Travel Tips

How to Start Your Journey as a Digital Nomad in 2023

In this post our frequent guest writer, Jesse Clark, provides tips for those seeking a digital nomad life/work style. Check out the links included, they contain useful resources. Jesse’s bio sketch is below.

In a rapidly evolving world where technology has transformed the way we work, the digital nomad lifestyle has gained immense popularity. Working as a nomad provides individuals the freedom to work from the place of their choosing and on their schedule. For those wanting to begin their digital nomad journey, this article will explore a host of helpful strategies to get you started for long-term success.

1. Develop In-demand Skills

When starting out, it’s best to sell a wide array of services to test the market and ascertain the area(s) you are good at. For instance, in 2023, digital marketing, website development and programming are some in-demand skills among freelancers according to an Upwork Report. Before you start reaching out to prospects, invest time and effort towards developing in-demand skills. Consider obtaining relevant certifications to establish credibility and stand out from the competition.

2. Learn to Market Yourself

Along with producing high-quality work, you’ll also need to consistently promote your brand and services online. Self-promotion is one of the best ways to establish yourself as a freelancer and develop long-term relations with clients.

The following are the basics of self-promotion:

Design a great website showcasing your best work, credentials, and services. This will serve as the one-stop shop for clients to learn about you and reach out for projects.

Create business profiles on social platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. Regularly post your work and other engaging content to develop an online community and grow your reach.

Networking websites such as LinkedIn are great for connecting with potential clients and fellow digital nomads to develop professional networking that you can rely on for advice, referrals, and collaborations.

3. Protect Your Finances and Assets

Working as a freelancer will give you considerably more freedom over your time and work compared to working a remote hourly-paid job. However, as a freelancer, you’ll need to take steps to protect yourself from unforeseen circumstances and remain financially healthy.

Before you start accepting clients, consider establishing a limited liability company (LLC). Given that an LLC is considered a separate legal entity from its owner (you), your finances and personal assets will be protected from any business-related liabilities.

Additionally, you’ll enjoy a host of tax benefits, potentially saving you hundreds if not thousands of dollars annually.

4. Sharpen Your Skills With a Degree

Being a digital nomad means you’ll be working as a one-person team. In addition to delivering high-quality work, you’ll be responsible for finding clients, managing finances, and a host of other business-related responsibilities.

While learning on the job is great, you can accelerate this process by going back to school and pursuing an online degree. Advance your career with an online cybersecurity degree, gaining in-demand skills to protect digital assets and information systems. Additionally, online degrees are affordable and allow you to run your business while furthering your education.

*Image Credit: Pexels-Djordje-Petrovic-2102413*

5. Choose a Location

Choosing a location as a digital nomad depends on your lifestyle preferences, work requirements, and budget. Consider factors like the cost of living, internet reliability, safety, and community to find a place that suits your needs. Exploring different locations can enhance your experience, providing opportunities to embrace new cultures, meet diverse people, and enjoy unique environments while maintaining your digital work.

When done right, working as a digital nomad can be a rewarding experience. In addition to creating a great online portfolio, remember to establish an LLC and upskill in key areas by earning a degree or developing a unique skill that can be applied effectively in virtual environments.

Unleash your wanderlust with The Independent Tourist! Dive into our comprehensive travel guides and start planning your next adventure today!

Jesse Clark is a traveler, so she’s no stranger to experiencing wanderlust and that strong desire to travel. She’s already had enough experiences to last a lifetime, but she’s not stopping anytime soon. Find out more and contact her through soulful-travel.com.

Featured Image Credit: Pexels.

How Taking a Guided Tour Can Provide You With the Best Photo Opportunities

(Contributed post from Samantha Dunn – Sam is a freelance writer who loves food and traveling. She has been a digital nomad exploring different countries for over a decade. She particularly loves the beach and enjoys trying new cuisines from each place she has visited.)

