creative travel guide

Solo Traveler

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Creative Travel Tips: Discover More of a Destination and Yourself

January 23, 2023 by Guest

This post was contributed by Elena Paschinger of CreativElena . She is the author of The Creative Traveler's Handbook .

What do you like to do? Hobbies? Crafts? Maybe, you want to try something new. That's one of the best reasons for creative travel.

When was the last time you did something for the first time? If “too long ago” is your answer, then you might be in need of the very inspiration creative travel can provide.

But what is it and why should you include creative activities in your travels?

The simple answer is: Creative travel allows you to experience the soul of your destination. Learning local crafts and methods, using local resources, being taught by local experts, takes you into your destination in a unique and powerful way.

You can read more about great destinations for solo travelers here .

Table of Contents

What is Creative Travel?

Creative travel is:

• carving my own unique piece of pounamu of New Zealand greenstone, with the help of a traditional Maori tutor.
• learning how to dance the tango in Buenos Aires in a typical Casa Milonga.
• cooking a three-course meal with charming French chef, Marthe Brohan in her private home in Paris.

Experiences such as these have the power to change you forever.

Creative travel goes beyond the typical boundaries of a fleeting “been there, done that” tourism exchange. It is the warmth you feel when you enter a family home anywhere on the planet and cook and share a meal with locals. It is the heat of the tango as you try to keep up with the pace of your instructor. It is the leap of joy when you finally wear your hand-carved souvenir round your neck. It is absolutely mind-blowing.

Here Are My 10 Tips to Travel Creatively

• Change “I cannot do this” into “I never thought I could!”  What sounds like the utmost barrier to expressing your own creativity while traveling – the fear of failure – is actually the greatest opportunity you have. After all, who is there to judge you when you travel solo? Your tutors, the local people, will cherish you, and you will find that the happiness of achieving something “you never thought you could” is simply overwhelming. Not to mention the admiring looks and the recognition you get from your friends and family back home, when you reveal your new skill with a child-like sense of pride on your face!
• Social media makes it easy to research creative travel opportunities in advance and stay in touch.  It has been almost a decade since I first started creative traveling around the world. The Internet, with blogs and social media in particular, has made researching creative travel organizations and tour operators easy. It has also made it very easy to stay in touch with creative people you meet on your travels. You can continue networking, sharing, and exchanging ideas.
• Let the locals guide you to achieving your full, creative potential.  There is one common trait in all the creative people I have met with over the past few years on my creative trips around the world: they all share a passion. They live to tell their story. Very often, they are the story, and invariably, as a solo traveler, you will be drawn into the magic of writing your own story with them. Local tutors are there to facilitate your individual experience, to provide the setting for creativity to happen and express itself, so that you become a part of their story in return. As such, the experience you have has the power to transform you – the single greatest achievement you can have on any trip.
• Join a festival with lots of art and creativity on display!  One way to overcome any misconceptions you have that you’re “not creative” is to explore the local art scene as part of a cultural event or festival where creativity is celebrated. This could be anything from interactive workshops with local people teaching you everything from crafts, pottery, weaving, or cooking to designing your own jewelry, making music, or joining a wine or beer tasting. It is a way to blend in with the crowd and experience firsthand the benefits of creative travel.
• Organizing your creative trip well minimizes risk and unexpected outcomes.  Though I only spent six days in the city of Buenos Aires, I spent almost six weeks researching and organizing my creative stay in the city, including everything from a street art graffiti tour on one day to a cooking class and tango lesson on another. I did this via email and social media, contacting all partners beforehand. The other option I had was to contact a specialized tour operator such as ANDA Turismo Responsable. Reassurance from operators and prior organization always pays off, especially when it comes to new destinations or unfamiliar experiences.
• Birds of a feather flock together: Creative travel helps like-minded solo travelers meet. Creative travel not only allows you to meet unique local personalities, it also connects you with other solo travelers who have similar interests. Do you have an interest in learning how to carve a wooden statue using a chain saw? Perfect: Creative Tourism Austria provides exotic, hands-on workshops such as these. Do you want to dig deeper into traditional Aboriginal art? Then connect the dots by doing your own dot-painting workshop at holy Uluru (Ayers Rock) mountain with a group of Aboriginal artists.
• Take a fresh look: Use creativity to change your perception of an established travel destination.  You might have been to Austria, Thailand, or New Zealand before and found amazing scenery, warm-hearted people, and delightful cuisine in all of them. But have you taken the time to really engage with the people you met and what you saw? Creative travel is so much more than our stereotyped, classroom learning. It is a way of understanding and engaging with the local culture and its people in the most authentic way possible – by active participation in the unique skill set of people in your host destination. Why not take a watercolor painting course, sketching in the Salzburg mountains as part of an organized hiking tour, cooking on the waterside balcony with the chef of your hotel resort in Thailand, or harvest the very Paua shells you are to carve into a unique souvenir at a New Zealand beach?
• Allow creative travel to challenge stereotypical thinking.  Your attitude is key. Do you think that the Tango is only for machos wanting sex with any woman traveler? Forget it: real tango goes way beyond its common misconceptions of eroticism, and is a most beautiful dance. Do you think all Austrian women dance to the Sound of Music in Dirndl dresses? That's a film. The reality is that women often make their dresses and you can learn how to make one as well. Experiencing the creative side of a culture gives you a real feel for what it is like to be in a particular place, contributing to the positive economic and social forces tourism can have on the societies we visit.
• And finally, if everything I’ve written above doesn’t move you, here is my last tip : Dare to be different . Go solo to a creative destination. Honestly, please do. You are never really on your own. There is nothing to fear when creating something new. And there is no better way to connect with new travel companions than a hands-on, entertaining, creative workshop that also makes a difference to the locals you meet by respecting their cultural beliefs and supporting their economy.

Follow Your Interests

Follow your passion. If you love art, try making some. If you are wild about wine, take a course on tasting, go and work in a vineyard, or learn how to make quality wine yourself. If you're passionate about food, take a cooking course in the origins of your favorite cuisines.

Follow your inspiration. Who, after watching the film Ghost , didn't think that pottery would be a hobby to take up? Film, books, poetry: all of these can inspire one to a creative trip.

Where to Find Creative Travel Opportunities Around the World

“So tell me this, Elena: Where can I do creative travel around the world?” This is the tip you have all been waiting for. Now, if there was to be a complete directory of all creative destinations around the globe, I would be certain to share it with you right away! As the concept is still evolving there is no such directory but a good starting point is the International Creative Tourism Network . It includes destinations from Morocco to New Mexico, Brazil to Cyprus, Spain to Quebec, and more.

You see, creative travel really is for you to enjoy! Last but not least, I have these wise words for you:

“I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand.” (Confucius)

Sharing is caring!

Publisher Janice: info @ solotravelerworld.com

Editor Tracey: tracey @ solotravelerworld.com

Sales Simon: simon @ solotravelerworld.com

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What is Creative Travel?

Posted on Last updated: April 21, 2024

Have you heard of the term ‘Creative Travel’ before? This type of  hands-on travel, also referred to as ‘experiential travel’ or ‘immersive travel’ (and sometimes even ‘transformative travel’), is a form of tourism focusing on experiencing a particular place by actively and meaningfully engaging with ts history, people, culture, food and environment.

WHAT IS CREATIVE TRAVEL?

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CREATIVE TRAVEL AROUND THE WORLD

QUICK LINKS Creative Traveller’s Handbook

Whatever activity you participate in, the ultimate ‘goal’ in creative travel is to understand the culture , people and/or history of a place more deeply by connecting with it actively, rather than just visiting it passively.

Creative travel doesn’t just have to involve activities that feature a certain creative form of arts and crafts , such as making pottery in Japan or going painting in the mountains of Switzerland, but it can also focus on local food , or other forms of travel that is inspirational and/or helps your understanding of yourself or the world around you .   You can think about learning a language or a typical local sport on location, or activities such as local cooking classes, photography workshops or festivals you can participate in… But there is so much more!

In this post, I explain you more about this travel style and will give you tips of creative activities all around the world. 

Happiness is a state of activity – Aristotle

The Travel Tester loves to review different types of tours and activities around the world.

From well-known tourist attractions to bucket list experiences and from guided tours to self-guided visits of historical places, interactive museums, viewpoints, local events and much more… if it looks interesting to us, we’ll test it!

No matter where you’re going, with our reviews you’ll know exactly where to find fun activities!

Even though the term ‘experiential travel’ is already mentioned in books since 1985 and ‘creative travel’ was coined by professor Greg Richards and Crispin Raymond in the early 2000s, this type of travel seems to have become more and more popular in recent years.

Especially among Millennials , where experiencing something new is often preferred over travels that leave you feeling rested and recharged, creative travel offers a wide range of interesting activities to choose from. 

