Last week we had the chance to go on a mini road trip with two of Brett’s co-workers. The excursion took us to mostly places we’ve been before, but something about the experience felt so refreshing and new. It got me thinking about what truly makes an adventure: the place or the people experiencing it?
In all fairness, it’s likely a combination of both. But since we don’t have control over what a destination offers, I took some time to reflect on some of the things that are in our power. Whether it’s your own town, an old vacation spot, or that city you’re going back to for another work conference, here are some ideas to proactively reconnect with a place in a new and meaningful way.
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.”
Marcel Proust
1. Bring an open mind
Maybe you had a negative experience in the past or it simply felt like the destination didn’t live up to its hype. In my case, one of the places we went brings up memories from a hard time in my life. Let that sh*t go. Shedding preconceived notions and embracing curiosity opens us up to new experiences and perspectives. It’s a chance to make new, happy memories.
Embrace changes
Like you, a community has likely evolved since your last visit. Seek out new attractions, restaurants, or cultural events that are now available. For example, your sleepy hometown may have recently opened new cafes or galleries that showcase an emerging arts scene.
Explore its roots
I believe there is more to a place than scenery or attractions. People — living and passed — can provide the real depth and color to a place’s character. Explore local heritage through museums, books, or local residents to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for its roots.
2. Choose your companions carefully
For better or worse, the energy of the people we travel with can greatly influence our experience. Rachel Hollis might phrase this best: Avoid people who will “yuck your yum.” This seems especially important when you’re confined together in vehicles and accommodations.
Travel with newcomers
Who better to bring a fresh lens than someone who’s never laid eyes on the sights in front of you? Our caravan included someone from Europe who was taking in everything from a new, thoughtful perspective. Easily overlooked pleasures like the types of birds chirping around the patio at lunch brought a contagious and welcome wonder to everyday moments.
Seek kindred spirits
I knew we were in good company when our driver was genuinely excited by the fun facts I pulled up on my phone as we wound through a city’s streets. Whether it’s your travel companions or people you connect with to help plan your trip, find those who share your positivity and common interests – a tribe who won’t yuck your yum!
3. Find a new perspective
Would you rather read a sign describing a place’s farming history or tour a family farm with a descendant of one of the village’s founders? (By a stroke of luck, our trip included the latter!) A new perspective can come from a local guide or a new physical vantage point, both of which can offer unique insights, lesser-traveled trails, and more authentic experiences.
Enlist a local guide
Whether through personal connections or a professional guide service, locals are typically the route to a richer experience than what can be found in guidebooks. My favorite example of this is when my friend and I took a guided hiking tour during a girls weekend in Asheville, N.C. We got so much more out of it than a winter trek in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Years later we remain in contact with the owner and intend to take him up on his offer to take us whale watching!
Psst… If you’re headed to Asheville, consider booking a trip with David.
Take a different path
I think it’s important to remember that just because we’ve been somewhere doesn’t mean we should check off a box as if we truly know it. Maybe your experience was limited by the sights on a hop-on, hop-off bus or having a car caused you to speed past some hidden gems. This time around you could try a walking tour, renting a bike, or – one of our immediate goals – traveling by boat.
What do you think?
It’s normal to find ourselves yearning for new adventures and far-off lands, but I think there’s something to be said for digging deeper into places we’ve already been. Rediscovering a familiar destination through a different mindset, better-suited companions, or richer activities can be a rewarding journey in itself.
What would you add to the list? Let us know in the comments below.
Very insightful Carrie, good work!
Thanks Dad! So glad you enjoyed it.