We live in an amazing time. There’s no two ways about it, what is considered commonplace today, would –– not even fifty years ago –– be considered close to a miracle. We can look up the Prime Minister of Australia on a phone that fits in our pocket. We can ask our car for directions. We can receive amazing medical treatments to deal with just about any issue we may have: from laser-eye surgery to correct poor vision, to reversing a tubal ligation with a tuboplasty procedure –– there doesn’t seem to be any problem modern tech can’t resolve. However, despite all the noteworthy technological, medical, and engineering advancements of the past few decades, sometimes the best experiences in life are the simplest ones. And when you take a trip, there are certain activities that need to be lived out to appreciate fully. Indeed, no amount of tech can truly recreate the most basic joys of travel. To that point, here are five simple travel pleasures everyone should experience at least once in their life:
Feel the Sand Between Your Toes
It may come as a surprise to the millions of people who live in coastal cities, but there are plenty of landlubbers out there who’ve never tasted fresh fish, taken a dip in the ocean, or enjoyed the sublime jubilation of walking on a soft, sandy beach. If you haven’t done so yet, make sure your next vacation includes a getaway to a proper beach.
Get Lost in a City
No it may not sound like the most enjoyable activity, but there’s no surer mark of a fabulous traveling story than getting lost first. Only then can you really get to know a new place intimately. So whether you find yourself trying to navigate the London Underground, or working your way through a winding street in Buenos Aires –– don’t fret if you feel lost. Rather, embrace the opportunity for adventure.
Fly
Can flying be stressful, boring, tedious, difficult, and uncomfortable? Yes. Still, everyone always remembers their first flight. And it’s impossible to replicate that feeling any other way.
Converse in a New Language
Even if you only learn enough to say hello and ask for directions to the bathroom, speaking another language with someone else is a thrill that many Americans miss out on. Don’t revert to English just because you assume other people speak it. Try the native tongue first; don’t worry about screwing up, either. Most people will appreciate the effort and your mistakes will only serve to endear you further to them.
Eat Actual Foreign Food
If you think that Chinese food in America actually tastes like actual food from China, you’re in for some kind of awakening. Far too many travelers stick to the meals they’re familiar with when visiting a new country. But nothing beats discovering a foreign delicacy that isn’t available at a kiosk at the mall. Be willing to try new things –– especially foods –– on your next trip. You won’t regret it.