According to the Creative Tourism Network (more about them at the bottom of this post), creative travel is considered “a new generation of tourism”, that offers visitors the opportunity to “develop their creative potential through active participation in courses and learning experiences, which are characteristic of the holiday destination where they are taken”.

Whether you travel alone, as a couple or with a family or group of friends, there are many activities around the world offered in the creative tourism industry, such as educational courses and workshops and creative experiences where you get to learn different art forms or even adventure activities where you interact with the local nature and people in a fun, yet authentic way.

What would you like to experience? 

Now, I love a good Bucket List when I see one, but at the same time I also feel strongly that travel isn’t just about ticking activities and popular sights of a list just to be ‘done’ with a destination. What about you?

There are so many more experiences you can have on the road that let you truly connect with the culture, people and nature of a place – experiences that will let you learn and share skills, bridge cultural gaps and leave you with a sense of fulfillment that snapping a selfie in front of a famous landmark just can’t do… and those we call ‘creative travel activities’.   

While creative travel is really something that you can do all around the world, there are some countries that have included creative experiences into their overall marketing and are a bit ahead when it comes to providing activities, workshops and other hands-on cultural experiences and I love to share them with you.

With the help of personal travel experiences of my blogging colleagues from all over the world, I aim to compile the ultimate list of creative tourism ideas from Africa to Asia and Oceania and from Europe to all corners of the Americas:

01. You Learn New Skills

For me personally, this is one of the best benefits of creative travel. The more you see and experience, and the more people and places you encounter, the more ideas you will have to fuel your creativity . Get out of your comfortzone, try new things and you’ll be amazed by what you will learn!  

02. You Understand Other People Better

When was the last time you truly engaged with someone else’s culture? Travel is the number one way to expand your world and interact with people that live and probably think in a different way than yourself. Many creative travel experiences make you slow down, which gives you the time to ask questions and hear other people’s stories.

03. You Develop Patience 

Creative travel teaches us to constantly adapt to new situations, to be observant and to be ready for any changes… all in an environment that is completely unfamiliar to us. You develop patience and problem-solving skills, that go hand in hand with creative thinking, which will always help you further in life. 

04. You See the Beauty of the Earth

While you might think that all creative activities can be done in any location, even at home, participating in these experiences in another countries adds the benefit of seeing our planet in a completely different way. Painting with a mountain view, playing sports overlooking oceans or rivers, picking fruits in gorgeous orchards, our earth is a beautiful playground! 

05. You Get to Know Yourself Better

Self-awareness is a skill that’s indispensable in anything you do, whether you are traveling, working, studying or playing around. Getting to know your limits and talents through creative travel, you will become better in taking initiative and act on -and fulfill- your life goals.  

Of course, it will take some time to gather all  of the world-wide activities for you (and I might never fully get there, but I hope that what I’ve compiled for you so far inspires you to think outside the box and choose hands-on activities on your next trip yourself. If you did, please let me know about it, I would love to hear it!    And if you’ve found new activities that you feel would make a good addition, leave a comment below, so I can include it for future travellers seeking to get to know a certain destination, rather than just rushing through it.    Safe (and Fun) Travels! 

You don’t always need to be physically on the road to enjoy the beauty of destinations from all around the world!

From vintage travel posters to beautifully displayed souvenirs and home decor items inspired by your favourite places and from travel journals and crafts to exploring world recipes, music and dance.

With our creative articles you’ll get some fresh ideas on how to bring the world closer to the comforts of your own home.

MORE ABOUT CREATIVE TOURISM

If you are looking for more creative tourism examples, then make sure to head over to the website of the Creative Tourism Network, as they are a fantastic source of information and inspiration for your upcoming travels. 

The Creative Tourism Network is the international organization for the Creative Tourism development worldwide. They offer consulting and training to tourism professionals and also host the Creative Tourism Awards to reward projects, companies and destinations that foster the new generation of tourism with the active participation of tourists in creative activities.

www.creativetourismnetwork.org

CREATIVE TRAVELLER’S HANDBOEK

My travel blogger friend Elena wrote a wonderful book about creative travel that I can highly recommend reading. In this inspiring handbook, she answers not only the question who creative travel is for, but she gives practical tips on how to be creative on your own travels and how to plan your next creative trip down to all the details.

Read my Full Review of the Creative Traveller’s Handbook >>

RECOMMENDED GEAR

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There is so much to explore in the world, how do you decide where to go next?

The Travel Tester is all about mindful travel and we love matching your passions to destinations on earth. So whether your travel for food , nature , creativity , history , culture , innovation , adrenaline , good karma or personal growth , we’ll have suggestions for you wherever you go.

Click the button below for more information and all our travel guides:

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Whether you’re looking for the best travel gear, gadgets, electronics, packing solutions, clothing, shoes, travel books, health- or beauty products… we’ve made a personal selection for you!

We’ve also included our favourite tech items used to create this blog, as well as material that can help you in your self-development, such as interesting books and courses.

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11 BEST Travel Guides for 2024 [Websites & Guidebooks]

* This article contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you.

TL;DR: The two best travel guides are Rick Steves for first time travelers—especially anyone going to Europe—and Bradt Guides for off-the-beaten-path destinations and “Slow Travel.” Both are reliable, will give you ideas for what to do, and help you plan the best trip.

The way we travel has changed drastically in my lifetime. Information is more readily available in the digital age, a massive plus for traveling. 

Everyone, including myself, wants to make the most of every trip abroad. That’s why I love reading travel guide books or online guides. 

Some of these guide books help you get off the beaten path. Others give information on tours you can take on your own to learn the history of a certain destination you’re visiting. 

But which are the best?

After years of reading and doing research, I have found the best travel guides for you to use when planning your next trip abroad!

Note: this article contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you so I can keep providing free travel advice and tips.

Here’s a quick look at our recommendations

• DK Eyewitness
• Bradt Guides
• Rick Steves
• Lonely Planet
• Blue Guides
• Footprint Guides
• Frommer Guides
• Tripadvisor
• Rough Guides
• Moon Travel Guides
• Insight Guides

Table of Contents

#1 DK Eyewitness

DK Eyewitness is one of the best travel guide books on the market today. But they offer more than just travel information. 

After publishing books for over 45 years, DK Eyewitness Books cover everything from travel, science, history, pop culture, and children’s topics.

Their travel guides give the information you desperately need for travel– such as maps, itineraries, accommodations, where to eat, and more! 

I also love how easy their visuals are to look at. I sometimes get lost in their maps and start imagining myself there (I’m a big daydreamer if you can’t tell!).

DK Eyewitness Travel guide books might not be the most in-depth on a particular location, but they help with travel inspiration. 

If you want more information, DK Eyewitness has a podcast called ‘Where to Go,’ which is another excellent way to get your travel information on the go!

• 100+ destinations
• Heavy on history
• It has both outdoor and city guides
• Amazing visuals
• Not as in-depth as other guides

#2 Bradt Guides

A Bradt travel guide is perfect if you’re interested in visiting countries that are less traveled to— written by experienced travelers with fantastic insider tips. 

Bradt travel guide books has a reputation as the “World’s leading independent travel publisher.” They are also the best India travel guide company.

Some unique destinations include Iraq, Sri Lanka, Galapagos Islands, and Grenada. But don’t worry. Bradt Guides also has a British series for those interested! 

Lately, I’ve been striving to travel like a local. Bradt has a ‘Slow Travel’ guidebook series, which I love using these days because it helps me travel like a local. 

The trip ideas are great in detail but might not be for your preferred country to visit. 

Bradt Guides prides itself on being the most comprehensive on the market. Their authors give cultural insights and expressions of interest and knowledge.

You can support Bradt’s Guides even further by subscribing to their Patreon! Here you can pay monthly for a specific tier and earn different things like one free e-book a month.

• More off-the-beaten-path destinations
• Slow travel series
• Has a Patreon page
• Unique style of travel not for everyone

#3 Rick Steves

Rick Steves books are the guide books your mom hands you when traveling to your dream destination in Europe. And that’s a good thing! They’re trusted by many for a reason.

These travel guide books are always up-to-date, thanks to Rick Steves’ research partners. 

Rick’s books will have you feeling like you’re on guided tours! He ensures you’ll have some fantastic cultural experiences. 

I love Europe, but there are many other cultures throughout the world that I’m even more interested in. So, since Rick Steves’ guidebooks are primarily Europe-focused, I’m not as drawn to them.

Also, traveling in Europe long-term can get expensive. His books cater to a more wealthy crowd. 

Pick any European country, and you will have high-quality content on that destination. Rick has visited Europe countless times, and other travel websites can’t compete. 

