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Michelle En Route
  • Life in Abroad
  • Expat Guide
  • Destinations
    • All Europe North America South America
      Europe

      Why You Should Visit Portugal in November

      November 27, 2019

      Europe

      My Quest for the Best Full English

      October 23, 2019

      South America

      10 things to do in Cartagena

      March 25, 2018

      North America

      72 Hours in Quebec City

      January 15, 2018

      Europe

      Why You Should Visit Portugal in November

      November 27, 2019

      Europe

      My Quest for the Best Full English

      October 23, 2019

      Europe

      Taste of Prague Food Tour

      February 15, 2017

      Europe

      How to Enjoy Your First Opera

      January 26, 2017

      North America

      72 Hours in Quebec City

      January 15, 2018

      North America

      Pittsburgh City Guide

      November 17, 2017

      North America

      10 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do…

      October 10, 2017

      North America

      “Oh Canada!”: Camping in Jasper National Park

      August 23, 2017

      South America

      10 things to do in Cartagena

      March 25, 2018

  • Travel Tips
  • About Me
Travel Tips

My 2020 Travel Goals

by Michelle January 16, 2020
written by Michelle January 16, 2020

I’d like to believe that I’m an advanced (though not yet an expert) traveler. I know how to strategically plan a trip, I’m a skilled packer, and I can drive on the left side of the road. But with each trip I hope to become a better traveler and citizen of the world. Here are my travel goals for 2020:

Be More Intentional in My Travels

I usually select a destination because of a book I read, a photo that I saw, an article that I stumbled up, etc. I do my best to educate myself about the country and plan an appropriate itinerary that aligns with my interests and must see/dos. But so what? Yes, I learn something from each trip but why not set those intentions prior to going? I want to be more direct in establishing what I want to gain from each trip whether that’s to relax, reconnect with someone, or learn something specific about that country.

Keep a Travel Journal

When I travel, I often write notes about my experiences in the Keep Notes app on my phone. The entry includes a few thoughts about what I did or what I ate, ideas for post topics or “witty” lines I want share in my blog. I could consider my blog as a journal but not each post or series of posts account for the day-to-day of my trip. I want to keep a more intimate record of my experience that I can reflect on and monitor my growth.

Be Offline More

Pics or it didn’t happen is the mantra of the 2000s. I am guilty of documenting my life too much but as a blogger, it is hard to find a balance when trying to share my experiences with others. I want to discover what works best for me to be more engaged with my surroundings while still gathering content for my blog.

Take a Backseat in Planning

I either plan or am heavily involved in the planning of my trips with others. I like doing the research and let’s be honest, I’m a control freak. I want to challenge myself to let go and let someone else (that wants to) plan a trip. Each person has a different approach to how they research and plan as well as what they enjoy. This could be an opportunity for me to learn from someone else. 

Build a Mileage Portfolio

I purchase a flight based on the price, number of layovers, and overall travel time. There’s nothing wrong with my criteria but sometimes by spending a little bit more money, I can receive a return on investment in the future by frequently booking with an airline or specific airline alliance. My objective isn’t to achieve a status, because I don’t fly enough, but instead earn a free flight here or there.

Take Advantage of Credit Card Perks

I have a priority pass (but who doesn’t) yet I rarely visit lounges or use dining credits when I travel. I am passing up free food, alcohol, and wifi! Using the lounge could also help with my travel rage and make the trip more bearable.

Try Something New

On each trip I usually take a cooking class or a tour. I am able to engage with locals, get insider tips, and learn something new. But it’s usually the same type of activity just in a different location. And that’s ok but I could be missing out on a new hobby that I could really enjoy. I’ve experienced a lot but there’s still so much more that I haven’t tried. 

What are your travel goals for 2020?

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