Travelling lets you discover new places, meet new people, and learn so much more about yourself. Whether you spend a month hitting the hot spots or take your time to get the most out of your experience, there are multiple ways to see the world.
And yet, as exciting and fulfilling as travel can be, you aren’t going to spend your entire time seeing cool places. Instead, there will be a lot of transit and waiting around. So how can you maximise this downtime to ensure you feel fulfilled wherever you are?
Catch Up On Sleep
One issue that affects everyone when travelling is the need for more sleep. You want to see as much as possible, so you get up early and go to bed late before doing it again the next day.
However, while you might be able to do this for a few weeks, sleep deprivation will catch up with you, especially if you’ve done a lot of activities. Understanding the issues with a lack of sleep while travelling should encourage you to find a few hours here and there, such as on a bus or at the airport, so you can recharge and refresh. If you do this, you’ll be ready for the next leg of your trip.
Plan Your Next Steps
Some people get on a plane and know every step of their journey. However, others prefer to travel differently. They have an idea of where they want to go but aren’t restricted by a timeline.
If you have a few hours to spare, it is worth planning your next steps to have more of a plan when you arrive at your next destination. You can check the weather, things to do, and any other issues that could interfere with your trip to ensure you can stay out there for as long as you need.
Watch TV
If you’re waiting around in your hotel with nothing to do or spending hours ahead of you on a bus or plane, watching TV or movies is a great way to pass the time. Some travellers put a bunch of titles on their devices before leaving, others watch the on-flight entertainment to give them something to pass the time.
Those wanting to keep up with the latest trends can learn how to get HBO Max in Canada or other countries so they don’t have to spend days avoiding spoilers online and find out what all the fuss is about.
Write About Your Travels
Travel writing is always popular, even if you’re only writing for yourself. You can learn about the benefits of travel journaling by summarising what you’ve just done and what you’re doing next, which can give you an extraordinary insight into your trip when you look back on your notebooks in however-many years.
But if you want to turn your experiences into a brand, why not set up a blog that details every destination? Fill it with travel advice, stories, and guides that will attract like-minded travellers to your website.
Exercise and Self-Care
You might struggle to squeeze in your fitness routine while travelling, so any chance you get to exercise or take care of yourself is crucial. You already know you can catch up on sleep, but going for a walk or doing some yoga can also help you recentre and recharge before you embark on the next step of your journey.
Do Something For Yourself
Some people like to travel solo, others go with a buddy or group, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend all your time together. Instead, it can be beneficial to spend some time apart so you don’t irritate each other too much. Take some time for yourself by doing things the rest of your group doesn’t want to do, such as seeing specific attractions or doing an activity that they aren’t interested in.
Speak to Friends and Family
It’s natural to feel homesick if you’ve been travelling for a while, so connecting with friends and family (especially on someone’s birthday) can help you reconnect with home, look forward to seeing them again, and make you grateful for the experiences you’re having. You can Skype or FaceTime with your loved ones to catch up on their lives or just check in with them, and they can learn all about what you’ve been doing.
Downtime Well Spent
Sometimes, you don’t know how to spend your downtime, especially in airports or on overnight buses. Still, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the times when you aren’t doing something fun. These tips can give you some ideas to find productivity and comfort in those often uncomfortable and inconvenient moments so you get more out of your trip.