Rick’s bestseller is his Italy guide, which isn’t surprising. In that guide, he goes over the best places to eat and sleep and how to beat the crowds. 

It’s a good idea to grab a Rick Steves’ book simply for the detailed maps.

• Best guides for Europe
• It gives in-depth information for solo tours
• Perfect for a beginner traveler.
• Catered to upper and middle-class travelers

#4 Lonely Planet

I’m sure you’ve heard of Lonely Planet , as they’ve been a dominant force in the travel scene for quite some time now. Their goal is to make travel planning easy, and they’ve succeeded!  

I loved using Lonely Planet books when I first started traveling. These books helped me up my game as a budget traveler. 

Lonely Planet dominates the internet with a wealth of online resources. While the information they offer online is easy to access, it can be vague. 

You can subscribe to Lonely Planet on their website for free. I’ve done this, but I’ve found that there tends to be some destinations/articles that are low in detail. 

Considering Lonely Planet’s sheer amount of content, it’s not too surprising that they sometimes gloss over details. 

Their claim to fame is their numerous experts located worldwide. These experts cover adventure travel, family holidays, food and drink, and much more. 

Plus, a Lonely Planet magazine is an amazing coffee table piece, am I right?

• Backpacker friendly
• An extensive collection of guides for the entire world
• Free information is available
• Some of their content is outdated or not detailed

#5 Blue Guides

If you love the art and history of Italy, then Blue Guides is for you! People often plagiarize Blue Guide books due to the amount of accurate information each book has. 

With over 14 books on Italy alone, you won’t find more detailed information on a particular destination than with Blue Guides– they deliver it all! 

Italy was the first country that I visited outside of the United States, and I’m so glad that I had a Blue Guide book with me. 

Their award-winning maps and exceptional attention to detail made it feel like I was on a private tour! 

Be aware: there aren’t a lot of online articles from Blue Guides or many countries to choose from, which could be an issue if you like to visit more unusual locations.

Blue Guides’ first publication date was in the early 1900s, so it’s undoubtedly a top guidebook for a travel junkie!

• Helps travelers understand art and history
• Multiple guides on Italy
• Extremely thorough in their research
• Not a lot of destinations

#6 Footprint Guides

Footprint Guides is the go-to source for Latin American travel tips for all budgets! My love for this region of the world has only grown since I started using their books.

Even if Latin America isn’t one of your top destinations, they do offer other print books. All Footprint Guides are written by experts who have lived in that destination. 

Unfortunately, for North American travelers looking to plan a dream road trip, you won’t find much helpful information here, as their focus is decidedly on the south. 

Alongside their practical information, Footprint adds a layer of imagination to their guidebooks, giving them an edge that makes them one of the best travel guide series available today!

• Wide range of budgets
• Specializes in Latin America
• Practical information
• Not much content on the United States

#7 Frommer Guides

Does traveling on $5 per day sound appealing to you? Arthur Frommer thought so when he set out to create his Frommer travel guides . 

Alongside some of the best guidebooks, Frommer also offers other forms of information, including podcasts, online articles, and hotel deals!

I love using Frommer guides on road trips because they help me in many different situations. 

I usually like to have a podcast for when I’m driving , a guidebook on specific destinations while I’m in a hotel room, and online sources when on the go. 

Having Frommer guides in all their varied forms is essential since each one typically doesn’t go into heavy detail. 

If purchasing travel guide books doesn’t interest you, then keeping up to date with Frommer’s online travel guides is the way to go.

• Many styles of information are available
• Updates information frequently
• Offer hotel deals
• It covers only the main details

#8 Tripadvisor

Tripadvisor is an online source that most travelers have heard about. It’s unique on this list of travel guides because you interact with other travelers!

If you’re looking for help with trip planning, look no further than the Tripadvisor forum . Here you can talk with fellow travelers about your upcoming trip! 

When I have a specific question that needs answering, I always check Tripadvisor first. They have information on most countries, but some info on the forums can be outdated. 

Tripadvisor is great because it’s free! But they’re more than just a review and forum-based platform; you can also book different travel deals and tours through their website.

Sometimes the sheer amount of information can be overwhelming to click through.  If that sounds relatable, you might want to purchase some guidebooks instead. 

Tripadvisor started the wave of online travel planning. They’re worth browsing, even if you just want to write down a few travel tips!

• Multiple reviews from other travelers
• Travel deals available
• Forum can be out of date
• The massive amount of information can be overwhelming

#9 Rough Guides

Rough Guides has grown into a leader in the travel industry with its amazing travel guidebooks and online travel guides. 

What I love about these books is their authenticity. Their recommendations from locals helped to grow them into who they are today.

It all started with their Greece travel guide, and it quickly blew up. Demand increased for more and more Rough Guide content; they released a guidebook series for people who were eager for more. In 2017, Rough Guides expanded even further.

Today Rough Guides are more than just a travel guide company that sells books. They offer tours, custom-made itineraries, and more! I love using their website when planning my next trip. 

These custom-made itineraries and tours are expensive but for a reason. Rough Guides’ experts are located worldwide to give you the best travel experience ever. 

Rough Guides best selling guides offer a ton of background information and local tips, making them worth the high price!

• Detailed itineraries
• Personal recommendations from locals
• An extensive list of countries
• High prices for tours and custom itineraries

#10 Moon Travel Guides

Moon Guides are my favorite guidebooks for traveling around the United States. Planning that perfect road trip is challenging but Moon Guides makes it easier.

Moon’s travel guidebooks are all about traveling sustainably. I’ve used them countless times in the Americas and have found them super helpful.

But Moon Guides don’t focus on the Americas only– they also offer some of the best travel guides for Japan in particular.

I’ve learned to use these books more for research instead of bringing them on my travels– they don’t always hold up with how rugged traveling can get for me.

Moon’s detailed maps are so good in their guidebooks that I fill my phone library with them. They are easy to read and use, which is what I think makes a good map. 

The best travel tips are from locals, and that’s what Moon’s travel guidebooks bring. They don’t have a fancy touring app or anything, but they don’t need it. 

If you want one of the best travel guides for families, then there’s no better choice than making Moon Guides your tour guide when traveling. 

Find your dream destination, get travel inspiration from their maps, and book that plane ticket.

• Emphasis on the Americas and the Pacific
• Easy-to-understand maps
• Many pages of information solely for hotels/accommodations
• Guidebooks aren’t durable

#11 Insight Guides

Insight is one of the best travel guidebooks on the market for a reason. The beautiful photographs in these travel guidebooks will have you daydreaming for days.

Insight guides are perfect for those history buffs out there like me. They combine great information with also some off-the-beaten-track activities. 

Insight has produced over 200 guidebooks and language books. Their books provide information on nearly any country you can think of (besides Mexico).

I love their books because they also have a mini-series.

During the Covid years, I was in the mood to read a lot. I picked a different destination each week and bought a new e-book. 

I could do this because they only cost five to ten dollars! Most of the best travel guidebooks are double this.   

Besides its guidebook series, Insight offers a handmade trip planned by experts to the destination of your choice. What more could you ask for?!

• Multiple countries in each continent
• Has language guides
• Sells hand-picked vacation packages put together by locals
• Offers mini versions of guides to sell for cheap
• No Mexico guide

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Travel Guide

What to Look for in Travel Guides

Is the information up to date.

Picking the best travel guidebooks can be an overwhelming process. But the most important thing to watch out for is making sure the information is up-to-date.

Compared to online sources, guidebook information tends not to get updated as quickly for obvious reasons. 

You don’t want a travel guide taking you to a restaurant that doesn’t exist anymore, do you? No. You want to get off the beaten track but not THAT off that it gets you lost.

Pick Locally-Based Travel Guides

My ideal travel style is meeting locals, living, and eating like a local. I have the best travel experiences when I dive deep into the culture.

The best information about a destination comes from locals. When you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica, wouldn’t you want to consult someone who has lived there for many years?

When you rely on locals’ recommendations, you’ll truly have an experience of a lifetime. 

Know What Type of Traveler You Are

This next tip can be difficult for some, and it can change from year to year. I have gone from being a true budget traveler to somewhere in the middle. 

I used to love history (I still do) and would base my travels around that. Now I seek adventure activities. 

Different types of guides will focus on different things, such as budget travel, adventure, expensive tours, food, or history. 

Finding the travel guide that fits your style will be more beneficial in the long run.

Know Which Destination You Want to Visit the Most

The best world travel guidebooks are often better for certain locations than others. For example, Rick Steves has a reputation for being the best travel guide for Europe and, specifically, the best travel guide for Italy. 

So, choose your travel guide based on which one specializes in the area you’re curious about.

Other Helpful Travel Guides

Travel is a huge industry which means there are more guides than you could ever possibly use. 

