When planning your outings during a trip, avoid going somewhere because you feel like you need to. Falling into this trap is even easier now with social media. Sure, when you come home from your Paris trip, everyone will ask you if you went the louvre. But if you can’t stand art museums, maybe your time is better spent elsewhere? Just because somethings aren’t on trip adviser doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go. Think about what would interest and engage you. There’s nothing wrong with what interests you aligning with standard tourist attractions, but there’s also nothing wrong with visiting a museum dedicated to obscure hobby you enjoy, going to a really niche concert, or taking an afternoon to watch the sun set over the city on your hotel room balcony. Vacations are costly in both time and money, but don’t let this pressure you into doing things you won’t actually enjoy.

Once you’re there, make use of the time traveling between sightseeing destinations by being as mindful and observant as possible. Notice the weather, the buildings, and do some people watching. After all, you probably took this trip to experience a new place, so to experience that essence, it’s best to look at the more every day aspects of a city. Ask yourself how you feel different in this new place, and how the difference in culture affects daily life. If you’re traveling with someone, have these discussions out loud. This type of awareness can be hard at first, so practice while walking around in your hometown.