Everyone travels for different reasons. Some people crave adventure, so they lace up their hiking boots, grab their carry on duffel bag, and set off to summit mountains. Others are after relaxation, so they slip off their sandals and bury their toes in the sand. Travel can soothe our souls, broaden our horizons, and connect us with the world, as long as we point our feet in the right direction.
What if, instead of booking a trip to this year’s hottest destination and filling your itinerary with popular attractions, you created a vacation that’s tailor-made to you? Here’s what to know about meaningful travel and how to plan a trip tailored for you.
What Does Meaningful Travel Look Like?
Paris is more than the Eiffel Tower. Beijing is more than the Great Wall. San Francisco is more than the Golden Gate Bridge. Even though popular attractions are always fun, especially if you’ve always dreamed of visiting them, seeing the world is about so much more than standing in front of a few postcard-worthy sights.
Vacations that only include crowded attractions can feel like slipping on a one-size-fits-all T-shirt. Sure, it covers what needs to be covered, but it might feel too short, too long, a little uncomfortable, or just not entirely you. A trip that blends a few iconic attractions with unique, off-the-beaten-trail sights can help you create an adventure that feels just for you.
Here are three benefits of meaningful travel:
Now that we’ve covered why meaningful travel matters to you and your destination, let’s talk about how to create a unique trip. Planning and packing are the two most important things to consider when planning a tailored trip.
3 Ways to Plan a True-to-You Trip
When you board your returning flight with your trusty carry on backpack slung over your shoulder, you want to feel like a different person than the one who left home. Whether you’re hoping to feel more cultured, relaxed, or grounded, a transformative travel experience starts with a well-planned trip. Here are three ways to plan a trip that changes you in all the right ways.
Find Destination Dupes
Let’s face it: popular travel destinations are popular for a reason. When you understand what draws you to a certain popular destination, it’s easier to find a niche option that offers similar attractions without the downsides of mass tourism.
Asking yourself why a certain popular destination is on your travel bucket list can open you up to a whole new world of destinations, literally. If you’re drawn to Lake Como, Italy, thanks to its gorgeous mountain-meets-water allure, try visiting Lake Atitlán, Guatemala, instead. If you’re enchanted by the rich history of Paris, France, peruse the storied streets of Brussels, Belgium, instead. With the driving force behind your dream vacation in mind, you can seek what excites you in a fresh, unique way.
Look for Local Guides
Sometimes, an authentic, unique travel experience falls right into your lap. Visiting family or friends allows you to see the heart of a city and enjoy an immersive local experience. But what if you’re planning a trip to somewhere entirely new? Some people think that if they have no roots in a certain region, finding local experiences is out of the question. However, there are plenty of platforms that can connect you with local guides and community experiences while traveling.
Instead of joining massive tour groups, opt for smaller guided tours with a unique focus. Local farmers might offer gastro-tours on the outskirts of a city. Architecture students might lead walking tours of historic neighborhoods. When you plan your trip around local experiences, you can enjoy richer, more unique adventures.
Choose Events Over Views
Have you seen so many photos of a certain mountain range that you already feel like you’ve visited it? Is your social media feed flooded with beach photos and snapshots of palm trees? Gorgeous views might inspire you to visit certain places, but traveling with only sights in mind can leave you with a cookie-cutter experience.
Rather than planning trips around gorgeous landscapes or iconic landmarks, plan your trip around experiences. You can still carve out time to sightsee and explore, but it’s easier to have a unique trip when an event is the focal point of your vacation.
Here are a few unique experiences worth traveling for:
Now that you’ve planned for a one-of-a-kind trip, it’s time to pack for one.
How to Pack for a Meaningful Trip
Whether you plan your trips down to the minute or leave lots of time for exploration, travel is all about being open to new experiences. A well-packed travel duffel bag and a reliable day pack can help you feel confident on your next great adventure.
Choosing Your Luggage
Whether you’re the kind of traveler who embarks on trips with just a carry on duffel bag and comfortable shoes or you’re a self-aware overpacker, choosing durable, easy-to-organize luggage and space-saving packing accessories is the key to a great trip.
Use compression packing cubes to keep your bags organized and optimize your space. This is especially helpful if you’re traveling for an event and need to bring supplies, or if you’re visiting a colder climate and need to bring lots of layers.
Choosing Your Day Bag
Just like a sleek piece of carry on luggage with wheels keeps you organized on travel days and makes navigating airports a breeze, a well-organized day bag can make your trip even better. After all, it’s easier to strike up a conversation when you have a deck of cards on you. You can walk down the streets with confidence when you know your sturdy travel gear has RFID protection.
Meaningful travel looks different to everyone. With these tips and reliable travel gear, you can see the world your way.
About Eagle Creek
Confidence and comfort are the most important items on your packing list, so you start every adventure with gear from Eagle Creek. Since 1975, this dependable brand has designed luggage and packing solutions that help bold travelers enjoy every step of their journeys. Whether you’re biking to work or flying across the globe, this seasoned travel gear company can help you get where you’re going. Every piece of Eagle Creek gear, from a carry on backpack to a travel duffel bag, is made with durable materials, comfortable designs, and smart organization features. Their No Matter What® Warranty promises to repair or replace damaged gear, making Eagle Creek gear perfect for those who value sustainability and reliability. With built-to-last luggage that makes packing a breeze, you can travel confidently and comfortably.
Find gear that speaks to you at https://www.eaglecreek.com/