Traveling is exciting, but it can also be pretty daunting. Organising transport, accommodation and activities can be a huge task and may sometimes create so much stress that our holiday ends up being less than relaxing. For many people, booking a resort holiday at a popular destination is the easiest way to enjoy a well-deserved break.

But what if you want to venture off the beaten path? If you are an avid photographer, you may be a little bored of the same old beach photos. For those looking for unforgettable, rare experiences and amazingly unique photo opportunities, escorted tours are the perfect way to travel. Here’s why:

Local Knowledge

Traveling to distant lands and new horizons requires a lot of trial and error to find those breathtaking places. But with a local tour guide leading the way, you’ll find yourself seeing the very best your destination has to offer. As someone who knows all the hidden beauty spots, incredible viewpoints and the perfect time of day to witness spectacular scenes, tour guides are invaluable when it comes to getting those perfect travel photos.

You’re also likely to see more of the area, as your guide will be able to save you time and money with your travel arrangements already organised. Often, tours get discounted entry to popular attractions and you could even find yourself having a better seat (meaning better views) simply because you’re traveling with a tour guide.

Exclusive Access

There are some incredibly exclusive locations in the world where you are only allowed to venture with an escorted tour. For places like Antarctica, these regulations ensure the safety of the intrepid explorers due to the dangerous landscape and severe conditions. Visitors to the frozen wonderland can get some amazing photographs of penguins, whales and even polar bears.

Sometimes, access is restricted to preserve delicate environments and historical artifacts, as with tours to the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Caves in Belize. Trekking through lush jungle and wading through subterranean rivers, you’ll reach the famous archeological site filled with amazing Mayan relics. With a camera at the ready, joining a guided tour to one of these unique locations can give you access to some incredibly rare shots.

Extra Pair of Hands

Solo travelling can become pretty lonely, and one of the best benefits of a guided tour is that you are sure to meet like-minded people. This can come in handy for your photography, as sometimes, you may need a little help to get the shot you’re after.

Plus, if you would like to feature in a few of your travel photographs, it’s understandable to be hesitant about asking a stranger to take your precious camera and photograph you. But with your new friends from your tour group close by, you’ll always have an assistant photographer to lend a hand.

Do Your Research

Wherever you plan to visit with a tour, be sure to still thoroughly research both the tour company and the destination, to ensure it’s the perfect match for you. Check government legislation and be sure you meet the criteria of the tour to avoid any disappointment or setbacks once you arrive. For example, if you book a hiking tour, be sure to invest in some good quality walking boots and have a reasonable level of fitness.

Whenever you choose to explore with your tour guide, you’re sure to have fun, make new friends and find some incredible photo opportunities along the way.

Featured Image Credit: Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash

Staying Healthy and Safe When Traveling for Business

In this post our frequent guest writer, Jesse Clark, provides travel tips for those traveling on business. Check out the links included, they contain useful resources. Jesse’s bio sketch is below.

There are a few reasons why traveling for work can be bad for your health. One of them is the stress that comes with it. Then, when you’re constantly on the go, it’s hard to find time to take care of yourself or get enough sleep or exercise. That’s why The Independent Tourist has assembled some tips and resources to help you stay healthy and safe when you travel.

Eating Healthier

Eating healthy on the road is not easy. When you are traveling for work, you are most likely eating out for every meal. This can be really expensive and can take a toll on your health.

The first thing to do is pack snacks that will be easy to eat while traveling, like whole-grain pretzels, crackers, bread sticks, trail mix, and protein-high snack bars.

Use your smartphone’s apps to help you find a restaurant with healthy food on the go or healthy options at convenience drive-thru restaurants.

Dehydration can also be a huge problem for those who travel for work. If possible, bring your own insulated water bottle, one that can close tightly and keep your water cool – this especially helpful on long airplane trips. And stay away from alcohol, as it also causes dehydration.

