No matter where you live, you have probably seen or read about a road trip experience. Media portrays these trips as fun, easygoing, and a great way to bond with your travel companions. But is road tripping all it’s made to seem, or is it an overrated form of travel? I won’t answer that for you, but let’s look at some of the pros and cons that can help you decide whether you should take a road trip.

Pros

Enjoy Underrated Attractions

No matter where you are looking to road trip, you will likely find an attraction, a restaurant, or even a national park that most tourists tend to overlook. It’s here that you’ll often see the most real version of a place; it’s where you can stop being a tourist and just be a person. After the trip is over, these places are the ones you’ll most remember.

Group Bonding Time

The cliché is real — road trips are a great time to learn more about your traveling companions. You’ll spend time together in a small space for days, and there will be times where the drive is boring. After the fun and excitement starts to wear off, you can expect to open up a bit and relate to each other on a more personal level.

Fully Customizable Travel

Do you want to visit a city that has no close airport? You may end up traveling for the same amount of time you would if you drove, but spending way more. Or, you might book a hotel and find out it looks much worse in person than it did online. Taking a road trip means being able to customize your travel itinerary to suit your needs, so you can avoid situations like these.

Cons

No Room To Breathe

Although staying in close quarters may lead to a heart-to-heart moment, it can also be the catalyst for epic fights. People get sick of each other after spending so much time together with no out, so be ready to argue over nothing, just because.

The Cost

Although road tripping may be less expensive than an international vacation, it can often be more costly than expected. Gas drives costs up, food and lodging can be a surprise, and you never know when your vehicle will break down. It’s a good idea to have extra money stashed away, just in case something goes awry.

Where’s The Excitement?

Unfortunately, no road trip is going to be interesting 100% of the time. You may have days of travel without an exciting element. Be prepared to entertain yourself in other ways, or else you may regret taking this kind of trip.

Taking a road trip can be a fun experience, but it can also be grueling. Before you commit to the idea, make sure you consider both the good and the bad. You may be surprised at how you feel after weighing all of the consequences.

When traveling, it can be tempting to fall into a typical routine — go to this city, eat at this restaurant, and talk with the same people you see daily. However, people are tired of following suit and want to encounter authentic experiences. In fact, so many people are shifting from the norm that 2018 is known as the year of these unique travel trends.

Solo or No?

When traveling, most people prefer to spend their trip with someone. Usually, this is family, friends, or a significant other. Yet, the era of the travel companion may soon be over, as one of the big trends of 2018 is solo travel. Although traveling by yourself is not everyone’s ideal vacation, it can provide new experiences that you would not have on your own. For example, you may be more inclined to speak to locals, rather than retreating to your group. You also would not be limited by others’ preferences, which can open the door to adventures, sights, and, of course, food that you never would have tried. It’s no wonder that people are traveling solo; it’s the perfect opportunity to cater specifically to your interests.

The New Old Transportation

Another big trend that has taken off is traveling by train. People in Europe do this frequently when traveling between countries, but other continents are taking interest, as well. With airport security at an all-time high, it may be more convenient to take a train to your destination, especially if you plan on stopping in a few places. Another benefit of traveling by train is an increased amount of room. We’ve all heard that airlines are restricting legroom each year, but trains still maintain a fairly large capacity without sacrificing personal comfort. Finally, trains may not provide the most interesting experience, but it can be fun to watch the sights you pass on the way to your stop.

Undiscovered Destinations

Every year, it seems another attraction has become overrun with tourists. Instead of wading through the sea of people you could find at home, try following another 2018 trend: traveling to unfamiliar places. There are dozens of countries throughout several continents that rarely see outside tourism. Furthermore, within many popular countries, there are usually areas tourists stay away from. Why not explore a bit further than most? These undiscovered areas often come with some of the best hospitality, as well as a truly immersive experience. You will eat like a native, live like a native, and may not see a person from your country the entire time. It may sound nerve-wracking, but afterward, you will be amazed at how much you learned.

