With summer quickly approaching, it is time to fill up your calendars with extravagant vacations and weekend getaways for those who plan on spending the summer working full time with a summer job. No matter where your car, boat, plane, horse, or bike may take you, it is necessary to be educated on the most helpful travel tips to improve your traveling experiences.

1. Pack light

Whether it affects your back or your wallet, packing less makes everything easier. You will have less to keep track of, so you’ll have less to lose, and it will just make your adventures a whole lot easier. If you you’re not sure if you should bring something or not, don’t bring it. If you left something that you need, you can always buy it wherever you end up.

2. Meet local people

You can learn a lot from people, whether it is getting directions to the closest restaurant or discovering an incredible life story of a complete stranger you encountered on the street. Talking to people will open up your mind and make your trip more interesting by learning the ways of the people of the place you visit.

3. Take lots of pictures

Even though many will say that is important to “live in the moment” and stay off technology, pictures can capture important moments for you so you can share your experiences with others. If you don’t take enough pictures, you will regret it. Just make sure you ask permission before you starting snapping pics at a total stranger, it is likely that people will get offended.

4. Eat local 

Food is such an important part of culture, and in order to get a full understanding of different cultures, you must at least taste some new foods! Don’t be afraid, ask some locals for recommendations. keep an open mind because you may think you already know everything about the food, but you will probably be surprised.

5. Break out of your comfort zone

Try something that you typically wouldn’t do at home, it will make your travels more thrilling and help you overcome some fears. Whether its tasting a sushi roll or climbing a mountain, you should make an effort to at least try one new thing per day while your travel.

Traveling is a journey to expand your horizons, and it is a great feeling to leave your everyday life to experience someplace new. Summertime is a perfect opportunity to fill up your calender’s with new adventures, so start planning!