts of your itinerary, dinner plans, and confused directions. Still, after a few days in one place, you get a sense of things and know how to navigate from your lodging. A few people say their favorite experience is learning their bearings and getting places without directions.
7. Packing
Another globe trotter expresses seeing all the outfits and accessories they’ll bring on a trip gives them a rush of adrenaline. They also say narrowing down and picking clothes to bring makes them feel like they’re in a YouTube video.
8. Getting Foreign Currency
“I like pulling foreign currency out of the ATM, especially if it’s a currency I haven’t used before,” one person says.
Another individual responds, “Yes! It’s all a bit political, but while I appreciate the euro, I really do miss the fun of Deutschmarks, francs, lira, and pesos.”
9. Public Transit
If you live in the United States, you know our public transportation (minus a few big cities) could be better. However, other countries, especially Europe and Asia, rely on public transport. Nothing beats arriving in a country with trains, tubes, and buses after traveling solely by car.
10. Bargaining
In many countries, bargaining is popular among store owners and markets. Someone shares that their favorite part of traveling is bargaining in stores and markets because it makes them feel like a local and offers a splendid experience.
11. First Morning in a New Place
Waking up in a new city and looking out the window brings on an excitement like no other. Whether you’re in a bustling metropolis or a small rural town, it’s the first morning of exploration that sets the tone for your entire journey.
12. Using a Passport
Nothing beats vetting that first stamp! One hiker shares their favorite travel experience is opening their passport in a new place and receiving a dark, inky stamp of the new location. They realize they have arrived in new territory and can’t wait to explore.
Global Shame: Unruly Tourists Destroying Beautiful Spots Around the World
Tourism has become a significant component of the economies of many countries around the world, making a lot of money and attracting people to somewhat unusual locations. However, it’s not all rainbows and butterflies, and an unfortunate aspect of human behavior that often emerges is a lack of restraint – some people simply can’t help themselves from touching things, removing them, damaging important things, and trespassing on property. And, unfortunately, this often comes at the expense of the attractions themselves, some of which are very old or incredibly important parts of the natural world. Here are some awful examples of unruly tourists who have destroyed beautiful spots all around the world.
Global Shame: Unruly Tourists Destroying Beautiful Spots Around the World
10 Captivating Roadside Attractions for Your Epic Cross-Country Journey
Taking a road trip is, arguably, the best way to see a place, and embarking on a cross-country journey across the United States is bound to be the trip of a lifetime! Not only will you be enthralled by the major attractions you get to visit, but the less poignant experiences are bound to stick in your memory too. So, if you’re planning on driving across the country, we say you should do it! Here are 10 epic roadside attractions to add to your list of sights to see during your epic United States road trip.
10 Captivating Roadside Attractions for Your Epic Cross-Country Journey
Reality Check: 11 U.S. States With The Highest Firearm Fatalities
All the news about recent shootings can always stir and reignite the national gun control debate. That said, such tragedies have brought to light a CDC report, which shows just how pervasive gun violence is in each state. This post aims to show the ones with the worst firearm fatality rates.
Reality Check: 11 U.S. States With The Highest Firearm Fatalities
Don’t Let Their Size Fool You: 20 Small American Towns That Offer The Biggest Experiences
Bigger cities, towns, and counties always never run out of things for travelers to explore or try. Some tourists even live in them. But across the U.S., there are small yet remarkable destinations that pack a punch when it comes to unforgettable experiences. These small towns offer adventures, charm, and surprises that will someday be a lovely stop in memory lane.
Don’t Let Their Size Fool You: 20 Small American Towns That Offer The Biggest Experiences
If You’re American, Do NOT Travel To These 10 Countries
Due to civil unrest or high crime rates, many countries are unsafe to travel to in general. Unfortunately, some of these countries are especially dangerous for U.S. citizens. Based on the United States Travel Advisory, this list details ten countries that U.S. citizens should avoid at all costs due to a risk of kidnapping, harm, or death. Please travel with caution and stay safe.