Traveling abroad is meant to be fun and memorable; unfortunately, research has shown that worry ruins the experience for far too many people. In fact, over one-third of travelers worry about something going wrong on the first day of the trip while nearly one-quarter of travelers say they can’t relax until they get to their accommodations. Stephen V. Mooney, a hospitality industry expert who has visited over twenty countries worldwide, offers expert advice that can help travelers build memories to last a lifetime.
Planning a trip right is key to success, Stephen V. Mooney explains, noting that a truly good plan looks far different from the average vacation plan. Rather than trying to see as many sites as possible or cram visits into multiple countries just to brag about it after getting back home, smart travelers plan their trip to include plenty of spare time that can be used to take a spontaneous trip off the beaten path, linger at a local restaurant to get to know the locals or to spend longer than expected at a magnificent site. Mooney also encourages travelers to learn a bit about the countries they want to visit ahead of time. Getting to know the history, customs, and language of different countries before traveling can enhance one’s experience, making a trip fuller, richer, and more memorable than would have otherwise been possible.
Stephen V. Mooney also advises travelers to take care of themselves. It’s smart to keep healthy snacks in a travel bag to avoid getting hungry when standing in line at an airport or tourist site. Getting a good night’s sleep will enable a traveler to enjoy the next day to the fullest; staying up late, and drinking too much, on the other hand, can leave one tired, unable to make smart decisions, and even put one at risk of being robbed or taken advantage of by unscrupulous locals. Furthermore, Stephen V. Mooney warns, to avoid the trap of trying to document all one’s experiences on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter; rather than focusing on looking good for regular social media updates and trying to take photos designed to impress friends and family back home, focus on having a good time and getting to know the area. Limit time on social media as much as possible; there will be plenty of time to show off photos and videos when one gets back home.
Stephen K. Mooney has not only traveled abroad but also lived in half a dozen different countries. His experience, he notes, has helped him understand the unique beauties, joys, and friendships to be had in each country. He has a passion for helping those who want to travel or even live abroad, and so encourages would-be travelers to prepare for their trip ahead of time and to focus on self-care rather than showing off or trying to impress people back home. Doing so, he notes, can turn even a short trip into one that will be fondly remembered for years to come.