2018 has been a year full of surprises, but these travel trends were a long time coming. Even if you aren’t one to follow trends, try giving these a try. You will certainly have a unique experience and a great story to tell.

Traveling is one of my biggest passions, and many people can relate. It is exciting to see the world, meet the locals, and taste new cuisines. Although so many of us love traveling, there are certain countries people tend to travel to most. While these countries have merit, so many others are left mostly undiscovered. To bring some light to the places more people could visit, I’m starting a series called Undiscovered Countries. Today, I’m going to dive into what you should know if you are interested in visiting Croatia.

General Info

Croatia is a swooping country, found on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, opposite Italy. It borders Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. In Croatia, the national language is Croatian, while Serbian, Italian, French, and many other regional languages are minority languages. The currency is the Kuna, and 1 AUD equals roughly 4.61 Kuna.

What can I do in Croatia?

Croatia boasts over 1,000 islands, which many tourists love exploring. The Adriatic Sea is a great place for sailing, so all tourists should make a stop by the coast. The country also contains rich scenery, including seven UNESCO World Heritage sites. Of course, you can also visit the numerous small towns throughout the country, and make a stop in the capital, Zagreb. Here, you can visit farmers’ markets, spend an afternoon in a local coffee shop, or explore one of many museums.

That sounds nice, but what about food?

Croatian food varies greatly, as the country is divided into several regions. However, if you travel throughout the country, these are three dishes you must try:

• Black risotto (crni rizot) is often known in other countries as squid-ink risotto. It’s a Croatian specialty, and comes with several kinds of seafood mixed in. Make sure to eat this dish near the coast, as the seafood will be fresh.
• Manestra, a bean soup, is a common dish in Istria, and a must-try for foreigners. This soup contains a garlic-pancetta-parsley paste, as well as cured meats. It’s a unique flavor that you don’t often find, so make sure to keep it on your list.
• Rozata may seem familiar to those who love Central American cuisine. Rozata is Croatia’s version of flan, and it looks nearly identical. Still, there is no way you can go wrong with this sweet treat, so make sure to try it at least once.

I’m sold. How do I get to Croatia?

Flights directly to Croatia can be expensive, if you can even find them. Instead, consider flying into a major Western European city and taking a train or a short flight to Croatia. If you are hoping to stop in some other countries, this is a great way to make sure you do so. Once you arrive in Croatia you will never want to leave.

There are tons of countries around the world, and most people will only see a handful in their lives. If you’re looking to break from that mold and adventure into new territory, why not start with Croatia?

Many people see traveling as a simple vacation from the drudgery of their lives. Traveling can provide so many invaluable skills and lessons that will not only make your life better but will make you a better person.

A Lesson In Patience

Impatience is often considered the cornerstone of youth. Maturing through adulthood to a ripe age is the most common way to temper impatience, but traveling can begin the process much sooner. There are many things that can go wrong during travel such as lost items, delays, crowds, cancellations, and language barriers. The more you expose yourself to annoying situations, the more chances you have to train your mind to not react in an impulsive, impatient manner. Traveling helps you to learn how to remain calm and relax during moments where you have no power to change the situation.

Acquiring Worldly Knowledge

While textbooks and the internet can provide you with a plethora of information at your fingertips, it’s quite another experience to travel to a different country to acquire the knowledge from its origin. Traveling will allow you to visit historic sites, view relics from ancient civilizations, go on tours of places you’ve only read about, and speak with people who have lived an entirely different life than you. Knowledge used to be passed down verbally by the elders of families and tribes since human beings tend to retain information more effectively through verbal communication. This is still an effective way to acquire worldly knowledge.

Conquer Your Fears

Fear is one of the main reasons that people refrain from doing something that seems interesting or exciting. The basis behind these fears can be a multitude of things such as a fear of change, a fear of failure, a fear of the unknown, or even a fear of traveling. Yes, some people are afraid of the certain modes of travel such as flying. The only way to conquer your fears is to face them and overcome them. Traveling can provide this important life lesson by helping you to build your confidence. The best way to build your confidence is to push yourself to do something you never thought you could do or were too afraid to do. Once you’ve emerged from that confrontation safely, you’ll be blessed with a renewed sense of confidence in yourself as you slowly conquer the fears that have been holding you back.