Getting Enough Sleep

Traveling for work can cause some major disruptions in your sleep schedule. A lot of people find themselves staying up late or waking up early to catch a flight, and then they feel tired when they arrive at their destination.

The best way to combat jet lag is to try to maintain your normal sleep schedule as much as possible. This means going to bed at the same time every night, even if it’s not the normal bedtime in the new time zone.

There are a lot of apps to help you both fall asleep and wake up, like The Sleep Genius app for Android or travel-size room humidifiers that add moisture to dry hotel room air.

Getting Enough Exercise

When traveling for work, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the day. As you’re meeting with clients, attending meetings, and staying up late to finish that report, it’s hard to find time to exercise or take care of yourself. Do some research before booking a hotel so that you will have access to a gym or pool, and make sure it’s something that appeals to you. It’s also a good idea to bring your workout clothes with you as well as any equipment you’ll need.

If you don’t have access to a gym, you can always get your exercise the old-fashioned way. Depending on your hotel’s proximity to restaurants and stores, you could walk instead of driving to run errands. That’ll help you fit in a little exercise and stay active on your trip.

Traveling With Your Dog

Traveling with your dog is great for companionship and safety when walking and jogging, as well as saving you money on boarding facilities. If it’s possible to bring your dog with you when you travel, bring a dog first aid kit and an extra leash, and ensure ID tags and their microchip are up-to-date. A GPS dog collar is a wise investment since it’s too easy for your dog to become lost in a strange place with no way to get back home. Find one that utilizes real-time mapping, allowing you to track your dog from a handheld device or your smartphone. This means you can keep up with your dog’s location as they move.

Hotel Safety

Lock your door or room when you are inside, never let anyone else in without your permission, and keep your door locked when you are out of the room as well. When inside, engage the deadbolt and privacy latch or chain.
If you have any valuables, keep them with you at all times or lock them up in the hotel safe. Or, place money and valuables in the safe deposit box at the hotel’s front desk. At a minimum, get a small lock for your suitcase and be sure to lock it up while you’re out of your room.
Ask where the nearest fire stairwell is located. Make a mental note of which direction you must turn and approximately how many steps there are to the closest fire stairwell.
Sensitive documents should be placed in the safe but always back them up with digitized copies. Adding pages to PDFs you can keep everything together. Try using this free tool in order to combine PDF files and stay organized.

Be Your Own Boss

Another way to take some of the stress out of traveling for business is to simply become your own boss! You can do this by starting your own company. Of course, you’ll need to settle on a business structure. An LLC is a popular choice because of the legal protections and tax benefits, as well as the reduced paperwork. You can set it up yourself, or better yet, work with an online formation service.

With some smart planning, from things like packing healthy snacks and knowing how to keep yourself safe in your hotel to organizing documents for travel and keeping your pet secure, you can make any business trip safe, healthy, and productive.

The Independent Tourist has all the travel tips you’ll ever need! To get in touch, please email theindependenttourist@gmail.com.

Note: Image courtesy of Pexels.

Traveling With Kids? Here’s How to Have a Stress-Free and Enjoyable Vacation

In this post our frequent guest writer, Jesse Clark, provides travel tips for those traveling with children. Check out the links included, they contain useful resources. Jesse’s bio sketch is below.

Traveling is often an exciting activity as it allows you to visit new places, have novel experiences, and create cherished memories. But, when traveling with kids, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. This is because kids will have needs that should be prioritized, which can influence where, how, and when you can travel. For families planning to travel in the near future, The Independent Tourist will explore useful steps that will help you plan, execute and enjoy your vacation to the fullest!

Create a Sound Itinerary

Creating an itinerary is one of the most important steps when traveling with kids, as it helps you stay organized and be mindful of what to expect next each day, as reported by Families Love Travel. Additionally, as a rule of thumb, try to keep at least two hours of free time each day, whether in the morning or evening, to ensure that everyone (especially kids) has some time to rest, rather than traveling from one place to another.