If you prefer your travel content in video form, one of the best travel guide Youtube channels is Ryan Shirley . 

His videos showcase the top places to visit in different countries with some of the best drone shots you’ll ever see. 

FAQs About Travel Guides

Should You Even Buy a Travel Guide?

A travel guide has its place. It may seem outdated to use one, but you can find some of the best information in them. 

Some guides take years to make and are very specific in the details they write for certain locations. The maps tend to be better and easier to read in these types of guides as well.  

Which is better: Lonely Planet or Rough Guide?

It depends on the style of travel you prefer. I prefer budget travel and tend to take fewer tours, so I like Lonely Planet. Rough Guide also has amazing tours if you’re interested in those.

What is the difference between Fodor’s and Frommer’s travel guides?

Frommer travel guides are excellent for those who want an easy read. Fodor is typically the better choice if you want more details about your activities. 

Fodor also has one of the best travel guides for Ireland, so check out Fodor if that’s your destination.

Is it better to travel with a tour guide or alone with a travel guide?

The answer differs from person to person! If you want your trip planned, then a tour guide is perfect. Going alone with a travel guide is nice because you can go at your own pace. 

Do people still buy travel guides?

Absolutely! There’s something different about having a travel guidebook to look at rather than scrolling through a website. 

Rick Steves and Bradt are my favorite travel guides.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Phillip Anderson

Phillip Anderson is a freelance travel writer, personal trainer, and adventure enthusiast. With years of travel experience under his belt, Phillip is an expert in finding the best deals through travel apps and websites. He knows how to find cheap domestic and international flights, like a flight to Peru for as low as $350.

When looking for cheap accommodations, Phillip combines his knowledge of websites like Airbnb, Booking.com & Hostelworld with more unique sites like TrustedHousesitters, for even more savings. Whether it’s flights, accommodations, or local experiences, he teaches travelers to make informed decisions, ensuring their adventures are both memorable and economical. For more from Phillip, check out his website, JaywalkTheWorld.com.

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• BEST OF THE WORLD

20 of the coolest travel adventures for 2024

From a horseback safari in Kenya to river rafting in West Virginia, here’s our ranked list of the top travel experiences right now.

This page is a portal.   No, really, it is: Our annual Best of the World feature is a gateway to the streets of Paris , the snowy Caucasus Mountains of Georgia , the ancient rock art of Algeria . To help us engage with places more deeply and meaningfully, we drew on National Geographic’s global community of experts to create the following ranked list of 20 great adventures for 2024. Read on and you’ll discover that this page is also a celebration—of travel’s power to transform us and our connections with one another.

#1: Go on horseback safari in Kenya

A safari in Africa usually conjures an image of mud-spattered 4x4 vehicles bouncing through the bush. But there’s another way to travel: on horseback .  

Although horse safaris originated in Kenya in the 1970s, they’re a perfect fit for today’s growing number of travelers looking for more engaging, sustainable wildlife encounters. At the 32,000-acre Borana Conservancy , two stables house thoroughbreds and ex-polo ponies for riders of all skill levels. Visitors can book half-day, full-day, or overnight rides. July through September is the prime time to go.

Since wildlife perceive equines as just another animal, exploring the landscape atop a horse makes for an intimate experience. “To journey on horseback is to break down the walls—meant to protect but also to separate—between oneself and the natural world,” says Nichole Sobecki , a photographer and equestrian who’s ridden in Borana. “Your horse is a translator, responding to the low growl of the lion, the soft scent of a herd of elephants.” A horse’s ears are an advance warning system, she says, helping knowledgeable guides navigate routes.

#2: Run an Olympic marathon in Paris

For the first time, members of the public will be able to run their own marathon during the 2024 Summer Olympics , in Paris, France , just one initiative aimed at creating a more inclusive Games.  

Slated to be held the evening of August 10, between the men’s and women’s official races, the Marathon for All will allow 20,024 qualifying lottery winners on the 26.2-mile route that links Paris and Versailles , a loop beginning at the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) and passing through nine arrondissements before finishing at Les Invalides on the banks of the Seine. Before or after the big event, learn the route to follow in their tracks.  

#3: Ski tour UNESCO sites in Georgia

Long a means of transportation, exploration, and hunting, skiing is still a way of life in the mountainous republic of Georgia. Now visitors can enjoy some of the nation’s best backcountry skiing in the Caucasus with the help of outfitters such as Svaneti Ski and Georgia Ski Touring . In Svaneti, excursions may lead skiers through panoramic Gvibari Pass or to medieval Ushguli villages, among the highest continuously inhabited in Europe. The best times to experience this are December to April.

#4: Bear watch in Katmai National Park

Alaska ’s Katmai National Park is home to one of the highest concentrations of brown bears in the world. Far from the crowded viewing platforms of the Brooks Camp Visitor Center, a guided trip along the Katmai coast with outfitters like AK Adventures reveals a different side of the park.

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National Geographic’s top travel products for 2024 run the gamut from customizable bags and backpacks to a recyclable jacket

Here, the bears feast on a diversity of foods: sedges, grasses, razor clams, salmon. “For me, seeing a single brown bear in the wild is meaningful because it is a sign that the landscape is healthy enough to support it,” says Alaska photographer Acacia Johnson , a frequent National Geographic contributor.

#5: Hear legendary live music in Kyoto

Guidebooks speak of Kyoto as frozen in time, with hushed temples and meditative gardens. But after hours, Japan ’s former imperial capital reveals a live music scene that can be loud and irreverent. At venues like Jittoku and Field , rock, swing, and even Irish music echo into the night. Whatever you’re into, from jazz to punk, there’s a community to share your jam. “This is what happens in Japan when the mask comes off,” says Kyoto guide Van Milton.

#6: Cruise an epic river in Colombia

About 80 percent of Colombia ’s population lives in the river basin of the Magdalena, which flows for nearly a thousand miles from the Andes to the Caribbean. AmaWaterways’ new cruises on the river—said to be the first by a major cruise operator—take seven-night trips from Cartagena via Mompós to Barranquilla. Stops at colonial towns, performances of vallenato   and cumbia music, and visits to a stilt-house village highlight the region’s culture along this mighty waterway.

#7:   Road trip Route 66 in New Mexico

For nearly a century, Route 66 has beckoned to travelers. A trip along the Mother Road through New Mexico hits timeless landmarks , such as quirky motels and curio shops in and around Tucumcari and symbolic etchings in Petroglyph National Monument . In Gallup—mentioned as one of the places to “get your kicks” in Nat King Cole’s 1946 hit song “Route 66”—you can take in performances featuring Zuni, Lakota, and Diné (Navajo) dancers.  

Some 18 miles of the highway traverse Albuquerque , the longest urban interlude of the route in the United States. And it’s getting a half-million-dollar glow-up with the ongoing restoration of vintage neon signs along Central Avenue.  

While cruising down the brightened strip, stop at the new West Central Route 66 Visitor Center , with its museum and outdoor amphitheater. The center will host events like lowrider car shows, drive-in movies, and artisan markets.

#8: Explore ancient art in Algeria

Algeria is home to Africa’s largest national park, which holds one of the world’s greatest concentrations of ancient rock art. Tassili n’Ajjer National Park is a geologic wonderland of sandstone towers, arches, and sculpted outcrops. But these rock forests are only half the story.  

Neolithic herders and hunter-gatherers carved 15,000 petroglyphs here, including images of elephants, giraffes, and rhinos. These animals are more commonly associated with sub-Saharan Africa—a hint that this arid wilderness was once a grassland crisscrossed by waterways. Five- to seven-day guided tours with Fancy Yellow take in the most spectacular works of Tassili’s art, like the “Crying Cows,” engraved at the base of a stone pinnacle 7,000 years ago.  

Travelers with more time might want to combine a trip to Tassili with a visit to the Algerian Sahara’s other great geologic marvel: the extraordinary mountain range of Ahaggar National Park .

#9: Dive with sharks in Western Australia

Stretching almost 700 miles along the Indian Ocean north of Perth, Western Australia’ s Coral Coast is studded with natural wonders. But Ningaloo Reef is the star. Here, you can dive with giants: Some 300 to 500 whale sharks ,   one of the largest congregations on Earth, gather along the reef each year between March and July. Ethical outfitters ensure divers give the sharks space and avoid feeding them or using flash photography.  

Even more megafauna abound from July to October, when about 40,000 humpback whales migrate along the Coral Coast. You can also commune with more than 10,000 dugongs in Shark Bay or swim with manta rays at Coral Bay.  

#10: Hike a volcano in Panama

A sustainability leader, Panama recently launched its “1,000 Kilometers of Trails” project , which seeks to bring outdoor recreation and green tourism to rural communities and protected areas.