I recently took a trip to Singapore, which is such a beautiful and unique place to visit. Not only do they have miles and miles of gorgeous coastline, but the city features a blended culture that’s ahead of its time. With many official languages, national holidays that span many religions, and futuristic architecture, Singapore is a cool culture that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.  

Fashion for Everyone

If you’re into fashion, then you know that London, Paris, New York, and Milan each have fashion weeks that show off the latest and greatest on the runways. However, the only way you’ll get access to these events is if you’re a designer, a buyer, a model, a celebrity, or a journalist in the entertainment industry.

Unlike the rest of the world, Singapore Fashion Week sells tickets to the public, so fashion bloggers and lovers alike can get access to runway looks galore. This year’s event starts on October 26, so book your trip now if you’re interested!

Light Up Your Night with Solar-Powered Trees

If you take a trip to the breathtaking Gardens by the Bay, you’ll come across a set of 18 man-made “trees” known as the Supertree Grove. These vertical gardens covered in grasses and flowers soak up the sun’s rays during the day, then use that energy to create a spectacle of a light show at night. The best part is that admission is free!

All the Taxi Drivers are Friendly

If you’re the kind of person that craves conversation, then you and the taxi drivers of Singapore will get along quite nicely. Many of their taxi drivers are quite chatty and will talk to you about anything ranging from what country you’re from to what events are happening around town.

It’s Super Easy to Get Around

Speaking of taxi drivers making your trip pleasurable, getting a ride anywhere in Singapore is easy. With close to 30,000 official taxis in a city-state that’s relatively small (it’s only 277.6 square miles), finding a ride can be quick, easy, and cheap!

You’ve Heard of a Safari, But What About a Night Safari?

The world’s first nocturnal safari park opened in Singapore in 1994. Why have a nocturnal safari park? So onlookers will have the opportunity to see nocturnal animals like wallabies and tigers in their natural state! The park features six different tram rides that will take you across all the geographical zones of the world, and has four walking trails that each feature a different animal. The park opens at 7:15 p.m. and closes at midnight.

Marvel at the Insane Architecture

Quite a few buildings in Singapore are known for their peculiar but fascinating architecture. For example, the Marina Bay Sands Resort is known as the “stranded surfboard,” considering it’s three main buildings are connected by a structure that looks like a surfboard. The Henderson Wave, a walking trail that links Singapore’s hills, ridges, and parks, features wave-like architecture that leads your eyes up and down the natural flora and fauna of the city.

—

Rachel Krider, a successful personal development life coach and entrepreneur, is the co-host of Born to Prosper’s Mind Power podcast. Along with her husband, Rachel travels the world in luxury to speak to aspiring entrepreneurs at conferences and workshops to inspire them to find their own pathways to success. Rachel Krider is part of The Prosperity of Life Network, a United States-based personal development business with a presence in 52+ countries.

Since my husband and I are successful entrepreneurs and life coaches, our work takes us all over the world. From New Zealand, Fiji, my husband’s home in the United States and mine in Australia, our family had been fortunate enough to afford to travel frequently and in the form of luxury. Not only does this provide a unique experience the whole family can enjoy, but my children are gaining a very enriching cultural experience early on in life that neither I nor my husband had the opportunity to experience until we were well into our twenties.

Providing my children with these experiences is a very rare opportunity a parent has. Since it is so rare, there aren’t too many written rules about how to keep your children disciplined while they’re on a trip few children — or even adults — receive in their lifetime. Below are a few of my guidelines that I personally use in my family that you could perhaps instill on your children one day.