Ideally, your itinerary should be made at least a couple of weeks to a month prior to leaving. This will provide ample time to make reservations for a hotel, transport, tickets for tourist attractions, and more.

Determine Your Budget

More often than not, travelers tend to overspend when on vacation. This can be an accumulation of costs, including food, shopping, traveling, and souvenirs. While going a bit beyond budget is not alarming, having no control over spending can lead to your wallet being significantly empty once you’re back home. Here’s how to avoid this predicament:

● Pay in Advance: Hotels and plane/train tickets should always be paid for in advance. This is because you’re bound to find offers and discounts online compared to paying in person. Additionally, you can always include accommodation requests such as an extra bed for kids or an aisle seat to ensure your travel experience is smooth.

● Determine a Cutoff: Depending on the location and duration of your stay, determine a sensible cutoff – i.e., the highest amount you are willing to spend. This will prevent you from impulse shopping, as reported by Real Simple.

Pack Well in Advance

When traveling with kids, packing will play a key role in how smoothly the trip will go. This is because if you forget to carry important documents or required clothing while packing at the last minute, it will have a domino effect for the rest of the trip. Hence, it’s best to start packing at least 10 days before you travel. This provides ample time for you to take stock of items and even order clothing and equipment needed for the trip. For instance, if you’re looking for a comfortable new nursing bra, you can try this listing.

Prioritize Your Kid’s Needs

Regardless of whether you are traveling short or long distances, it’s important to keep your child’s needs above your own. This is because they are less likely to be adaptable to flight delays, weather changes at new locations, and interactions with strangers. Here are a few ways to ensure they have a safe and enjoyable trip:

● Pack all required medicines

● Carry a separate bag with their favorite toys, coloring books, etc., that’ll keep them occupied while traveling

● Healthy snacks such as granola bars, trail mix, etc.

Additionally, when it comes to accommodations, look for hotels or resorts that cater specifically to families. These will often offer child-friendly activities such as swimming pools, game rooms, playgrounds, and more. Additionally, research the area and look for hotels located close to outdoor places such as a beach, national park, gardens, etc., to ensure that you always have somewhere nice to go to, whether it is during the day or night.

By following the above-mentioned steps of creating a sound itinerary and a good budget, traveling with kids will be easy and enjoyable for the whole family. Additionally, packing early will provide ample time to order clothing and other items you’ll need during the trip.

Note: featured images from Pexels.

Traveling Through the Empty Nest: Embracing Adventure in This New Chapter of Life

In this post our frequent guest writer, Jesse Clark, provides travel tips for those who are in a new phase of life. As I prepare to retire soon, and with our children now living on their own, this is a topic that I think about often. Check out the links included, they contain useful resources. Jesse’s bio sketch is below.

Empty nesters are parents whose children have grown and are now facing an empty home. While this can be a challenging time, it can also be an opportunity to go on new adventures and experiences that were not possible before. One of the best ways to embrace this new phase of your life is through travel. Here are some tips on enjoying your newfound freedom from The Independent Tourist.

Take Weekend Road Trips

Weekend road trips are a great way to explore nearby destinations without taking too much time off work or spending too much money. Depending on where you live, there may be plenty of options within a few hours’ drive. Consider renting an RV or booking a cabin in the woods for a unique experience. Renting an RV for a few days can be a great way to learn if that lifestyle suits you.

Go on an Overseas Adventure

If you’ve always dreamed of traveling overseas, now is the perfect time to do so. With no kids to worry about, you can plan more adventurous trips without worrying about schedules or school breaks. “Shoulder seasons” are a perfect time to travel – the weather is still good but most families have headed back home for the school year. Whether you want to explore Europe’s historic cities or relax on a tropical beach in Southeast Asia, the possibilities are endless.