First out of the gate is the Ruta de la Caldera , a system of five trails around the extinct Valle de Antón volcano . The treks take in waterfall-speckled landscapes, according to photographer Rose Marie Cromwell , who hiked sections of the Ruta de la Caldera over five days.

“There were some spectacular views on top of the volcanic crater—interesting land formations covered in so much green,” she says.

#11: Catch the eclipse at Niagara Falls

Directly in the path of totality, Niagara Falls will offer views of a total solar eclipse, which won’t occur again in the contiguous U.S. until 2044. For about three and a half minutes, beginning at approximately 3:18 p.m. on April 8, the sky will darken over the thunderous cataract as the moon crosses between Earth and the sun.  

On the U.S. side of the falls , Terrapin Point, Prospect Point, and the Observation Tower will be prime viewing areas (if clouds stay away). From the Canadian side, an excellent vantage point is Table Rock. A side bonus: The sunny-day rainbow that hovers above the falls will become pink.  

#12: Trek a glacier in Chile

In Chilean Patagonia‘s Laguna San Rafael National Park , visitors can trek to glaciers, taking in a panorama of pale blue ice massifs and glacial waterways. Some 17,300 glaciers still cover the whole of Patagonia’s ice fields, but rising temperatures are rapidly melting them. Climate scientists say sustainable tourism , such as hikes with Chilean outfitters like Turismo Valle Leones , supports local communities and inspires travelers to learn more about how to protect glaciers.

#13: Step back in time on Menorca

Spain ’s Balearic Islands are best known for the jet-set beach destinations of Ibiza and Mallorca . But quiet, less developed Menorca has a unique mother lode: The archipelago’s greatest repository of ancient architecture.

In an area of just 270 square miles, Menorca has a total of 1,574 inventoried archaeological sites , ranging from the foundation blocks of small dwellings to well-preserved village centers that existed long before the Roman Empire. Most striking are the navetas,   megalithic tombs dating back to 1600 B.C.; talayots, watchtowers built from mortarless blocks of limestone; and   taulas,   shrines exclusive to Menorca that evoke Stonehenge pillars. These remnants of the Talayotic Menorcan culture, the first civilization to inhabit the island, have now been inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List .  

The open-air monuments are easy to visit; the island’s Me-1 road passes by some of the best-preserved sites, including the settlements of Talatí de Dalt, Naveta des Tudons, and Taula de Torretrencada.

Reenter the 21st century at the new Hauser & Wirth gallery in the picturesque town of Mahón. Housed in repurposed 18th-century hospital buildings, the cultural venue presents contemporary art exhibits and has an outdoor sculpture trail with works by Louise Bourgeois and Joan Miró.

#14: Ride classic rails in Scotland

Exploring Scotland ’s wild, scenic Highlands doesn’t have to mean roughing it. The Royal Scotsman train glides among the moody lochs and dramatic peaks in style. New suites debuting in May 2024 sport interiors that reflect the compelling landscapes through dark woods, wool tweeds , and richly patterned bespoke tartans crafted by Scottish brand Araminta Campbell . After a day spent hiking to waterfalls or playing rounds of golf (a sport inextricably tied to the nation), guests can wind down with a massage at the onboard spa.

Departing Edinburgh ’s Waverley Station, the two- to seven-night rail journeys cross the heart of the Highlands, from Perthshire to Inverness to the rugged west coast. During stops guests can tour castles, stargaze in Cairngorms National Park , sample whisky at revered distilleries, and even take a dip in a loch.

#15: Find authentic flavor in Thailand  

The Isaan region in northeastern Thailand is known for its distinctive cuisine that reflects influences from bordering Laos and Cambodia. “Isaan is a hidden gem of Thailand,” says Weerawat “Num” Triyasenawat, the chef at Samuay & Sons , a Michelin Guide -recommended restaurant in the Isaan city of Udon Thani.

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One key ingredient of the region’s delicious food is pla ra, a fermented-fish seasoning that boosts umami flavor. Local dishes include laab   (minced meat salad), traditionally served during celebrations.

#16: Wander tea trails in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is virtually synonymous with tea. The island nation is one of the world’s top producers of tea leaves. British colonists introduced the first bushes about 200 years ago. Now visitors can trace the footsteps of historic planters on the new, nearly 200-mile Pekoe Trail , the country’s first long-distance walking route.  

Starting just outside Kandy, the trail follows the 19th-century tracks upon which workers and horse-drawn carts transported freshly plucked leaves. Hikers pass through hill towns and tea estates and can stop to take a cooking class or savor a cup of aromatic Ceylon tea.

#17: Gallery hop in São Paulo

São Paulo, Brazil ’s largest city, is an art lover’s paradise, home to numerous galleries, exhibitions, and street murals. The crowning jewel is the Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP), which is expanding to showcase more of its 11,000-plus artworks, from pre-Renaissance paintings to contemporary sculptures. Departing from the usual model of exhibiting works on walls, MASP hangs some pieces against clear panels, allowing visitors to view the art from all angles.

#18: Raft the rapids in West Virginia  

Despite its name, West Virginia ’s New River is actually one of the oldest on Earth, perhaps as old as 360 million years. The river falls 750 feet in only 50 miles between sandstone cliffs. It eventually merges with the Gauley River.   Outfitters such as ACE Adventure Resort can arrange whitewater rafting trips here on Class III to V rapids through the longest and deepest river gorge in the Appalachians.  

#19: Go antiquing in Hudson Valley

The bucolic Hudson Valley is booming, thanks to an influx of New York City residents during the pandemic. But it’s long been a mecca for creatives: Its landscapes inspired America’s first artistic fraternity, the Hudson River School. Antique collectors will be drawn to the hundreds of stores, boutiques, craft shops, and flea markets that sell everything from colonial furniture and rare books to mid-century modern decor. For vintage finds, head to the Antique Warehouse in Hudson, Sister Salvage in Catskill, and Opera House Co. in Athens.

“There’s a common denominator here—the charming historic villages,” says Sarah Gray Miller, owner of Coxsackie antique store UnQuiet . From Stuyvesant to Saugerties, these towns “share a strong commitment to preservation.”

#20: Sleep on the water in British Columbia

The newly reopened Tofino Wilderness Resort , owned by the Ahousaht First Nation, is an idyllic base from which to explore the western coast of British Columbia ’s Vancouver Island. In the heart of Clayoquot Sound, the luxury floating lodge was renovated with lumber cut from timber which fell on-site. Through guided whale-watching trips or visits to the Freedom Cove artists’ sanctuary, the Ahousaht share with guests their philosophy, hishuk ish tsawalk (“everything is one”), celebrating the interconnectedness of people and nature in a land they’ve occupied for thousands of years.

Editor's note

Related topics.

• HORSEBACK RIDING
• PETROGLYPHS
• WILDLIFE WATCHING
• WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY
• CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
• SNOWMOBILING

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The Ultimate Guide To Keeping A Travel Journal

• Last updated May 12, 2024
• Difficulty Beginner

• Category Travel

Do you find yourself constantly wandering through breathtaking landscapes, tasting exotic cuisines, and immersing yourself in vibrant cultures? If so, have you ever considered documenting these incredible experiences in a travel journal? A travel journal is not only a beautiful way to preserve your memories, but it also allows you to capture the essence of your adventures in vivid detail. From tips on what to include in your journal to creative ideas for design and layout, The Ultimate Guide to Keeping a Travel Journal is the perfect companion for every globetrotter looking to bring their travel tales to life on paper. Join us as we embark on a journey through the pages of this guide, discovering the secrets and joys of keeping a travel journal that will forever transport you back to your most cherished moments on the road.

What You'll Learn

Benefits of keeping a travel journal, choosing the right journal and supplies, tips for organizing and structuring your travel journal, creative ways to capture memories in your travel journal.

Have you ever kept a travel journal? If not, you might want to consider starting one on your next trip. Keeping a travel journal can offer a range of benefits that enhance your overall travel experience. Not only does it serve as a personal keepsake and a way to preserve memories, but it can also be a valuable tool for self-reflection, personal growth, and planning future trips. Below are some of the key benefits of keeping a travel journal.

Preserving Memories:

One of the primary benefits of keeping a travel journal is that it allows you to preserve your memories in a tangible way. Instead of relying solely on photographs, a travel journal gives you the opportunity to record your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in detail. By writing down the sights you see, the food you eat, the people you meet, and the places you visit, you can capture the essence of your travel experiences and create a lasting memento to look back on in the future.

Self-Reflection and Personal Growth:

Keeping a travel journal provides an opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth. As you write about your experiences, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your emotions. You can reflect on the challenges you faced, the lessons you learned, and the personal growth you experienced during your travels. This process of self-reflection can help you gain new perspectives and insights, allowing you to grow as an individual.

