We see it all the time at sporting events or concerts. With the advent of social media and its influence on the culture, millions around the world want to capture moments they’re experiencing with the sole goal of then showing off said experiences via a video filmed on your phone.
But, is it really an experience if you’re looking at a screen rather than absorbing what’s in front of you? Do NOT make the same mistake when traveling. Of course, you’ll want to snap a few pictures here and there. Taking video is also acceptable and a nice way to document your surroundings. However, the visceral memory you’ll have from actually soaking up the atmosphere around you will last a whole lot longer.
You may be able to take a picture of something. With that said, those pictures and/or videos will not include sounds, smells, feelings, or any other sense garnered when stepping back and taking everything in. This doesn’t just include taking pictures and videos. If you’re traveling to a foreign location, there’s a chance you may not get back there again. Don’t be buried on your phone with texting or browsing.
Take in everything, and keep your phone on silent! Talk to people you encounter and build connections that way. Those relationships could morph into something special, and even if they don’t, those are experiences you can always look back on with some perspective. Having a random drink with a funny stranger at the pub, or meeting people on a walk where you’re all traveling somewhere together with the common purpose (and bond) of enjoying something new.
This is the good stuff — the things that make traveling worthwhile in the first place. Keep this in mind the next time you take an adventure somewhere. By being more present, you may surprise yourself at how good of a time you’ll have.