Visit Friends and Family

Now that your children have left the house, you may find that you have more time and energy to visit friends and family members who live far away. If driving, you can explore interesting places along the way. You can also use this time to meet new people and make connections in different parts of the world.

Explore New Cities You’ve Never Seen

There are probably plenty of cities and states in your own country that you’ve never had the chance to explore. Take the opportunity to do some research and choose a few destinations that you’d like to check out. Make sure to plan ahead so you get the most out of your trip and have plenty of time for sightseeing and other activities. Take advantage of this new phase of life by planning trips to places like New York City or San Francisco or even national parks like Yellowstone or Yosemite. You can even head out to one of the many Disney parks scattered throughout the country. Check out Mouse Life Today to learn all about the Disney Vacation Club.

Escape to Somewhere Peaceful

If you’re looking for a more relaxing vacation experience, consider escaping somewhere peaceful like a spa resort or secluded beach town. These are perfect for recharging your batteries and reconnecting with yourself. Make sure to plan some time for meditation, yoga, and other activities that will help you relax and unwind. No matter where you choose to go on your empty nest adventures, make sure that it’s something that feels right for you.

Pack Light

When traveling as an empty nester, it’s essential (and easier) to pack light and stay organized. Avoid overpacking by making a list beforehand and sticking only with essentials. Packing cubes can keep everything organized in your luggage.

Organize Travel Documents

It’s important to keep your travel documents organized digitally for easy access during your trip. Storing travel information and medical records as PDFs make them easy to access. Additionally, you can split a large file into several smaller ones using this free tool, so you can securely store and access them from any device, making them a convenient solution for traveling empty nesters.

In conclusion, becoming empty nesters does not mean that life has come to an end — it’s just the beginning of another chapter full of opportunities for adventure and exploration through travel. Whether it’s taking weekend road trips, going on overseas adventures, or escaping to somewhere peaceful, there is a place out there waiting for you to enjoy.

Note: Featured images from Pexels.

5 Tips for Differently-Abled Travelers

In this post our frequent guest writer, Jesse Clark, provides travel tips for those who are differently-abled. This is a topic I have thought a lot about recently and her recommendations may help ease the challenges differently-abled people might face. Check out the links included, they contain useful resources. Her bio information is below.

When you’re differently abled, traveling can seem intimidating. You might be eager to explore the world, but at the same time, you may worry that once you leave home, you won’t have access to the accommodations and support you need. But today, it’s becoming easier for differently-abled travelers to travel. With resources from The Independent Tourist, you’ll be able to plan your dream vacation. Plus, these tips will help you navigate everything from finding a place to stay to organizing your medical records!

Plan Carefully

Deciding where to go is your first task! Consider cities that have specifically taken steps to better support differently abled residents and tourists. Culture Trip states that cities like Berlin, Germany, Seattle, WA, Sydney, Australia, and Montreal, Canada have all made commitments to better serve differently abled visitors.

Protect Your Travel Documents

Everyone should pack a few key documents when they travel, especially when they go overseas. This is particularly important for differently-abled travelers – if you need to seek medical care or assistance when you’re far away from home, you’ll want to be able to hand over any healthcare paperwork you have that details your needs. You can also create a backup digital file for your documents.

As you digitize your paper records, you can also combine different documents into a single file for convenience. Just follow these quick steps to add content to your PDF document! You can add pages to PDFs with an online tool. You can even use a tool like this to reorder, delete, and rotate specific pages.

Accessible Accommodations

At home, you have all the tools and features you need to maneuver around safely – but what about when you’re traveling? It can take some time to find a hotel where you can stay comfortably, but with a little bit of research, you should be able to book accommodations where your needs will be met. Adaptive Living Guide recommends looking up promising hotels on reservations websites and then calling the hotels directly to ask questions about their services and accessibility features. Once you’ve asked about the specific services they offer, you can book the hotel that will best suit your needs.