Enhanced Cultural Awareness:

By keeping a travel journal, you can develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of the cultures and traditions of the places you visit. You can document your observations and reflections on the local customs, traditions, and ways of life. This process not only helps you learn about different cultures but also fosters empathy and understanding towards others.

Planning and Future Trip Ideas:

A travel journal can serve as a valuable resource for planning future trips. By documenting your experiences and preferences during your travels, you can refer back to your journal when planning your next adventure. You can take note of places you want to revisit, activities you want to try, or new destinations you want to explore based on your previous travel experiences.

Creative Outlet:

Keeping a travel journal can also be a creative outlet for your thoughts, ideas, and artistic expressions. You can experiment with different writing styles, use sketches or drawings to illustrate your experiences, or include photographs and mementos in your journal. This creative process can be both therapeutic and enjoyable, allowing you to express yourself in a unique and personal way.

In conclusion, keeping a travel journal offers numerous benefits for travelers. From preserving memories to fostering personal growth and serving as a planning tool, a travel journal can enhance your overall travel experience. So, the next time you embark on a journey, grab a notebook or start a digital journal and begin documenting your adventures. You'll be glad you did!

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When it comes to keeping a travel journal, one of the most important things to consider is choosing the right journal and supplies. Your journal is going to be the home for all of your memories and experiences from your trip, so it’s important to choose one that suits your needs and fits your style. Here are some tips to help you choose the right journal and supplies for your travel adventures:

• Size and Format: Consider the size and format of the journal that you prefer. Do you want something compact and easy to carry, or do you prefer a larger journal with more space for writing and drawing? Think about how you plan to use your journal and choose a size and format that suits your needs.
• Paper Quality: Pay attention to the quality of the paper in the journal. You want something that is thick enough to prevent bleed-through from ink or markers, and that will hold up well to being carried around in your bag. Look for journals with acid-free paper to ensure that your memories will be preserved for years to come.
• Binding: Think about the type of binding that you prefer. Hardcover journals provide more protection for your pages, but can be bulkier and heavier. Spiral-bound journals are more flexible and easier to use, but may not offer as much protection for your pages.
• Page Numbering: Some journals come with pre-numbered pages, which can be helpful for keeping track of your entries. Consider whether or not this is something that you would find useful.
• Supplies: In addition to a journal, you’ll also need some supplies for your travel journaling. Consider bringing along pens or markers in different colors, as well as some adhesive to attach mementos like ticket stubs or postcards. If you plan to include photos in your journal, you may also want to bring a small portable printer.
• Waterproofing: If you’re planning on doing any outdoor activities or traveling to a destination where there may be a chance of water damage, consider getting a waterproof or water-resistant journal. This will help protect your pages from rain, spills, or splashes.
• Travel-Friendly Features: Look for features that make your journal more travel-friendly, such as an elastic closure to keep the pages secure, pockets for storing small items, or a built-in bookmark to help you keep track of your place.

Remember, your travel journal is a personal reflection of your experiences, so choose a journal and supplies that you love and will inspire you to document your adventures. Spending some time upfront to find the right journal and supplies will ensure that you have the best possible travel journaling experience.

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Traveling is an incredible way to escape our daily routines and explore new places and cultures. It is an experience that leaves a lasting impact on us. One of the best ways to preserve those memories and relive those moments is by keeping a travel journal. A travel journal is a personal record of your adventures, thoughts, and emotions during your trips. It not only serves as a visual representation of your experiences but also helps you reflect on your journey and gain new insights. If you're planning to start your own travel journal, here are some tips for organizing and structuring it effectively:

• Choose the Right Journal: The first step in keeping a travel journal is selecting the right one. Look for a journal that is compact, durable, and provides enough space for writing and pasting mementos like tickets, postcards, and photos. Opt for one with a hardcover to ensure it survives the rigors of traveling.
• Set a Purpose: Before you start writing in your travel journal, set a purpose or theme for it. Ask yourself why you want to keep a journal and what you hope to achieve through it. This will help you stay focused and guide your writing.
• Date Each Entry: Dating each entry is a simple yet effective way to organize your travel journal. It helps you track your journey chronologically and makes it easier to locate specific memories later. Include the day, month, and year at the beginning of every entry.
• Use Categories or Sections: Dividing your travel journal into categories or sections can help you maintain a clear structure. You can create sections based on different destinations you visit, activities you engage in, or even emotions you experience. This allows you to easily find specific moments and revisit them when desired.
• Include Descriptive Details: When writing in your travel journal, be sure to include descriptive details about the places you visit, the people you meet, and the experiences you have. Focus on all your senses – what you see, hear, smell, taste, and feel. Capturing the small details will enrich your memories and bring your journal entries to life.
• Add Photos and Mementos: Along with writing, including photos and mementos in your travel journal adds another layer of visual appeal and nostalgia. Print out your favorite photos from your travels and glue them next to your entries. Collect postcards, brochures, maps, and other small items that remind you of the places you visit and include them in the journal.
• Reflect and Recap: Take some time at the end of each day or week to reflect on your experiences and recap what you've done. Write about your favorite moments, challenges you faced, and lessons you learned. This will help you process your emotions and provide a deeper perspective on your journey.
• Get Creative: Your travel journal is your personal space for self-expression, so don't be afraid to get creative. Use colored pens, markers, and stickers to make your entries visually appealing. Experiment with different writing styles and formats, such as poems or bullet points. You can even include sketches or doodles to document the places you visit.
• Regularly Update Your Journal: To ensure that your travel journal remains a comprehensive record of your journey, make it a habit to regularly update it. Set aside some time each day or week to write in your journal and add any photos or mementos you have collected. Consistency is key to maintaining a well-organized journal.
• Share Your Journal: Finally, don't be afraid to share your travel journal with others. You can let your friends and family browse through it or even consider starting a travel blog or social media account to share your adventures with a wider audience. Sharing your journal will not only bring joy to others but also inspire and motivate you to continue your travel writing journey.

Keeping a travel journal is a rewarding practice that allows you to preserve your travel memories in a tangible and meaningful way. By organizing and structuring your journal effectively, you can ensure that it becomes a cherished keepsake that you can revisit for years to come. So grab your journal, start writing, and let your travel adventures unfold on the pages!

Traveling to Italy with a French Schengen Visa: Exploring the Possibilities

Traveling is an amazing experience, full of new sights, sounds, and adventures. Keeping a travel journal is a wonderful way to capture those memories and reflect on your experiences for years to come. But beyond simply writing down your thoughts and experiences, there are many creative ways to capture memories in your travel journal. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Include Maps and Itineraries: When you're planning your trip, print out or draw maps of the places you'll be visiting. Highlight the route you'll be taking, mark down any important landmarks or attractions, and include them in your travel journal. This will not only help you visualize your trip but also serve as an informative and visually appealing addition to your journal.
• Use Photos and Postcards: Take plenty of photos during your travels and print them out to include in your travel journal. You can also collect postcards from the places you visit and stick them in your journal as well. These visual reminders will bring your memories to life and add color and interest to your journal.
• Collect Mementos: When you're out exploring, keep an eye out for small mementos that you can include in your travel journal. This could be anything from ticket stubs and brochures to leaves or small pieces of fabric. These treasures will serve as tangible reminders of your experiences and add a unique touch to your journal.
• Get Creative with Writing: Don't just stick to traditional journal entries – get creative with your writing! Try writing poems, songs, or even short stories inspired by your travels. You can also write down your favorite quotes that you come across during your trip. Mixing up your writing style will make your travel journal more interesting and help you remember your experiences in a unique way.
• Include Sketches and Drawings: If you enjoy drawing or sketching, why not incorporate them into your travel journal? Take a small sketchbook and draw scenes from your journey, whether it's a breathtaking view or a quaint café. Even if you're not an artist, don't be afraid to give it a try – the process of sketching can be just as enjoyable as the result.
• Write Reflections: In addition to documenting your daily adventures, take the time to write reflections on your experiences. What did you learn? How did your travels change you? Reflecting on your journey will help you gain a deeper understanding of your experiences and make your travel journal more meaningful.
• Include Recipes and Tastes: Food is an important part of any travel experience, so why not include it in your journal? Write down recipes of the dishes you try along the way or draw sketches of your favorite meals. You can even stick in restaurant menus or food labels as a way to remember the flavors of your journey.
• Write Open Letters: Another interesting way to capture memories in your travel journal is to write open letters to yourself, your loved ones, or even the places you visit. These letters can express your thoughts, emotions, and gratitude, and serve as a reminder of the relationships you formed during your travels.

Whether you're an avid writer, an aspiring artist, or simply looking for a way to preserve your travel memories, these creative ideas will help you capture your experiences in a unique and meaningful way. So grab a journal, pack your bags, and start documenting your adventures – your future self will thank you!

