We often think of bucket list travel goals as stepping foot in a new country, trying exotic food or visiting someplace that was viral on the internet yesterday. But your travel bucket list needn’t stop there. Travelling is as much about gaining new experiences as it is about seeing new places. In no particular order, here are some unique things to do on your travels to make even the shortest sojourn an empowering and enriching experience.
Try a different type of accommodation
Simply deciding on a different type of accommodation than what you would normally stay in can be a small step in getting out of your comfort zone and being open to new experiences. For your next trip, why not try an accommodation where you can forgo the typical conveniences of a hotel without compromising comfort and safety? Some of the less conventional accommodations to consider include capsule hotels, glamping sites, family-owned homestays, themed Airbnbs, and novelty boutique hotels.
Take a cooking class at your destination
As a traveller, you are likely already eating your way around the world. Why not bring home recipes and culinary skills you learned from the locals at your destination? Instead of just going on food hunts, include in your itinerary a cooking class or workshop on making local cuisines. No souvenir could possibly compare to having the know-how to recreate a dish you’ve tasted on your travels.
Interact with the locals in their native language
Technology has done wonders in helping travellers overcome language barriers. While you can get by with translation apps, nothing makes you prouder of yourself than being able to communicate with the locals in their native language. Putting yourself up to the challenge can also be an excellent way to overcome shyness and social anxiety.
You don’t have to become a fluent speaker; just acquire basic working knowledge of a language to be able to conduct yourself in a situation you may encounter, such as when ordering a meal, shopping or asking for directions. There are plenty of resources online to get you started, most notably language learning apps like Duolingo, Memrise, and Babbel.
Keep a travel journal
Going from one adventure to another can be a blur of moments that seem to be over in the blink of an eye. Journaling can get you into the practice of slowing down, pausing, and reflecting, thus making each moment count.
Have a dedicated journal with you on the road to note down any thoughts and feelings you have about your new experiences. But do not stop at writing things down; you can get creative with documenting your trips. Do live sketches of the sights you see. Collect ephemeras like ticket stubs, boarding passes, brochures, and even dried leaves and flowers. You can then make a collage of memories on your travel journal pages.
Go off-grid
An off-the-grid type of trip is one where you take a break from modern conveniences such as Wi-Fi, electricity, running water, and even amenities like flushing toilets. This can involve camping somewhere remote, staying in a rustic lodge away from civilisation, or experiencing life in a rural community.
We have become so reliant on technology for almost everything that the thought of being somewhere with no cell signal and Wi-Fi can be unnerving. It’s for this very reason that you should do it anyway! Going off-grid lets you trade life’s hustle and bustle for the tranquillity of being surrounded by nature. Moreover, you will get a good taste of self-reliance and self-sufficiency, which is a tremendous confidence and courage booster.
Live like a local
Ever wonder what daily life is like in another part of the world? You can better understand a culture when you live it, even if it’s just for a few days. To live like a local means travelling slowly and seeking experiences outside of conventional tourist activities. These can include shopping at local grocers and markets, eating where locals frequent, taking a stroll at a neighbourhood park, and taking the initiative to mingle with the locals by familiarising yourself with their unique customs.
Go on a retreat to learn something new
If there is something you have always dreamed of doing, whether it is learning to surf, getting a scuba diving licence, learning yoga, or getting fitter, chances are there is a retreat somewhere out there in the world for it.
Signing up for a special interest retreat is a great opportunity to be productive while you travel. You don’t have to leave the retreat an expert; it’s already an accomplishment if the experience gets you out of your shell and helps you overcome a personal fear.
Experience travelling continuously
Wouldn’t you like to throw caution to the wind, buy a one-way ticket, and live out of a suitcase from one destination to the next? Granted, not everyone is in a situation where they can put life on pause and go off to see the world. But, if you are able to do it, that carefree globetrotting adventure doesn’t have to stay a dream. It does require planning ahead and saving up for though.
To be able to travel continuously is as much a financial goal as it is a personal one. Chart out your journey from start to finish, and make a plan to save up for it. Check out our guides on ‘Packing For A Trip Around The World’ and ‘How To Budget & Plan For Your Next Big Trip’.
Join an all-female tour
No matter how brave and adventurous you may be, there are still places that are too dangerous for female travellers to tread solo. Plus, some places are inaccessible without going through an authorised tour operator. Fortunately, as more women around the world are heeding the call to adventure, there has been a rise in all-female tour operations.
Furthermore, the freedom to travel was not a privilege afforded to most women in the not-so-distant past and still isn’t in many parts of the world. So, joining an all-female tour is not just for safety in numbers, but also an act of solidarity.
Whether you are an avid adventurer or just starting to stretch your legs beyond your geographical boundaries, achieving these travel goals is bound to bring a sense of accomplishment and self-assurance that stays with you long after the trip is over. Bon voyage!