Educate Them About Their Opportunities, and Tie It Into Schooling

How about a field trip to explore the geology of the rocky shores of Australia? Or watching White Faced Herons hunt for prey near tide pools on the New Zealand coast? Since we travel all around the world, our kids are exposed to a variety of nature’s wonders that many kids only learn about in textbooks. Our kids learn about these things in person, and we make sure we make it fun, yet educational, by reading signage with information about the area and its wildlife, as well as attending guided tours. Your kids will feel grateful that they’re learning this in person instead of through a textbook in a classroom.

See How Others Live

If you’re going on a luxury vacation, you probably have spas and days spent at the beach and pool in mind. Although those luxuries are certainly relaxing (and may be well needed for you and your family!), it’s also important to remember that you should also expose your child to the austerities life may bring to others. For example, volunteer to hand out meals at a food shelter for a few hours. Or if the area has recently suffered from a natural disaster, purchase necessities and encourage your kids to pass out blankets, water, food and toys to victims.

Set Expectations

When kids are on vacation, it can be easy for them to forget rules that are typically set for the home. Just like you establish house rules, you have to establish vacation rules as well — and it’s best to keep them similar to maintain consistency. You should still set a curfew for bedtime, set the expectations for good public behavior, and encourage healthy eating habits — with a little indulgence because it is vacation.

—

Rachel Krider, a successful personal development life coach and entrepreneur, is the co-host of Born to Prosper’s Mind Power podcast. Along with her husband, Rachel travels the world in luxury to speak to aspiring entrepreneurs at conferences and workshops to inspire them to find their own pathways to success. Rachel Krider is part of The Prosperity of Life Network, a United States-based personal development business with a presence in 52+ countries.

Although we have really enjoyed our time broadcasting Mind Power here in glorious Australia, Shane and I thought it was time for a change. As we continue our travels around the world, our next stop leads us to Phuket, Thailand! This small, yet mountainous island off the coast of mainland Thailand is filled with rich rainforests and beautiful white-sand beaches with waters so clear that you can see the undersea life. We’re excited to share what we’ve discovered in our new home here on my blog!

Relaxing on Thailand’s Beaches

Located on the northwestern shores of Phuket sits Nai Yang Beach, a hidden beach that’s only a 10 minute drive from the Phuket International Airport. Since the beach is fairly secluded, the only way to access it is by staying at The Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa. However, your stay will be worth it because not only do you get the chance to soak up the sun on this private beach, but you can also take a free beginner yoga class on the shores! You will definitely feel relaxed and rejuvenated after spending a few days here.

Exploring Thailand’s Culture

Part of what I love about travel is immersing myself in the different cultures and customs that are out there in the world. One of the most treasured landmarks on Phuket island is the Big Buddha, which a very prominent fixture on the island considering it’s size. With a total construction cost of 30 million, the Buddha stands 45 metres tall and can be seen from as far away as Phuket Town and Karon Beach on the opposite end of the island. You can also visit Wat Chalong, which is one of Phuket’s most important temples. Decorated in thousands of pieces of shattered glass that glitter in the sun, this temple is a holy place for the locals to pray — so it’s best to learn about their culture before visiting.

And for the Kids…

Check out FantaSea, which is a cultural theme park that will not only educate you and your family about Thailand’s traditions, but it will do it in an entertaining way. Trapeze artists, elephants, and phenomenal pyrotechnics dazzle the Palace of the Elephants Theatre stage in bright colors and sparkle. After the show, hit up the Golden Kinnare Buffet Restaurant, which seats you in a forest setting and has a plethora of traditional Thai foods prepared by the top chefs in the country. You can also try your hand at the carnival games and browse through the locally made silk, ceramics and jewelry in the 15 shops that line the Festival Village Shopping Street.

We’re definitely looking forward to our stay in Thailand! Stay tuned to both my blog and our podcast for new updates!

—

Rachel Krider, a successful personal development life coach and entrepreneur, is the co-host of Born to Prosper’s Mind Power podcast. Along with her husband, Rachel travels the world in luxury to speak to aspiring entrepreneurs at conferences and workshops to inspire them to find their own pathways to success. Rachel Krider is part of The Prosperity of Life Network, a United States-based personal development business with a presence in 52+ countries.