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9 places to nosh on bagels in southern Maine

From old-school spots to foodie favorites, there's a 'hole' lot to try.

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Bread and bagels at The Works Cafe in downtown Portland. Photo by Aimsel Ponti

From New York-style boiled bagels to Montreal-inspired wood-fired ones, there’s lots of great bagels in southern Maine and several shops have the accolades to back that up.

In 2023, Bon Appetit named bagels from Rose Foods and Rover Bagel among the best in the country.

Two years before that,  Food & Wine Magazine put Rover, Forage and Scratch Baking Co. on its list of best bagels in the U.S.

Whether you like yours toasted with cream cheese or as the bread for your breakfast sandwich, you can find plenty of styles and flavors from Biddeford to Brunswick.

BEACH BAGELS

The offerings at Beach Bagels include a French toast and marble bagel, and the cream cheese menu comprises spreads like strawberry, olive and honey walnut. Along with breakfast sandwiches, Beach Bagels has hearty breakfast options like omelets and pancakes. Best of all, you’re steps away from a beach stroll. Just don’t let the seagulls steal your bagel. Advertisement

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily WHERE: 34 Old Orchard St., Old Orchard Beach. beachbagels.yolasite.com ______________

Dutchman’s opened in 2022 as a pop-up housed at Nomad pizza in Brunswick’s Fort Andross building. It’s since become a permanent fixture there and uses the pizzeria’s wood-fired ovens to bake its bagels. The hand-shaped, honey-boiled bagels come in plain, roasted garlic, poppy and a bagel-of-the-day flavor.

WHEN: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday to Sunday WHERE: Fort Andross, 14 Maine St., Brunswick. dutchmans.me ______________

FORAGE MARKET

Making bagels at Forage Market involves a two-day aging process. The bagels are naturally leavened with wild yeast starter and baked next to a hardwood fire. There are usually five flavors available, including sesame and garlic. Breakfast sandwiches (including vegan options) are available. Forage also has a location in Lewiston. Advertisement

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday WHERE: 123 Washington Ave., Portland. foragemarket.com _____________

MISTER BAGEL

There are 10 or so Mister Bagel locations in Maine, including South Portland and Falmouth. It all began with the Portland location, which was the first bagel shop to open in Maine. The late Rick Hartglass started Mister Bagel in 1977, and it is still a family business. Music fans will appreciate the breakfast sandwich menu, which includes The David Bowie (bacon, egg and American cheese), the Jimmy Buffett (egg with roast beef and cheddar) and The Lady Gaga (avocado, salt and pepper, with or without egg).

WHEN: 6:30 a.m. to noon Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to noon Saturday and Sunday WHERE: 599 Forest Ave., Portland. misterbagelforestave.com ______________

At Rose Foods, the menu varies depending on the day, but there are usually six to eight flavors available. For example, should you pop in on a Friday, you’ll find a poppy and onion bialy (a cousin of the bagel that is not boiled). Rose Foods also makes a number of bagel sandwiches, including the Classic Nova with Nova lox and the Classic Whitefish. Advertisement

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily WHERE: 428 Forest Ave., Portland. rosefoods.me

______________

ROVER BAGEL

At Rover Bagel, you’ll find wood-fired plain, poppy, sea salt, sesame and everything bagels available most of the time, and the spread game here is strong with cream cheese options like lemon-thyme-honey cream and chili-garlic.

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon Sunday WHERE: 10 West Point Lane Suite 10-204, Biddeford (Pepperell Mill). roverbagel.com

______________ Advertisement

SCRATCH BAKING CO.

You haven’t lived until you’ve experienced the line of devoted fans waiting for Scratch Baking Co. to open, especially on weekend mornings. Along with the popular Maine sea salt, plain and other everyday flavors, Scratch has a daily special bagel. There’s honeyed rosemary on Wednesday and jalapeno cheddar on Thursday. Scratch is also famous, at least to locals, for its P-Cheese spread. It’s a pimento cheese recipe made with cheddar, mayo, roasted red peppers and seasoning and was passed down to co-owner and head baker Allison Reid by her grandmother, Mern.

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to noon Sunday WHERE: 416 Preble St., South Portland. scratchbakingco.com ___________

THE MAINE BAGEL

The Maine Bagel is a drive-thru with several breakfast and other kinds of sandwiches available. With a bagel list that features egg and bialy among the standards, the family-owned spot is the perfect place to stop on your way to Pine Point Beach. The Maine Bagel really shines with a dozen kinds of cream cheese spreads, including raisin-walnut, lox, strawberry, cranberry-nut and bacon-chive.

WHEN: 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. WHERE: 117 Route 1, Scarborough. themainebagel.com Advertisement

THE WORKS CAFE

The Works Cafe is an institution on the edge of the Portland’s Old Port. It opened in 1990 as Bagel Works before it changed its name in 2002. The original shop in this regional chain opened in Manchester, Vermont, in 1988, and there are 11 locations around New England, though just the one in Maine. Gone are the ’90s-era banana-walnut bagels and cold pizza cream cheese, but The Works Cafe is still a reliable place to grab a salt, multigrain or cinnamon raisin bagel, among others. The menu also has bowls, sandwiches and smoothies.

WHEN: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily WHERE: 15 Temple St., Portland. workscafe.com

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BACKPACKING ASIA – 40 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE TRAVELING ASIA

By Author Katie

Posted on Last updated: July 28, 2022

Backpacking Asia is exciting but daunting – we share 40 things you need to know before traveling Asia – including saving money & how to plan.

PLANNING A TRIP TO ASIA

• Vaccinations – Visit your local doctor’s surgery or health center at least 5 months before you travel. Some vaccinations take a while to order in and need to be taken over a three-month period. Explain exactly where you’re going and they will be able to advise you on which jabs you’ll need. This site is an easy-to-navigate NHS website that can help you plan your vaccinations. 

As a guideline, travelers in Southeast Asia should get the Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, and Diphtheria/tetanus/polio (combined into one shot) vaccinations but in some areas, you may need to take malaria tablets and/or get your yellow fever jab. If you are spending an extended period of time in remote areas then you may consider getting the Japanese Encephalitis and the rabies jab.

• Plan around the weather – Check the weather for each of your destinations and plan around the heat. Avoid monsoon season and aim for the low season to get the best deals.
• Know what you are looking for – If you are planning a trip to Asia, decide what you are looking for! Asia is massive, so do your research and decide what you want. If it’s temples and culture then Myanmar and Cambodia . History then Vietnam and China . Unusual Tech destinations than Tokyo and Taiwan. Famous Landmarks then India and Kuala Lumpur. Jungle and Adventure then Malaysia and Borneo. Beautiful beaches than Thailand or the Philippines . For great food, try South Korea and Singapore .
• Book your first night  – Make sure you have your first night booked in a hotel. After a long flight, you will need a decent night’s sleep to sort out your jet lag.
• Travel Insurance  – linked to the above, get your travel insurance! There are too many stories of 20-something backpackers getting into a horrific accident and not affording the hospital bills because they weren’t insured. Get decent insurance! We use World Nomads to get the best offer and to be fully covered. You can even get money back on delayed flights.
• Learn greetings and “is it spicy?” – Some areas of Asia will be full of locals who can speak English; at least enough to help you out. Some areas will speak very little if any. Learn hello and thank you to help you with your trip (I write them down on the notes app on my phone). I also learn the word ‘spicy’ before heading to any local restaurant and market. By shaking my head and hand and saying spicy, the vendor normally figures out I don’t want extra chili!
• Book or not to book? – Booking your flight there then ‘winging it’ is fine to do in Asia. Unless it is the peak season, most hotels and hostels have available rooms whilst most buses, flights, trains, and tours can be booked a few days in advance, if that. I personally prefer to book my travel and accommodation before leaving so I can get the best deals and know how much cash I have left for sightseeing, food, and entertainment. Then we book tours and sightseeing trips whilst in a country. Plus, when you book your accommodation in advance, you can choose one of the best hostels in Asia to stay in. 