Traveling Safely

Perhaps you’re going to take a road trip with your friend, and you already know that the vehicle you’ll be taking is outfitted for your needs. But what if you’re going to be flying? If you’re nervous about the flight, it’s understandable – flying can be stressful even under the best of circumstances. Upgraded Points recommends booking your flight with an airline that has strong protections for differently-abled travelers, getting to the airport early, and communicating clearly with the flight staff. The good news is that many airlines accommodate differently-abled travelers by allowing them to board the plane first and ensuring their needs are met to the best of the airline’s abilities.

Pack Smart

Don’t wait until the night before your trip to start packing! Make a comprehensive packing list ahead of time so that you don’t lose track of anything you need. You can include a few different categories, like clothing, toiletries, medications, and any medical aids or tools that you use on a daily basis. If you’re going overseas, keep your passport in an easily accessible compartment in your backpack.

When you’re booking your flight, you’ll want to double-check the airline’s baggage policies. Choose an airline with lenient baggage policies so that you won’t be charged for bringing extra luggage with you on the flight.

Traveling when you’re differently abled isn’t always easy. You might have to deal with some obstacles as you plan your trip. But with careful preparation, you can take to the skies and see the destinations you’ve always dreamed about. By following these tips, you’ll be able to map out your itinerary, digitize your paperwork, and stay safe while you’re enjoying your trip.

Want to get inspired for your next trip? Find the tips and recommendations you need from The Independent Tourist! Browse our website today to start planning your vacation.

Photo via Pexels

Finding the Perfect Retreat

In this post our guest writer, Jesse Clark, provides ideas for a relaxing retreat-type of vacation. Her bio information is below.

Holidays and year-end work and school projects can be overwhelming, so much so that if you can squeeze in a quick self-care retreat at the beginning of a new year, it can work wonders on your mental and emotional health. When you’re scouting out locations, consider places where you might ultimately like to buy a vacation home and “test drive” the city or state on your quest for relaxation. Today, The Independent Tourist offers some tips and resources to help you on your way.

Southern Arizona

There’s a real sense of calm in the desert, and visiting in January, February, or March offers beautifully temperate daytime temps in the mid-50s and 60s. It’s also “spring” in the desert, which makes for beautiful hikes at Camelback, Santan, or Four Peaks. While you can certainly commune with nature, if you’d like a more traditional wellness retreat, consider any one of the city’s 5-star hotels with award-winning spas, or a hidden gem like CIVANA in the aptly-named Carefree, AZ. Wellness packages include a variety of options, including healthy vegan meals, yoga and meditation, spiritual wellness consultations, and traditional spa treatments and amenities.

Southern California

If you’re in the mood for a wellness beach trip, San Diego is home to pristine beaches, seaside dining, and historic landmarks. It’s also home to a 600-acre Japanese-style mountain retreat, the Golden Door. A true zen experience includes an array of class offerings, hiking trails and labyrinths, traditional spa treatments and offerings, and one-on-one coaching from renowned clinicians and personal wellness experts. While you’re in SoCal, consider a visit to Malibu’s famed Ranch, an exclusive, immersive experience that includes specialized eating and fitness regimens, and personalized experiences.

A trip to California doesn’t have to be exclusively for gardens and spas. If you’re in Los Angeles, you can catch a Dodgers game in the afternoon or evening. Simply choose your price point and select from your choice of great seats at great prices.

Southern Colorado

If you prefer the smell of pines and mountain air, the Crestone Mountain Zen Center in San Luis Valley, Colorado may be the right fit for your rejuvenation needs. This real-life Zen Buddhist monastery offers truly personalized plans intended to be wholly transformative. If you’d rather explore the solitude of nature treks, consider hiking through the Great Sand Dunes National Park, or explore Mesa Verde National Park. While Colorado weather can vary during the winter months, it also offers opportunities for invigorating snow sports like skiing and snowboarding.

