Travel Ladybugs: 4 Ways to Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone When Traveling

If you’re not a naturally extroverted person like me, you’ll understand the struggle that comes with getting out of your shell and putting yourself out there––especially when traveling to new places. Here’s a list of helpful tips to make your trip truly memorable.

Go to the local spots.

If you’re ever in a completely new city or even a foreign country, it’s hard not to focus on the quintessential touristy places of the area (I mean they’re famous for something right?) Try to wander around the outskirts of metropolitan cities (but be sure to always be safe) and see if you can find any local coffee shops or supermarkets. I know that can sound boring, but you can really see what living there is like by seeing locals do everyday things. These destinations also give you opportunities to strike up conversations with locals and explore your surroundings with a different perspective.

Make a goal to try one new thing each day you’re there.

Whether it’s bike riding through the chaotic sea of bikers in Amsterdam or trying to communicate using only the local language, setting a goal to try one new activity each day of your trip is sure to push you out of your comfort zone and boost your confidence. On the plus side, if you make a fool out of yourself, no one in your personal life will know about it (unless you’re traveling with friends or family...sorry, I can’t help you there).

Make small talk with cashiers.

This may sound strange, but chatting with cashiers at a bookstore or cafe can really help you find interesting things to do in the area. They’re most likely locals, so commenting on the weather (as cliche as it sounds, that usually works super well) or just asking them directly about their top five favorite activities to do there can spark great conversations. Who knows, you might even find out something extraordinary.

Try to limit your smart phone use.

In this social media age of technology, we’re drawn towards using our handy-dandy smart phones to stalk social media or look up the best places to eat. But the more we use our phones, the more we forget the beauty of our surroundings. So, give this a start: Try to figure out how to get to places without using Google maps and instead use actual maps. That way, you’re more than likely to rely on friendly passersby for help!