BEFORE YOU GO TO ASIA

• Currency – In some countries around Asia, the US Dollar is used as well as their national currency. Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia are countries that prefer the dollar and you can get reasonable exchange rates at ATMs. However, make sure you do have some local currency too as markets and small shops may not take USD.
• Bring a light bag – A light bag is perfect for days exploring a new city. Make sure it has a zip and is preferably a shoulder/tote/satchel bag.
• Don’t be afraid – Before traveling to Asia, I was genuinely concerned about our safety and belongings. We had heard and read so many horror stories about travel around Asia but were still drawn to exploring it. Apart from a few overpriced cab rides and one awful drink in Phuket (oh and our taxi did crash into a lorry in China but we were fine!), there was really nothing to actually worry about.
• Tissues – This one is weird but ladies, take some tissues with you that you can pop in your handbag before heading out. Not all toilets around Asia will offer such luxury and no one likes having to ‘shake it dry’.
• Backpack or not? – If you plan on taking a lot of buses and trains around Asia, then take a backpack – not sure how best to pack? Read the Backpack Hack for the best packing tips. Buses rarely offer large storage space, with smaller buses putting luggage around your feet, under chairs, and in-between seats. However, if you will be flying the majority of your trip, a suitcase is just fine and is our preferred choice for trips.
• Visas – Myanmar, Vietnam, and China require visas before arrival so do your research and get them sorted before you leave.
• Get reading – This one may sound biased but once you have decided your destinations, get online to read blogs, websites, and Tripadvisor and watch youtube videos of your chosen places. You can learn where is best to eat and stay, how to travel, local scams in the area to avoid, popular attractions, off-the-beaten-track attractions, and so on.

BUDGETING A TRIP TO ASIA

• Plan your budget – Asia can be as expensive or as cheap as you wish. It is possible to spend as little as £20 a day but I recommend at least £50 a day (per couple) is a good amount to budget.

For example , a typical day in Vietnam for us would cost: Private double room with ensuite: £11, breakfast (pancakes and juice from the nearby restaurant): £4, taxi ride: 60p, attractions (museum entrance and park): 52p per person, lunch (overeating) at a local market: £4, attractions (Pagoda searching and general wandering around taking street photos): free, dinner (three-course, sit down restaurant including two alcoholic drinks each): £15, beer at a local bar: £1.20 and cocktails at local bar  £1.60 = One day cost £37.92.

We have a series of Cost of travel posts to help you plan your trip. 

• Bring extra – You can travel cheap but make sure you bring extra cash along so you can have some fun! There are so many people we have met on our travels who aren’t enjoying everything a place has to offer, in order to afford their trip. What is the point of traveling if you are not going to see or do anything?!
• Expensive places to visit – Tokyo, Singapore, Hong Kong, Brunei, South Korea, Borneo, and some areas of the Philippines and China can all be expensive places to visit. However, there is always a reason for that and it is usually because they are worth visiting. Try and afford to visit at least one of these places on your trip: My Pick? Tokyo!
• Cheapest places to visit in Asia – There are some awesome and cheap places to visit in South East Asia – we have a post on the cheapest destinations in Asia, perfect for those on a tight budget.
• Haggle – Across Asia, you will be met with higher prices because you are a foreigner. Practice the art of haggling and if it’s too much, walk away – chances are there is probably a stall around the corner selling the same stuff.
• Cash in remote areas – Remote areas of a country are unlikely to have ATM machines at all so plan and take out plenty of cash whilst you’re in the city.
• Expect to get ripped off – Unfortunately, it will definitely happen at some point in your trip. You will get into a taxi that refuses to use the meter, have a tuk-tuk try and take you to his mate’s suit store, or be massively overcharged for something weird looking on a stick. Haggle when you can, get out of taxis and make the most of your trip. On our first visit to Bangkok, we got frustrated with the taxis but after walking out of one or two, we always found someone around the corner who would use the meter.

HOW TO GET AROUND SOUTHEAST ASIA

• Slow down – Everything in Asia seems to slow down. You can save a lot of money by taking the slow route to another country via bus or train rather than plane. Plus, by taking the bus, you can visit the smaller, lesser-known destinations in the country. 
• VIP Buses – VIP and first-class buses can be worth it for long journeys. They always include air conditioning, often an on-bus toilet, and can be much faster than second or third-class buses. Shop around and never accept the first price. 
• Multi-trip flights – If you are planning everything in advance and wish to fly, you can save some money by booking all your flights at once. We prefer to use the multi-flight option on skyscanner. 
• Rent a scooter – Renting a scooter around Asia, particularly Southeast Asia, is a great way to get around, see the countryside and save your cash for the bar. Licenses aren’t always needed but bring your driving license from home just in case.
• Fly – Air Asia is the main budget airline, with flights as low as £15! Check their website in advance and get booking your trip. Ok, buses, trains, and coaches may be more scenic and give you a sense of the countryside but flying is always more convenient and faster.
• Outward travel – For some countries, you will need to know how you are traveling onward after your visit. In Japan, we had to show the booking of our outward flight so check online for policies, more so if your destination(s) is an island.

TRAVELING ASIA

• Local water – Don’t drink water from the taps, it isn’t clean and will make you sick.
• Ice – That being said, ice is often clean as it is usually made in factories using filtered water. We don’t worry about ice (as it is definitely needed whilst in Asia) and we have never become sick from the ice.
• Respect local beliefs – Whether it’s not touching people’s heads, walking on the other side of the road from a monk, or removing your shoes, read the signs and follow the rules. You’re a guest in the country so be as respectful as you would be if you were a guest at your in-law’s home (my rule of thumb).
• Stay away from “extra strong” buckets – I will be honest, I don’t know if this is specific to Phuket or just Thailand or to the whole of Asia, but check your straw when drinking from a bucket. We were offered an ‘extra strong’ bucket on our first trip to Thailand and it turned out, there was something in the straws. A lady at the hotel said this happens often…so double check!
• Stay healthy – As boring as it sounds, make sure you drink enough water and get some greens in your diet too. There is nothing worse than feeling like crap whilst sitting on an 8-hour bus journey or trying to climb a mountain/explore a city/get lost in a temple.
• Scuba Dive – Whilst in Asia, try and find an opportunity to scuba dive! Tours are considerably cheaper than those in North America and Europe, with PADI courses at cheap rates found in Thailand, the Philippines, and India.

WHERE TO GO IN ASIA

There are 49 countries in Asia, all offering something interesting and unique. However, we are sharing some of our favourites, for those looking for inspiration. 

Japan – Known for its forward-thinking technology, Japan is an incredible place to visit. Try the delicious food, visit the historic palaces and temples and enjoy the many, many theme parks around the country. Spend at least 5 days in Tokyo and don’t miss our video on how to save money in Tokyo too. 

Thailand – Thailand has something for everyone; from bustling Bangkok and its exciting markets to beautiful beaches on the islands and tropical forests in the North. As ex-pats living here, we have a blog sharing all things Thailand to help you plan your trip. 

The Philippines – For those looking for a laid back vibe and a bit of adventure, the beautiful Philippines is for you. Enjoy the lifestyle and beach resorts in Cebu City, appreciate the white beaches of Boracay, take advantage of the dive sites in the Philippines and watch Manila transform every day. 

China – After living in China for 2 years, we were fortunate to see a lot of this diverse country. With stunning countryside and rice fields, an amazing ice festival, exciting cities, and unusual and interesting attractions along with history and culture in every corner; China needs to be number 1 on your Asia bucket list. 

Singapore – Clean, modern, trendy and fashionable, Singapore is a fantastic place to visit whilst you are in Asia. This is one of the more expensive cities in Asia compared to its South East Asia neighbors, but spending a few days here visiting the malls, trying the food, and catching some amazing views and sunsets in Singapore is completely worth it. 

South Korea – Immerse yourself in the exciting culture of South Korea, with tasty street food, breathtaking architecture, and unique culture. 

India – Known for its beautiful Indian palaces , mosques, temples, and monuments, India is a photographer’s dream. Get out of your comfort zone and visit the incredible sites this country has to offer. 

Cambodia – Known for the ancient temple ruins of Angkor Wat, Cambodia should not be missed on your Asia travels. Travel here is cheap, the people are super friendly and this is the perfect place to visit on your first backpacking Asia trip. 

Vietnam – Another South East Asia destination, Vietnam is becoming more and more accessible for tourists. Learn about the history of the country whilst in the cities but head out along the coastline, visiting smaller cities and towns for a different perspective. 

Macau – Known as the Vegas of Asia , this country is unique in a predominately non-gambling area of the world. The Cotai strip is a fun, exhilarating place to stay for a few nights whilst the Portuguese-styled Old Town takes you back in time. 

Nepal – A hiker’s dream, Nepal is still vastly untouched by tourism. Visit the biggest mountain in the world and experience local life in the city. 

Dubai and the UAE – Dubai , Qatar, Abu Dhabi, and Kuwait offer a whole different experience compared to South East Asia. With luxurious hotels, high-end restaurants, and sparkling new malls, the UAE is definitely worth a visit, at least for a few days. Plus, many of these countries make for the perfect stopover as you travel across Asia. 

We hope you have an amazing tie in Asia! Let us know where you are heading in the comments below

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3 Day In Bangkok - The Essential Bangkok Itinerary + Tips & Map | Anywhere We Roam - World Travel Bookings

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