For me, vacations are three phases of fun: The trip itself is bookended by the anticipation phase and the bragging phase. Anticipation includes research, discovery, planning, and, of course, buying clothes, travel nick-nacks, and packing accessories. The bragging phase is when the folks back home get to hear all about it, with pictures from every angle.
I’m still in the bragging phase of my recent overseas trip—a visit to see my daughter in London, followed by craft classes in far-flung places around the UK. Don’t get me started. It was amazing. I even forged a kitchen knife out of hot steel.
The other day I was having margaritas with my friend Jim King, owner of a travel company. He creates and manages custom travel itineraries for his clients. We got to talking about all the ways people travel, and how to plan a truly memorable trip. He assured me I’m not alone in wanting my vacation to be brag-worthy.
Pro travel tips
Travel plans always have built-in limitations, whether it’s budget, vacation allotment, or the amount of time you’re willing to be away from home. Getting the most out of a trip has everything to do with what motivates you to go in the first place. Relaxation, adventure, family history, food, a hobby or special interest—the whole point is to have an experience that’s unlike any other.
Jim has clients who ask him to plan their vacations year after year because he knows what they’re looking for. For new clients, he asks questions like: What do you love to do? Is there something you’ve always wanted to try? How do you want to feel when you’re there? These are questions you can ask yourself. Jim shared with me a few tips for getting the most out of travel:
- Get personal. More travelers are using private guides who can tailor a tour to their specific interests. You can also meet up with someone local for a personalized experience or hands-on learning. Some people go on food and wine tours. I made my own leather sneakers in a small Welsh village. (How’s that for a brag?)
- Pacing is important. You can’t enjoy travel when you feel rushed. Avoid packing too much into each day and you’ll have more time to explore. Jim told me about a family he sent on a trip to Europe. At one point the parents pretended to be under the weather so they could take a break from the hectic schedule. It’s not so much about quantity, but quality of the experience.
- Connect the dots. I was perfectly happy taking trains around Britain. It was a good idea to learn about the rail system ahead of time so I knew how to find my train and move through the station. Jim told me that a lot of his clients like the convenience of a private driver. It allows them to stop along the way and make spontaneous discoveries. Some travel choices are about balancing cost and time.
- Get the lay of the land. Think about what you do when someone comes to visit. You probably give them a big picture of the city, then take them to all your favorite special places. A private guide is like that family member in an unfamiliar destination. But, Jim told me that one of his big-city travel secrets is the hop-on-hop-off bus. It’s a great way to get an overview of a place and make note of things you want to explore more on your own time.
Increasingly, people are recognizing that travel isn’t about checking tourist sites off a list. It’s about feeding your sense of adventure—however you define it. A trip that’s truly brag-worthy is one that makes the most of your time and budget. It’s like the financial plan that’s built around your definition of a life well lived, not someone else’s.
More quick travel tips:
- I spent nearly three weeks in Britian without exchanging any cash, but in some countries you won’t be able to use the public restrooms without coins. Be sure to check before you go.
- If you’re going to the UK, you’ll need to apply for a visa ahead of time. And, if you’re over 60, you can get a senior rail pass that will save significant money on train travel.
- Consider travel insurance. Policies are available that cover flight cancellations, lost luggage, and medical evacuation.
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Liz is a Late Boomer in the sandwich generation who started an independent writing and brand consulting practice after years as a senior marketing executive. She lives in Seattle, Washington. Her mother lives nearby and her daughter is a recent college graduate.
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