Making the Most of World Travel

Ask anyone from a millennial to a baby boomer what they want more of out of life, and chances are high they’ll respond with “travel.” A trip around the world is the stuff fantasies were made of with books like “Around the World in 80 Days” and reading blog after blog of travelers hitting the road. 

But not all trips are created equally. World travel requires the right mix of planning and carefree fun to get it right. Here’s how to get started.

Get way out of your comfort zone

Travel evokes a feeling of having new eyes to see the world with. From trying new street foods with ingredients you’d rather not think about to sleeping on a houseboat, traveling introduces us to brand new experiences that inspire our minds. But to get way out of your comfort zone, you should also schedule an activity that you never thought about doing before. Skydiving, paragliding or surfing in another country can get your blood pumping and snag those coveted social media photos. They may just get your friends inspired to do the same.

Keep the lines of communication open

Staying connected to loved ones has gotten easier over the decades, but still comes with risks. Stories abound of travelers getting hit with outrageous roaming fees after accidentally using their phone without understanding the ramifications of the end costs. That’s why a rock-solid international calling plan is a must. T-Mobile offers unlimited calling to landlines in over 70 countries and mobile numbers in over 30 numbers so you can get in touch when you need to without worrying about blowing your budget on a phone bill.

Maximize your travel points

Unless money is limitless and free-flowing, chances are you need to figure out how to keep to a budget while traveling to make it last. One resourceful way to do that is by not opening your wallet when it comes to airfare. Credit card reward points can put enough points to airplane hop for a while and dramatically reduce your airfare budget. Travel points can also help with hotels and Airbnb to also offset the cost of your lodging. Use the money saved to afford even more experiences or extend your travel.

Bridge your destinations

Another way to maximize travel points is to fly to a major destination in multiple areas you want to visit and then bridge everything together. Once you land in your city of choice, have a plan in hand from trains to regional airlines to get you to your next spot. When you bridge destinations, you also build in more flexibility to your schedule and have greater opportunities to see the countryside by train or bus. That style of regional travel also has an added benefit of making you slow down and absorb the world around you instead of focusing on getting there.

Talk to the locals

One of your most valuable resources while traveling are the locals you encounter. They have information on everything from where the best breakfast is to the off-the-beaten-path place that isn’t on tourists’ radars just yet. You also get a glimpse into how other cultures live and can even learn a little language to break down barriers and communicate. You’ll probably find that body language and empathy goes a long way in understanding each other.

Leave room for flexibility

Worldwide travel can be an exhilarating experience, but shouldn’t be overscheduled. Everyone needs some kind of a plan, but it also requires some flexibility to make room for those unexpected moments. Creating a rigid schedule doesn’t leave much opportunity to go on that day trip a local told you about, or drinks with an old friend you bumped into. A firm schedule also doesn’t leave room to make a spontaneous decision like deciding to stay put in an inspiring location for an extra week.

The best advice for making the most of world travel is embracing it and taking your time doing it. It could be that once in a lifetime opportunity that rejuvenates your mind, body and soul to create a new world for yourself when you get home.