1) Don't go to a "destination" city. Don't go to a city that derives too much of its income from tourism.
2) Trip length: not too long, not too short.
3) Make a loose itinerary, but rip it up occasionally.
4) Bring a phone, but no laptop. Don't use TripAdvisor/Yelp/etc. Ask around. Walk around. Have strange conversations. Don't be afraid to stay in non-traditional lodging.
5) Invest in a place before you go: learn some of the language, read a great book from the place, etc. This will make it much more interesting and memorable.
6) Don't go on trips just because your friends posted about their "amazing" vacations and you feel like you have to go, too. Travel sucks if the excitement doesn't come from within.
7) If you're on a limited budget, don't go to expensive cities and scrimp. It's no fun. Go to cheaper cities and splurge. Or have a blast and go camping with your friends a short drive away.
8) Get fit and dress nicely. Whether you like it or not, this is how people judge you. It's easier to be a good-looking guy/gal in a new place.
| 1) Don't go to a "destination" city. Don't go to a city that derives too much of its income from tourism.
This is good advice. Generally the "second cities" of a country gives a better experience. More open borders and intermixing has been wonderful, but it does mean that a lot of capital/primary cities feel very similar.
Great list; I would only add which kinda goes with (3), don't set your expectations too high - go with an open and exploratory mind, you might even discover new unexpected experiences.
At times we plan a trip based on what we've read or seen and have this picturesque and dreamlike state concocted in our mind and then when reality doesn't meet expectations we spiral down ward and see everything else negatively.
Go with an open mind, don't let minor things upset you, and try to make the best of everything.
1) Don't go to a "destination" city. Don't go to a city that derives too much of its income from tourism.
2) Trip length: not too long, not too short.
3) Make a loose itinerary, but rip it up occasionally.
4) Bring a phone, but no laptop. Don't use TripAdvisor/Yelp/etc. Ask around. Walk around. Have strange conversations. Don't be afraid to stay in non-traditional lodging.
5) Invest in a place before you go: learn some of the language, read a great book from the place, etc. This will make it much more interesting and memorable.
6) Don't go on trips just because your friends posted about their "amazing" vacations and you feel like you have to go, too. Travel sucks if the excitement doesn't come from within.
7) If you're on a limited budget, don't go to expensive cities and scrimp. It's no fun. Go to cheaper cities and splurge. Or have a blast and go camping with your friends a short drive away.
8) Get fit and dress nicely. Whether you like it or not, this is how people judge you. It's easier to be a good-looking guy/gal in a new place.
Happy travels! :-)