International Destinations

If you really want an opportunity to get out of your comfort zone and rest and recharge, Destination Deluxe recommends you consider an international trek. Explore the Bodhi Tree House in Costa Rica and find yourself at one with the jungle, or explore the mountains of Positano at Italy’s Dolce Vitality. If you need a true detox, SHA Wellness Clinic in Alicante, Spain takes a holistic approach that includes stress and anxiety relief and unconventional therapies that are sure to please.

Taking a Permanent Vacation

You may very well fall in love with your wellness destination city and decide you’d like to take return trips on a regular basis. Buying a vacation property typically requires a 20% down payment, which can be steep for many homeowners. A home equity loan or second mortgage may be an option for making your vacay dreams become a reality. According to Bankrate, a mortgage lender can help you crunch your numbers, and a qualified real estate agent in your destination city of choice can help you find the perfect long-term retreat. You should also look into forming your own LLC if you’d like to get into the vacation rental business!

We all need an opportunity to rest, relax, and recharge, and having a vacation home in a beautiful city can be just what you need. You can likely rent out your property when it’s not in use, and be better suited to managing the stress of everyday life when you know you have a special escape that’s all your own.

Featured image credit: Pixabay

3 Ways to Optimize Your Self-Care Vacation

In this post our guest writer, Jesse Clark, provides some excellent tips on taking a vacation that takes care of you. Her bio information is below.

Feeling stressed or overwhelmed by your everyday life? If so, then taking a self-care vacation may be your ticket to feeling calmer and more at ease. Planning a mental health-boosting escape is actually easier than you think — you just need the right tips and tricks to get you in the right headspace to relax and unwind. If you’re looking for more ideas to help you plan your self-care escape, then you need to read through these tips from The Independent Tourist.

Leave Work at Work

Being able to work from anywhere is one of the blessings of living and working in the modern day. It’s also one of the curses. If you’re one of those people who lives with this double-edged sword, and especially if you’re in a management role, think twice before allowing your work to stowaway on your vacation. Of course, you’ll want to complete necessary tasks before you take time off so nothing is lingering unfinished, but also do a metal check to not bring work-related concerns with you on vacation. It’s called “downtime” for a reason, so leave work at work, where it belongs.

Another tactic to increase your peace of mind is to automate some processes. You can automate any number of concerns these days, from payroll to social media outreach. Knowing that even while you’re vacationing it’s “business as usual” is a great way to ensure you are comfortable leaving work at work.

Get Out of Your Comfort Zone on Your Trip

Livening up your travels might mean something as simple as switching up your hair, but if you want even more of the empowering emotions that go along with doing something fresh, Develop Good Habits suggests booking a trip that really challenges your normal routine.

We tend to think that our routines and comfort zones protect and guide us, but those routines can also be limiting. When you get too caught up in feeling comfortable, you are more likely to feel fearful and anxious about trying new things, and about life’s inevitable changes. So, Nomadic Matt says to treat yourself to some ultimate self-care by facing your fears during your vacation!

This could be as simple as getting onto an airplane for the very first time or planning something truly adventurous during your self-care vacation. You could swim with sharks in Hawaii or climb mountains in Colorado. Whether you stay in the States or travel abroad, there are endless options for testing your limits and conquering your fears. So, start small and then work your way up to more on your next trip.

Relax, Unwind and Refresh While on Your Trip

If shark-diving and mountain-climbing sound way too stressful, know that you can always plan a more calming mental health break. If you are still looking to get away from your current location, you could always travel to one of the top wellness destinations in the country. Seaside towns such as Amelia Island in Florida or Wailea in Hawaii can provide the perfect environment to refresh your mind and recharge your senses. There are plenty of activities in these destinations to help you unwind, or Fix.com suggests just spending your entire vacation relaxing by the ocean.

If a pampered escape sounds more like your ultimate version of self-care, a spa trip could be your best bet for de-stressing. From a desert oasis in Palm Springs to a getaway in the heart of Oregon’s wine country, there’s truly a spa destination for everyone.

