Well Traveled: The Anatomy of an Incredible Trip

Travel is invigorating. Knowing that I have a trip scheduled is something to look forward to. Something to be excited about.

I travel to get out of the monotony that becomes my routine at home—being engulfed by my worldview, responsibilities, and waking up with the same views.

Every so often, I need to shake things up and see new views.

I travel to feel different hums throughout new places, and for endless horizons and new flavors.

Being well traveled makes conversations with people more interesting and natural. When I am abroad, most conversations start with where I’ve traveled and my plans for the trip ahead. People are often surprised by all the places I’ve traveled to.

I don’t keep count of the countries I’ve traveled to. It has never been about surpassing a certain number of places. It has always been about how can I use travel to process this particular part of my life, and connect on a different level with the people I am traveling with or with myself.

Travel inevitably changes your perspective. It is a wonderful connection point. You can share stories about your favorite experience abroad, or unexpected places you’ve visited, or a place you’ve returned to again and again.

When I think of my most impactful trips, the trips that stay with me, no matter length of the trip or whether I traveled with people or alone, clear similarities emerge.

Anatomy of an incredible trip

1. Choose a location that you are excited about

2. Anchor the trip with core scheduled activities (1-2 per day)

3. Incorporate recovery time

4. Learn something about the history and context of the place

5. Get out of your comfort zone and try something new

6. Stay flexible and pack only the essentials

Choose a destination that can provide a diverse experience. Think: rich spa culture, artisans with region-specific talents like weaving, dyeing, or shoemaking. Would you have an opportunity to spend time in nature?

Do not be so rigid in your schedule that there is no room for exploration or the unexpected.

Depending on the length and how taxing the travel to the destination, consider a starting the trip in a relaxing way like getting a massage or spa session.

For any trip, I like to tap into the spa culture of the place towards the end of the trip. As I start to come down in energy and prepare for my return, like in Paris visiting the women-only Hammam Pacha or in Shanghai, getting body gua sha at Zhongjingtang Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic is a wonderful way to ground yourself.

My guide to creating lasting memories during travel on de nuevo.