9 ways to intensify your travel experiences

I know you are on holidays and wan to catch up on your sleep but I think watching the sun rise is one of the most intense and rejuvenating experience. So at least one time on your trip, wake up and go experience this peaceful moment!

I had so many incredible sunrise experiences, it is hard to pick one.

• The time in New Zealand when the sky was on fire and I was alone to admire it? (see photo below)
• The time in Morocco, when I just had to get to the rooftop terrasse?
• Or the time in Namibia when I observed a herd of 30 elephants near the waterhole?

I have done it several times now. I am in a city and I head towards the center but without a map (still mindful of safety I do not do that anywhere). 

I have done it in San Francisco, Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo and Munich. Just get the address of your hotel in case you get tired and need to catch a cab. You end up discovering more of the reality of the place and some hidden treasures. Plus when you want directions, you create contacts with locals. Human connections deepen the experience.
I especially loved int in Tokyo I found some great buildings, surprising situations and views with old and new:

At the end of the day, set some time apart to review what happened and express gratitude about what happened to you: a peaceful feeling in front of a landscape, an encounter with a wild animal (like when I swam with wild dolphins or made eye contact with a lion), a great smile exchange with a local…

The one time when I was not greatful enough during my travel is the trip I have enjoyed the least: New Zealand. I now dream of going back and really experiencing its beauty. 
Whereas in Namibia and in Iceland I was grateful every minute for all the beauty I was able to see. Below is my friend grateful to spend the night in the Sahara in Morocco.

Be present, take it all in.

1 -  stop taking photos for an instant

2 - close your eyes, focus on feeling the sun on my skin, the wind blowing my hair​

3 - focus on smell, trying to identify the feeling that each of those scents bring to you

4 - listen to the environment: the wind blowing through the features, the birds, the waves…

5 - Open your eyes and see how the colors are more vibrant, how your heart is pounding faster...

For more information and tips, my fellow traveler Melanie wrote a great article on how to practice Mindfulness to intensify your travel experience

This is something I have learned to do more recently, and I enjoyed the benefits especially in Iceland. While the photographers on my tour where still trying to capture the perfect shot, I stopped sat and enjoyed the view, especially at this off the beaten path location: Sigoldugljufur.

Introvert, Extravert, inthe middle… it does not matter. It is important to spend some time alone and some time to connect with other people. The balance is up to you but don’t feel like you cannot escape the group or you cannot join strangers!

I do a lot of organized tours and being with the same people all the time can become exhausting. Don’t feel bad for leaving the group some time and spending time in your tent or in your room. Even on a walk. Some people just do not stop talking. Then slow down and stay behind to enjoy this moment in nature.

In Namibia, everybody goes to the top of Dune 45 to see the sunrise. I did not, I walked away fro the dune and enjoyed the sunrise alone in this vast silent area, watching the dunes slowly change colors. The rest of the group actually complained of the noise at the top of the dune...

I know being the center of attention can feel great. Belive me. But when you spend more time listening that speaking, you will learn and discover so much more and great better connections. Even when you don't speak the language, look at the expressions, the hand gestures, and the tones in the voices. 

This is one I am trying to practice but I have difficulty with… I love talking about myself 🙂

Open your mind and be ready to challenge your beliefs! Way of living, sprituality, science, emotion, relationships, food… discover the beautiful variety we have on Earth and all the possibilities that are open in front of you

I think I am already quite open minded on a lot of subjects. Where travel has opened me the most is food. I have refused to taste cats, dogs, monkeys and endangered species but I have tried turtle, snake, sand worms, bats and chicken legs:

Plan at least one activity to push yourself. The rush you will get from completing it will be unforgettable. It can be completing a long hike, experiencing with some extreme sport,  or simply starting a conversation with a local. Discover that your limits are not really there!

I impressed myself when I went swimming with wild dolphins in the middle of the ocean.
There was also the time in Austria when I started a discussion with a Tai monk on top of the highest mountain near Innsbruck. What a fascinating talk!

You are going to say 'of course'… but I mean it. All is positive even when nothing goes according to plan! This is a special to my fellow Frenchmen, stop complaining! See the good in every situation

I remember the time when the tour company told me that the other canceled and I would be alone on the tour! Positive note: I was able to change slightly the program to have one less night in Amman, one night extra in Petra (which allowed me to also visit Little Petra) and a special night camping in the Dana Nature Reserve, Jordan. Fantastic memories!
The other typical downer is the weather. But remain positive!  For example, in Iceland, you have to make the most of any weather to be able to see the incredible beauty of the country