Stress doesn’t have to get you down, especially when it can be so simple to plan a self-care retreat to recharge and unwind. You can challenge your fears or calm your senses, but either way, your health and well-being are sure to improve when you make self-care a focus.

The Independent Tourist shares information and advice for those who wish to travel independently all around the world. Reach out for more info today! theindependenttourist@gmail.com.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Rawpixel

Post-Pandemic Travel: 3 Mistakes To Avoid

In this post our guest writer, Jesse Clark, provides some excellent tips on post-pandemic travel. Her bio information is below.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic struck, people have been spending most of their time in or near their homes. Travel of any kind, especially nonessential, recreational travel like sightseeing and vacationing, was heavily frowned upon or outright prohibited until very recently when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced a major policy change. Even if you were able to travel a bit, you likely found many attractions and accommodations either closed completely or operating at a nearly unrecognizable level.

As the nation’s vaccination figures rise and the number of new COVID-19 cases declines, travel is making its comeback. However, don’t expect everything to bounce back to the way it was immediately — or, in some cases, ever. The pandemic has inflicted some permanent changes on the way businesses and travelers operate, and some of those changes may be here to stay.

Go ahead and strap on that fanny pack. But before hitting the road or taking to the skies, The Independent Tourist gives you these three common mistakes to watch out for.

Mistake No. 1: Thinking There’s Only One Safe Way To Travel

Condé Nast Traveler points out that health experts and travel industry leaders alike have been debating for some time about which mode of transportation has the lowest COVID-19 risk for travelers. As it turns out, the safest travel method may depend on how far you’re traveling.

For a shorter trip of fewer than 500 miles, car travel is likely your best bet. On a road trip, most of your time is spent in a vehicle with just a few other people whose vaccination records are easy to verify. You’ll avoid spending hours at the airport being in close contact with hundreds or thousands of strangers who may or may not be vaccinated, and you won’t be seated inches away from a stranger who will share your airspace for the entire flight.

That said, car travel requires more frequent stops than air travel, and each stop means interacting with new people. Beyond a one-day trip — roughly 500 miles — the COVID-19 risks of all those necessary road trip stops begin to outweigh the risks of airport crowds. For longer trips, air travel is likely the safest choice.

Mistake No. 2: Choosing the Wrong Destinations

You may be itching to get back to your favorite beach or shopping mecca, but so are thousands of other people. Avoiding crowds is still critical to staying safe on your travels. Outdoor destinations, such as parks and campgrounds, are a safer choice than crowded resorts and hotels.

A surprising silver lining to the COVID-19 cloud is that, with international travel bans still in effect, there has never been a better time to visit some of the country’s most stunning national parks. These destinations are seeing smaller-than-normal crowds due to the absence of international tourists.

Mistake No. 3: Not Updating Your Tech Gear

In a post-pandemic world, expect to have your smartphone always glued to your hand. From navigating trails in the great outdoors to taking advantage of contact-free reservations and check-ins, your phone is more important than ever. If you need an upgrade, now’s the time. Because your smartphone will be everywhere you’re venturing, the risk of damage from the elements — rain, dirt, the sun — as well as drops increases, so you’ll want to invest in a rugged, durable screen protector to protect your lifeline. Many of today’s screen protectors go through extensive testing for things like scratches and impacts.

Also look into a good phone sanitizer to keep germs at bay. Noise-isolating headphones may help you remember to practice safe distancing, and a backup battery or power bank will keep you connected on the go.

While you’re no doubt excited to start traveling again, it’s important to prioritize your health and make smart choices to keep you and your travel companions safe on your adventures.

The Independent Tourist is your source for worldwide independent travel, a blog and guide written by an independent tourism enthusiast for independent tourists. Check us out today! theindependenttourist@gmail.com

(Photo courtesy of Unsplash)