What happens between the Instagram stories and newsworthy group chat updates speaks volumes. And, one could argue, these nondescript moments are when epic travels are really made. We’re here for the mornings journalling while sun-dappled light spreads across the kitchen table. We understand that the first day after arriving can be about unpacking, taking a hot shower, finding the nearest grocery store, and simply enjoying a coffee in a new neighbourhood. Here, the quiet—even non-glamourous—things that well-travelled people swear by.

Surrounding yourself with likeminded travellers

One sunny day, I sat at the edge of a pool with one of my best friends as we looked out onto a mountain valley framed by fruit trees. We were together celebrating a long weekend just the two of us and while dodging sunburns, we sipped chilled red wine talking about the best places we’d travelled to, where we’d go if offered a free flight anywhere in the world (my favourite question to ask everyone), and where we’d live if we hadn’t both settled on Cuenca, Ecuador. These questions about travel and talking about hopes, dreams, places we’d want to see, and incredible destinations where we’ve already been helps me keep dreams alive. These are so the chats I want to be having especially when I’ve been in social circles where the topics aren’t aligned with my lifestyle. Surrounding yourself with likeminded travel friends means travel is a part of your life even while not away on an adventure. 

Finding the grocery store, corner shop, or market on day one

Like I said, some of the things that every seasoned traveller does are kind of mundane… but they still have to happen. When arriving at your hostel, it’s always such a good idea to find a grocery store, corner store, or market on day one. Friend, you have to know where to find the cheap pasta and  fresh fruits so that you can get that shop done and know where to pop by for convenience items as your trip wears on. The sooner this is done, the better fuelled you’ll be for the actual fun stuff. 

Getting packing down to an art

The bathing suits, underwear, pyjamas, and workout wear goes into the bag first. Then, it’s the loungewear I plan on wearing during cozy evenings in the hostel. Why? I need these things every time—no matter where I’m going—and they don’t require much thought. Then, I think about the actual outfits I want to be wearing to the cute cafes and fun evenings out. Those require a little more decision-making. I leave books, work materials, and hygiene and beauty products for last. I’ve packed more carry-ons than I care to count and this process isn’t thrilling, but it’s where the travels really start (what you pack is what supports you) and I have it down to an art.

Reading inspiring travel books and articles

Whether it’s a list of memoirs by similarly-inclined female travellers, an inspirational newsletter (*ahem!*), or a favourite magazine covering far-flung places you’d like to see some day, reading inspiring travel content is what keeps dreams alive between adventures. It’s also so easy to make this an everyday practice. Those moments add up taking you from an occasional vacationer to someone whose lifestyle centers, at least partially, on travel. Most of us likely can’t set off somewhere every single month. But a book, a candle, green tea, and a quiet half hour? Totally doable. 

Packing a few small comforting items

I used to laugh at my mother for bringing a small bottle of lavender essential oil and a candle for her bedside table while on vacation. Now, I’ve become someone who does pretty much the exact same thing. Even though packing light is definitely a gamechanger (especially for solo travellers), I still like to include a few tiny comfort items that can easily change the mood and transform a private hostel room to somewhere more relaxing after a hard day climbing mountains. Sometimes I’ll bring a tea light, mini pillow spray, or book of essays.

Having financial goals

When we’re talking about mundane, non-Instagrammable, or even boring, I’ll add money talk to that list. (Some may disagree with me. I wish I knew their ways.) Still, I’ll say this: Having a money goal or incentive for the bucks earned through a big project of side hustle helps ensure that trips actually happen. It can sound like, “Once I save X dollars, I’m starting my Argentina travel fund.”

Creating specific airport rituals

If any of my close friends or family were to meet my airport self, they wouldn’t recognize me. Airport me is type A, organized, wakes up without hitting the snooze button, and most shockingly, she’s early. On a regular day, I’m none of these. On a travel day, my suitcase is zipped up and waiting by the door. I’ve checked in for my flight. My carry-on and purse are organized. I even know what I’ll be wearing (always black). When I’m in airports, there are certain things I always do: freshen up in the bathroom once stepping off a flight, take a moment to gather my things upon entering the airport, treat myself to a hard copy of a favourite travel magazine, get a beverage if I have a long layover, and get some simple work tasks done. 

Keeping a travel journal

Last year, during a trip to Costa Rica, I kept a travel journal for the first time… maybe ever. I often enjoyed slow mornings drinking coffee, watching green parrots fly across the sky, and writing down highlights from the day before. Sometimes I took an hour to write pages and pages reflecting on my adventures. Other evenings, I quickly wrote in scrawley letters just a few simple lines of the main things I wanted to remember. A year later, I read it back and was surprised by how I was so easily transported back to a baking-hot landscape on my friend’s farm where locals lassoed from horses and I ate crispy chicharron hot and covered in lime juice. Were these moments of tracking these memories the highlight? No. Do I make sure to continue this practice for my future self? Definitely. 

Returning to the same bar or cafe

There’s no rule that says you can only go to a cafe, restaurant or bar just once during your visit to a new place. It kind of feels like there is though? Why is that? I get that most of us want to maximize our time by seeing as many things as possible. But to counter that: if you’ve found a cute little cafe with a gorgeous, overgrown back patio, you’ve kind of struck gold. Why spend just one afternoon in that little slice of heaven when you got so lucky to find it in the first place? Plus, it cuts out navigation, potentially getting lost, or being disappointed in a new spot that can’t even compare.

Finding joy in the non-descript days

Confession: non-descript travel days make me feel guilty. When I don’t have a whole lot going on, I catch myself thinking that I should have booked a tour, made friends and been invited to an epic party, planned an awesome hike and be standing on a mountain, or been to *the* hot new restaurant in this particular location. But before spiralling, I can often counter that. Maybe I filed an assignment I’m excited about from a neat desk space with the most amazing view overlooking the city. Or maybe I snuck some moments to myself to just appreciate nature—cacao trees spreading out across a valley, a symphony of loud crickets at night after my travel buddies are asleep. Possibly, I spent an evening chatting with my brother while watching street lights decorate a cityscape like a Christmas tree. Being happy with the smaller wins is how you really come to love and appreciate slow travel… in my opinion.