How I learned to be a better tourist

Nov 10, 2016Travel

Pack smarter and lighter

This could be another ‘how to’ all on its own, but this is important. Pack only the essentials and you’l already feel like a well-seasoned traveler. Here’s my checklist of what to pack.

 

Do a little research before the trip

What are the people like? What are some local sites not mentioned in a typical guide book? What’s the weather forecast going to be like? This can parlay in to your essentials-only packing list. Knowing these little tidbits beforehand will allow you to better experience the culture and lifestyle, and you won’t be constantly stressed about what to do and what to order.

 

Know when and when not to take photos

You’re on holiday. You want to take in as much as you can and enjoy yourself. So do that. You’re probably really hip and want to show the world your adventures with your phoneography and sunset filters, but be mindful that there is a time and place for self-gratification, and you should pick and choose with that in mind. Take advantage of the moment and get the full experience. You can blog about it later too! I sure do.

 

Treat this place like home

When you’re home, you’ve got to clean up after yourself and tend to the laundry, and while you don’t necessarily have to do those things on vacation, if you’re traveling, you’re visiting other peoples’ homes. Show your appreciation for the people and the culture by being polite, present, and responsible for yourself. They’ll love you and may even share some great stories and more secret spots to check out!

0 Comments

Leave a Reply

Photo Diaries

Code Blue activities

American Samoa is still under Code Blue, which means we have 0 confirmed cases of coronavirus. It also means that...
Moments

The Treehouse

Where Ian and I first met, where we live, and where we got married. Feeling so much love.
Lifestyle Travel

Snorkeling at To’aga Beach – Part 1

The underwater marine life in Ofu is just beyondddd! I have amassed quite a few photos of fish and here's...
Travel

Getting Caught Up & Getting Away

Getting caught up with blogging; Scott visits me in American Samoa, and a weekend trip to Samoa. Life on the...
Moments

lovable moments in black and white. camping at Mt. Alava.
Lifestyle

Hello Little Starling

Hanging out with a young Samoan Starling (Aplonis atrifusca) on our heads by the beach. Just another picture perfect evening...
Moments

I love my family, and I love that my family loves each other 💞
Lifestyle

Life Lately: I revamped my site / in a creative rut

Changed things up on my site, working through a creative rut, and a quick sustainability update. Not much, but this...
Lifestyle Photo Diaries Photography Travel

Dive Log: Amalau Bay (Left side)

Amalau Bay dive log... probably one of the best spots for scuba diving in American Samoa. Giant corals, thriving ecosystem;...
Moments

Library day

I can’t wait to take my kid to the library — I hope she likes reading like me and her...
Moments

All I want is a wild love and a curious life

And I am so grateful to have both This was me at "work" today 🤗 Got to go to Fagatele...
Moments

Moments

Peter Pan

We'll be young forever
Moments

LOVE to love you

Felt so LOVED on my 29th birthday.
Journal Lifestyle Photo Diaries

Attempting to Sate My Travel Wanderlust at Home

I've missed the feeling of traveling... having a new destination to go to and taking the scenic route. So we...
Moments

Daddy and zaddy bonding
Mood Board

Inspiration in the midst of chaos

Life has been busy, and there has been some moments of reprieve, surely. BUT it's about to get a lot...
Lifestyle Photo Diaries Travel

Photo Journal: Couples Camping Trip

Found this in my drafts folder... a photo journal of camping with my husband and our friends, Traci and Ano,...
Moments

pool day for Ian. Just him though because it’s much too cold for regular non-polar bear people lol
Lifestyle Photo Diaries

Quarantine Diaries: Why I decided to self-isolate

Seriously, everyone should self-isolate or practice social distancing during this time. Sharing snippets from my days in quarantine.