What’s on your travel bucket list?
Do you want to visit the Colleseium? Ride a gondola in Venice? Float in the Dead Sea?
No matter where you visit, some travel activities like the above are non-negotiable.
What will you do with the rest of your time, though? Traveling fun doesn’t have to be limited to the typical tourist hotspots.
Keep reading to find new activities to try on your next vacation.
1. Take Classes From the Locals
There’s no better way to learn about a new culture than taking classes from a local. Immerse yourself in their culture and learn new things to take home to your friends and family.
Sign up for a cooking class to learn how to prepare authentic dishes. Learn to make lasagne in Naples or salsa in Mexico.
Challenge yourself by learning new ways to move your body. Take a yoga class while in India or learn how to surf in Hawaii.
When you step outside of your comfort zone, you open up a whole new world of possibilities.
2. See the Sights From the Skies
You can take bus tours around the city to see historical points of interest. Or, you could take to the skies to see sweeping panoramic views of the entire area.
Many cities have observation towers that you can use to see the landscape. Take a ride up to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris (or even the mini one in Las Vegas). Breathe in the Seattle cityscape from the Space Needle.
Check to see if the cities you’re visiting have helicopter tours. There’s nothing like seeing the magnificent volcanoes of Hawaii from the skies. A bird’s eye view of Victoria Falls in Zambia is breathtaking.
A hot air balloon ride is another exciting way to see the city you’re visiting. See if tour operators offer sunrise or sunset rides for a romantic way to start or end your day.
3. Take a Hike
If you love the outdoors, hiking should top the list of things to do when traveling.
Hiking will help you burn calories to make room for all the delicious local cuisine you’re eating. Being in nature also lowers your risk of depression, so it’s a win-win scenario.
Choose routes that are well-mapped out. Use a website like AllTrails to help you determine the best course for your fitness level.
If you’re anxious about getting lost, book a hiking tour with a local company.
If you’re not physically fit, hiking can take a real toll on your body. Walking in the city is excellent exercise and can be just as satisfying.
4. Shop Local
Our culture is accustomed to department stores and online shopping. When you’re traveling, you may not have access to these conveniences. Instead, peruse the local shops and markets to see what they’re selling.
You can scoop up great handmade souvenirs while supporting local artisans. No more mass-produced fridge magnets!
Expand Your Horizons With New Travel Activities
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to check items off your travel bucket list. Make sure you’re spending your time doing more than collecting photos for your Instagram, though. Our travel activities above will enrich your vacation and make it more memorable.
Read our Travel section to read interesting tales from around the world.