travel tips from real simple

 Last night I was reading the latest issue of Real Simple magazine and enjoyed a travel article titled "10 Things Every Traveler Should Do" by Pico Iyer. I am including a link to the short article because after traveling for over a year I agree that (most of) the ten things are great tips when traveling and wanting to get a true feel for the place you are visiting. Here are a few examples: 

Savor every moment from the first few hours..... I can honestly say that our first day in a new place is my favorite. We always seem to see and do more and are the most excited. It sort of sets the tone for the next few days.  For example, when we went to Savannah, neither Bill nor I had any idea that it would be the absolutely fabulous city that it is. We were so impressed with the beautiful parks, the small city vibe, the energy around the holidays, etc. that we decided to stay an extra day (which isn't unusual for us as you know, but that time we stayed because we wanted to see and do more of the sites instead of staying because we had chores or weather.) 

Embrace the prospect of being a tourist..... Sometimes Bill and I try to fit in and "act like locals." Other times, such as in Key West, everyone is a tourist and we have allowed ourselves to do "touristy" things -- like take an airplane tour of the island and visit Sloppy Joes for expensive drinks just because it is Sloppy Joes. Even after living in Boston for so many years I regret that I never acted like a tourist and always skipped the Duck Tours. Maybe this summer...  

Read the daily newspaper.... Reading the local newspaper really gives us an idea of what the place we are visiting has to offer. It gives us a chance to find out about local events and ideas on what to do while we are visiting.