Travel isn’t just about checking off a list of destinations. It’s about creating memories—experiences that stay with you, long after you’ve left. Sure, the place matters, but how you approach it can make all the difference. Traveling itself is thrilling, but there’s a way to elevate any trip from a simple vacation to something extraordinary. As a travel photographer, I have found myself in all corners of the world in the last 10 years - from long road trips around the island of Sri Lanka to the streets of Ethiopia, and from $15 a night hotels in Vietnam to luxury villas in Europe. From hospitals and police stations and 17 hour flights in tiny economy suites and emergency trips to the US embassy to private islands and some of the world's top hotels. And it's the experiences throughout our travels that have kept me in love with exploring. 

Whether you're venturing halfway across the world or taking a quick weekend getaway, here's how to ensure that every moment counts

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.”

― Mark Twain

Plan, but Allow Space for Spontaneity

A trip can go from “good” to “great” when you strike a balance between preparation and spontaneity. Of course, having a general itinerary is essential, but don’t box yourself in with rigid plans. Some of the best moments come when you’re open to the unexpected. Have some structure, but leave enough space to get lost in the moment. Sometimes the best moments aren’t planned—they’re the ones that happen by accident or because you let yourself wander. The beauty of travel lies in the unexpected. A spontaneous detour can lead to a hidden gem, a conversation with a stranger that changes your perspective, or a quiet moment in an unfamiliar spot. Make sure your itinerary leaves room for all of it. You’ll end up with stories that no guidebook could ever give you. 

Unless we're traveling to an area that has limited hotel availability or high seasons with full occupancy, we will often book our hotels as we go, so we can plan our trip in real time as we get suggestions from locals and keep the freedom to leave or stay depending on what kind of experience we're having. The first time I did this I was terrified, but now it's my favorite way to travel!

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Prioritize Meaningful Experiences Over Attractions

You’ve seen the lists: must-see landmarks, top-rated tourist attractions. But ticking off every famous spot on a checklist doesn’t lead to truly memorable travel experiences. Instead, focus on creating moments that resonate and finding unique experiences. Whether it's a local cooking class, a quiet hike through nature, or a unique cultural experience, prioritize things that will stick with you. The time spent wandering aimlessly in a small, local market could turn out to be way more valuable than standing in front of the Trevi Fountain for 30 seconds (but I am never someone to skip a photo opportunity). Sometimes, it’s not about seeing everything—it’s about experiencing something that feels real, raw, and personal. Sure, you’ll want to see a few highlights, but don’t let the must-see list control your trip. Wander off the beaten path, talk to the people who live there, and discover something uniquely yours. Sometimes the most unforgettable experiences happen when you just see what happens. 

Engage With The Locals

Here’s a travel secret: locals know the real deal. Not the touristy spots, not the mediocre cafes—the stuff that truly defines a place. I fell in love with travel through photography first, but have found that my favorite part of working in travel and what continues to drive me is getting to work with locals on all of our projects. Getting to know people from all around the world has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. 

Engaging with locals allows you to peel back the layers of a destination, giving you access to experiences you’d never find otherwise. Locals have insights that can completely shift your perspective. They’ll tell you where to eat, where to hang out, and what you should do if you want to see the place like a local. But it’s not just about recommendations—it’s about immersing yourself in the culture. Ask questions. Share a laugh. Get to know their world. The more you interact, the deeper your understanding will be. BIn order to achieve that, you may find that learning some of the local language can be helpful, even if you are travelling somewhere where everyone speaks some degree of English. It shows respect and opens doors you didn’t even know were there. Most people are overjoyed when you can speak even a few words of their language. 

Say Yes To More Than You Think

Travel is about breaking free from your usual routine—and part of that means saying yes to more. Whether it’s an unexpected invitation to dinner (we still talk about the time our Moroccan guide invited us into his home for a homemade meal), an offer to go on a spontaneous adventure, or just stepping into the unknown, saying yes can open up new opportunities you’d otherwise miss. Sure, it’s easy to say no out of comfort, but it’s the spontaneous "yes" moments that often lead to the most unforgettable experiences. The more things you say yes to, the more of an experience you are going to have, it’s really as simple as that - but do remember to always prioritize your physical safety, and always let at least one person know where you are and have the ability to track you location for security.

Step Outside Your Comfort Zone

The best travel experiences often come from stepping into discomfort. Whether it’s scuba diving (check!), skydiving (check!), swimming with sharks (check!) or simply navigating a new city without a map (I mean, I have no sense of direction and can't live without my phone so...), pushing yourself beyond your usual boundaries will reward you with a deeper, more impactful experience. Not every adventure needs to be extreme, but challenging yourself to do something that scares you a little opens you up to new experiences, new perspectives, and a deeper connection to the place you’re visiting. Something new and a little frightening always create memories, and perhaps even leads you to learn something new about yourself. 

Savor Every Moment

With finite vacation time and funds, we all get caught up in trying to see everything and do everything on a trip. But the truth is, in our fast-paced world, we often miss the most important part of travel: the moments. Instead, slow down and savor each moment and make the most of the experience. The quiet, in-between times where you stop, breathe, and actually take in your surroundings. Whether it’s a morning coffee at a street-side café, watching the sunset from a quiet spot, or just pausing to appreciate the scenery around you—these are the moments that stick. Don’t let the pressure of doing it all overwhelm you. Slow down. Let the experiences come to you rather than chasing them down. Savor the little things: the warmth of the sun, the sound of laughter, the taste of something new. When you focus on being present, you’ll find that the most unforgettable memories aren’t always the ones you planned—they’re the ones that unfold in front of you when you’re fully engaged.

xx