The run-up to making off on a big travel adventure is both exciting and terrifying in roughly equal measures. No matter how well you plan your trip in advance, you’re still taking a giant leap into the unfamiliar.

Heading off on a big journey can be a life-changing experience, and may be a one time only opportunity. Because of this, it’s important to squeeze every little bit of enjoyment from it that you possibly can. Here’s how to get the most out of your travels.

Go as slowly as possible

A big temptation when planning your travels is to stuff as many destinations and experiences into whatever time you have. This can lead to a relentless schedule of long journeys and endless sightseeing, which is both exhausting and ultimately unfulfilling.

Instead, allow yourself time to travel slowly and leave yourself enough wiggle room in your agenda to alter your plans. Exploring a single place more fully is usually easier both mentally and physically than jetting off to multiple destinations. It also helps you get a deeper understanding of that location instead of feeling like you’ve barely scratched the surface.

Try something new

It’s all too easy to head overseas and spend your time simply sticking to what you know. Most of us are naturally inclined to play it safe after all. But where’s the fun in that? Instead, take the opportunity to challenge yourself to try something new.

It could be as little as waking up in time to see the sunrise. Or it could be something that scares the hell out of you like skydiving or white water rafting. Whatever it is, try to do something that takes you out of your comfort zone every day.

Embrace different cultures

The world is a vast and diverse place, and everywhere you visit will have a unique culture. It’s these differences that make travel so interesting, so it pays to embrace them when you travel. Not only will you learn new things, but in many instances it can really change you as a person. https://www.instagram.com/p/BkAsgmIlg6t/?taken-by=thewholeworldornothing Learn a few words of the local language and try them out, you’ll be surprised how much it’s appreciated. Sample all of the traditional food and drink on offer, you may just discover a new favourite. Make a point of learning a bit of the history, it will give you a broader understanding of the present.

Remember, even If It ain’t on Insta, it still happened

It’s OK, we get it, you want to show off all of the exciting stuff you’re doing on your travels. Photos are an important part of the experience and a great means to capture what you’re seeing and doing. But even if you do feel like that perfect Instashot is important, be sure to also set aside some downtime.

It’s easy to get caught up in the competitive and often inauthentic nature of social media. So dedicate some time to yourself and escape from the pressures that it can create. Put the smartphone down, be present in the moment and just switch off.