I recently returned from a trip to the Sun Belt, and found that certain things distinguished my more enjoyable trips from my less pleasant ones, and thought I could share some of that experience for all travelers out there. That being said, these things are just what I've found best for me to experience a trip, so please feel free to ignore them if you are a different type of traveler!

Try not to take too many pictures

I have found that many people, even those who I travel with, seem to think the documentation of the trip is the most important aspect, rather than the actual experience. I don't want to give off a 'holier than thou' attitude, because of course I often find myself snapping a million pictures instead of simply taking in the sight I've come to see. However, when that happens, I try to take one or two quality pictures, then put the phone away for the rest of the time, and truly take in the place. If you're anything like me, you'll be mad at yourself if you can't conjure the memory of those beautiful sights in your mind after you've returned. After all, if not for that unmatched, in-person experience, what is our traveling for?

Make sure you really want to go somewhere

But if I spend thousands of dollars/hours traveling to a place, isn't it obvious that I want to go there? What I mean is not to re-think whether somewhere you've planned to go is well regarded or popular, as I'm sure those are top of mind factors for people choosing a destination, but to instead evaluate your true passion for that place. Are you truly excited to venture somewhere, or are you mostly going just because everyone goes there, or it's "the thing" to see somewhere? In other words, don't 'go somewhere just to go', no matter how popular or acclaimed. If you are more passionate about going somewhere that's not so popular and more off the beaten path, do that anyway. Sometimes that's just what we need.

Try to get a little out of your comfort zone

I know, it's a major cliché. However, I think trips are the perfect time to do this. Getting out of your comfort zone can be as big as hiking across a waterfall, or something small like trying a new food (I had to do one of those things on my trip). A trip is a time when we are often relieved of our normal lives and responsibilities, but know we will soon have to return to them. Isn't that the perfect time to try something new?

I hope that these suggestions for a great trip were helpful, or if not, that it was at least an entertaining read. Happy travels!