How Do You Travel?
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I’ve been thinking a lot about travel recently. What international destinations can we visit this year? Where should we eat when we get there? What should I pack? After so many years, I began to figure out what kind of traveler I am. Although it works out perfectly for me, I’ve learned that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. There’s no problem with that because I genuinely believe in “doing you” when on vacation. Today, let’s answer the question, “How do you travel?” As you begin to travel again, especially with friends, it may be something you’ll need to ask more often.Â
I Overpack, But in a Carry-On
I am a serial overpacker. Instead of being diligent and only packing x number of amounts, I panic and pack several extras. The biggest reason I do is that this pretty shallow. “What if I don’t feel like wearing that?” To see me in action and a good laugh, this video says it all! The result is a stuffed suitcase and little room souvenirs. It’s made me get creative a time or two, but I always bring this easy-to-pack tote bag from Longchamp, just in case. It’s saved me a time or two. The good news with my overpacking is that I practically refuse to bring anything bigger than a carry-on. That mindset forces me to be diligent in what I bring and helps me save on checked bag costs. My current carry-on bag is this vintage-inspired piece that always receives compliments without fail. Â
I Dine to my Heart’s Content
One of my favorite aspects of travel is sampling new-to-me dishes and drinks. Food can be a great definer of a new city, country, or culture. That’s precisely the way to my heart! If the only thing I do is try new foods and local restaurants, I consider it a trip well spent! The same thing goes for cocktails and coffee. Especially in historic cities like New Orleans, each local drink has a story to tell. The best way to learn is by sipping it for yourself.
I Have an Early Wake-Up Call
This one is probably my biggest quirk when I travel. In fact, I get antsy if I stay in my hotel room for too long. Visiting a new city is not the time to oversleep. Especially if there’s a lot to see, I set my alarm for an early wake-up call. That way, I can explore with the best light and the smallest crowds. The best example is when we were in Rome for our honeymoon, and I got to capture pictures at the Colosseum, Spanish Steps, and Trevi Fountain without any other person. I’m just happy David operates the same way or he may be a very unhappy camper!Â
I Love Museums
Museums are my guilty pleasure when in a new city. I particularly love art museums. There’s just something about the grandiose of them. Beautiful, quiet buildings that often have thousands of works of art. Fine art or contemporary, I don’t have a presence. I know that a museum search is one of the first things I do when booking a destination. Science and history museums are also a must-see for me, especially in New York or Washington, DC.Â
I Typically Skip Tours
I think skipping tours speaks to the independent nature in me. Group tours typically spend either too little or too much time. It’s never just right for me. Instead, I like to find self-guided tour apps or blog posts to learn the same information. The one exception is when booking a tour can get you early or exclusive access. That’s the exact reason why I booked a specific tour when visiting the Vatican Museums. We were able to enter an hour before it opened to the public. I felt like I had the Sistine Chapel all to myself. Plus, I could wander the gardens before the heat of an Italian afternoon set it.
I Do Heavy Research
Researching for travel is like my version of sodoku, and I think it drives David crazy! Typically, I get inspired by a picture from Instagram or Pinterest. I’m off! I fall down the rabbit hole, wanting to find the cutest boutique hotels, the best restaurants, and the cheapest flights. You would almost think I’m cramming for a big final exam! The whole time, I’m taking copious amounts. From there, I’ll “present” them to David and do my best to convince him to join me. Even if the trip isn’t for another several months, I have a game plan. That doesn’t mean I keep to a strict, air-tight schedule while on a trip. I’m actually pretty laidback. Well, I’d like to think so. I just don’t like wasting time and feeling unprepared.
I Take My Pack List Very Seriously
One of my biggest pet peeves when traveling is when I blatantly look like a tourist. In the whole scheme of things, I know how non-important this may be to some. However, if I spend so much time and energy learning about a city and learning the language in international cases, I want to go all in. This helps me stay safer because if I don’t look like an average American, I’m not as easy of a mark to street scams. So true when we were in Italy. Because of my olive features and what I wore, most locals sort of assumed I was Italian. Although I have many other tells to say “I’m a tourist,” what I wear won’t be one of them!Â
Nothing Makes Me Happier
Every aspect of travel makes me feel so incredibly happy. The mystery of what to do and the energy of being somewhere new just make me feel so alive. I’ve always had a deep appreciation for other countries and cultures. It has been a lifelong goal to see as much of this beautiful world as I can! Travel wasn’t something my family did much when I was younger, so I want to make up for the lost time. When David and I are lucky enough to have children of our own, I hope to keep that mindset going and raise my own set of world travelers!Â
As countries and cities (domestic and international) begin to reopen, you may find yourself wanting to book! But, before you do, ask yourself the question “What kind of traveler are you?” and “How do you travel?” When you get down to it, the answers may surprise you. Who knows, it alone may influence you to visit a destination you’ve never even thought of before!
Love from Florida,
Katie
As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.
