While most “must-have” lists curate the latest travel gear, functional-yet-stylish footwear, or cutting-edge tech, I want to offer a different take—a list of timeless must-haves (or must-dos) that shape how you plan and approach visiting a new place. These are habits I’ve developed over the years that inform my personal travel style and the approach I bring to designing trips for others. At the heart of each is a reminder to travel with presence and awareness in order to expand your appreciation of the world around you.
A map – Before you leave and once you arrive, pull up your preferred map app to study your destination. This will help you orient yourself and understand where key landmarks are in relation to where you are staying. If you are planning to take public transit, study the map ahead of time so you aren’t stuck underground at rush hour trying to decipher the diagram on the wall.
Walking tour – Whether organized or self-guided, the best way to start your trip is with a walk to familiarize yourself with your surroundings. In a city, that can mean taking a stroll around the neighborhood; at a resort, it can mean walking the property. If you want to learn about the history and culture of your destination, join an organized walking tour with a local guide.
Sunset (or sunrise) spot – Depending on your preference, watch a sunrise or sunset. Maybe you looked up “the best” spot in the city or maybe you found a quiet corner during your walk. Either way, take a moment to breathe and let your senses feel the shift from day to night (or night to day). What sounds start or stop, what colors do you see in the sky? How does the temperature or wind change? How does the energy of the environment shift?
Language basics – Hello, Goodbye, Please, Thank You. Make sure you know at least these basics in the local language. Just do your best with the pronunciation—people will appreciate the effort. Learn the word for “English” (or your native language) to be able to ask if the person you are talking to can speak it, but never assume someone will. Even if you share a common language with your destination, vocabulary differences like toilet/bathroom and elevator/lift can cause confusion if you aren’t expecting them.
A cultural activity – Make time for at least one activity dedicated to better understanding some aspect of the local culture. Take a macaron making class in Paris, bike to a cheese farm in the Netherlands, join a kayak tour to learn about restoring marine ecosystems in Florida.
Airplane mode – I have yet to travel internationally with a fully functioning cell phone. Instead, my phone stays in airplane mode from take-off to return landing and I rely on hotel wifi and the occasional emergency public network to load what I need for the day. My phone turns into a camera and I’m happily forced to observe or interact with the world around me instead of scrolling or posting. If you feel like you need something to do, pack a book. (Bonus: I highly suggest doing this domestically, too.)
Journal and pen – Whether you journal every day or just when you want to record a moment that captures your attention make sure you have something that allows you to reflect on anything that comes up.
A sense of place – A locally owned boutique hotel. If you must, a short term rental with character. A resort that prioritizes being a steward of its environment and community. If you are in a rental with a kitchen, go to a local grocery store or farmers market, look up a simple recipe and cook a meal for yourself.
Awareness – of your place as a visitor, of the impact of tourism on your destination, of cultural norms and appropriate behavior. Know that in France, for example, most sit-down restaurants won’t start dinner service until at least 7:00 p.m. Know that in Japan, a small bow is a standard greeting instead of a handshake. If you go to a beach in Brazil, don’t be shocked by revealing swimsuits. If you plan to visit a place of worship, check the dress code ahead of time, respect it, and pack appropriately. And always, for American travelers especially, be mindful of how loudly you are speaking in public.
Breathing room – Don’t assume your plane will land and you will make your transfer on time. Don’t jam-pack your days with a “top things to do” checklist. Leave breathing room for accidentally taking public transit the wrong direction. Stopping for a snack or coffee that wasn’t on your itinerary. Take more time to explore a museum because it captured your attention longer than you planned. (and always get travel insurance to cover really unexpected disruptions).
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