This summer, I traveled more than I have in recent years and took a plane for the first time since before 2020. In preparation, I dove deep into a rabbit hole of travel information, a rabbit hole I’m still in, to be frank – YouTube reviews of luggage and personal items, podcasts about packing cubes, and blogs full of discussions of everything from the best way to create your travel capsule wardrobe to the many issues of ethics and sustainability surrounding travel. While I wasn’t going to buy an entirely new lifestyle, I was fascinated to learn about the different ways people approached travel and what they prioritized. I chatted with colleagues about their travel preferences and exchanged recommendations. You’d think I was heading out for a life on the road rather than planning a few long weekends away in the contiguous United States.
The allure of travel is strong. I’m someone who likes ritual, so even the processes around travel hold some appeal for me. (I also have the luxury of not traveling with small children.) Of course, writing this in July 2024, we all know there can be bad travel experiences. Personally, I’ve had bags lost and flights canceled, and motion sickness can be a struggle. Still, the opportunity to experience a new place, or a familiar place at a new time, is always worth it to me.
Whether you’re taking to the air or sea, hopping on a train, driving across the country, or biking or walking locally as a “hometown tourist,” there are sights and experiences to enjoy mindfully wherever you are. If you’re bringing along young travelers to destinations near or far, or just want a little extra fun for yourself, put together an illustrated checklist or personal passport with stickers to help commemorate your favorite stops and keep travel engaging. Natural wonders, historic sites, and intriguing architecture may all be found close by! We can help you get there without making major purchases. Make the most of your trip with our Library of Things, from nature explorer backpacks to hotspots to keep you connected on the go.
Ready for some bookish inspiration? Our Outdoor New Jersey book list can help you explore your backyard, or spend some time with all of our new travel books to find ideas for any adventure, be it plane- or yard-based. There’s also still time to complete our summer reading challenge for adults by reading three books set on different continents. Our top prize is an America the Beautiful pass to the National Parks.
Finally, don’t forget to check out our other resources to make the most of your experience. For example, let Creativebug show you how to create an artistic travel journal to capture favorite moments, or visit LinkedIn Learning for tips on productivity while traveling (if you’re on a work trip) or to find guidance on travel photography to give you an enhanced view wherever you are. Let yourself make the most of your travels, even if you feel like a tourist in your own neighborhood. There’s so much to enjoy.
Photo by Sara Ferreira on Unsplash