Traveling is often an idea we have in our minds. We imagine going on grand adventures in the Sahara or crawling through the jungle in Brazil. But when you look at what people actually do when they are on vacation, it’s completely different from what you might expect. Yes, they’re sightseeing, but they’re also engaging in all sorts of other activities, from family reunions to outdoor activities. Here’s a look at five things to try when traveling.

Try New Foods

I start planning for every trip by researching the local cuisine and the best spots to eat. One of the most exciting elements of traveling is the ability to try new food. Whereas cuisine is copied back home, it’s the real thing when you go to the source. 

For example, suppose you have a Vietnamese restaurant near you back home and the food tastes pretty good. Well, the reality is that it’s likely going to taste bland compared to the real thing in a place like Ho Chi Minh City. 

The same goes for delicacies in places like Africa and Southeast Asia. Nowhere in the West can recreate the experience accurately because the businesses, markets, and cooking facilities simply don’t exist. And if you can, try taking a cooking class and learning to make a local specialty. It’s a great memory to bring home with you.

Go To a Rejuvenating Spa

Another thing people like to do on vacation is rejuvenate. Many view getting away as an opportunity to restart their bodies and prepare them for the challenges of the coming months at work. 

Weirdly, science seems to back up this idea. People who travel and enjoy downtime seem to do better in terms of their biological clocks than those who work straight through without a break. It’s strange, but it’s also true. 

My favorite U.S. wellness spas are Miraval Arizona and Miraval Austin. And close to home, I really enjoy the Monarch Spa at Blackhawk.

Catch Up On Entertainment

Some people use their leisure time to catch up on their favorite TV shows and movies. Right now, a lot of travelers are using sports streaming websites to watch the Euros. However, people can tune into all sorts of things if they think it will give them a sense of belonging or nostalgia. 

Step Outside Your Comfort Zone

Another thing you see people doing while traveling is stepping out of their comfort zone. People stop playing it safe when they leave home because they want to challenge themselves and do new things. For many, it’s “now or never” because they’ll have to go home soon. 

Mostly, these challenges involve things like cycling, hiking, camping, and mountaineering. However, it could also include extreme sports that don’t work back home. My husband went in a shark cage in South Africa and we both enjoy the challenge courses at Miraval (even though they are terrifying).

Connect With The Locals

You also see the most extroverted people trying to connect with locals when they go abroad. For many, this helps them to have a more authentic experience while traveling. The experience almost feels incomplete unless you’re spending time in the company of others who understand the local customs and cultures. 

So there you have it: some of the things people like to do when they go traveling. Which will you try?

Also, I love, love, love to travel, but I also love to be at home. Here are the three things I miss most when I travel:

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