For Spring Break I went to Washington, DC and New York City. I could do a whole blog about each one, especially NY!

I learned a few things about traveling and touring.

1. Be prepared to walk and don’t ever stop. I walked 15 miles in one day in New York City. A lot of the time if you don’t stop your adrenaline will keep you going. Sure, you’ll need to eat and sit down once in a while, but nothing is too far from wherever you are, especially with public transportation.
2. Don’t go shopping. We have malls at home and online shopping if you need something, plus are you actually going to buy something? I did go to H&M and Forever 21 at midnight in Times Square because it was cool that they were open that late, and they were at Times Square!
3. Don’t use Yelp or apps and sites like that. If you see something that looks cool or an interesting place to eat, try it. Ask your friends or family where their favorite places are or what they know, or have heard, about about a certain place.
4. Make a list of places you want to see, and rank them in order of importance. There’s a good chance, depending on traffic and crowds, you won’t get to see everything.
5. We all have friends and relatives that live in different cities. Hit them up for a night’s stay. Don’t pay to stay somewhere when there are people who would be more than happy to have you stay with them (for a night or two). If you think that makes you a burden to them, just think if they would be a burden to you.
6. Sometimes you need to slow down and take the scenery in, such as standing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, being at Times Square at night, looking up at the skyline and tall buildings, or walking along the Potomac River.
7. Only use your phone when you need to, or to find your way so you don’t go in circles. Don’t stop and talk to people, especially on New York. Adapt to their way of things.
8. Sometimes you don’t need to have an elaborate plan. Just think of what to do, contact people such as friends, family, acquaintances, drive and be prepared for tolls, and enjoy it. Pack light, wake up early, stay out late, and see and do as much as you can.

There is always things to see and places to go. It should be an enjoyable process. It should never stress you out, and even if it does on occasion, don’t let it get so stressful that it’s not enjoyable. Take a step back (or forward) and take pleasure in all that’s around you.