People really are creatures of habit. We like to go back to the same places we’ve been to before, eat the same food we grew up with, and hang around with friends who are often a lot like us. We’re more at ease in familiar surroundings and feel as though we have greater control when we’re following an established routine. We may pass a gazillion Starbucks locations on our way to work, but we always stop at the same one.

​Welcome to your comfort zone.

Traveling within your comfort zone is about maximizing your pleasure while minimizing the risks involved in doing and seeing new things. That often means only vacationing in countries that speak your language or sticking with a tour group. It also means, however, that you could be missing out on some of the best things traveling has to offer such as unique experiences that lie off the beaten tourist track. Local cuisine and exotic meals. And most of all, truly interesting stories to tell your friends when you get home.

Tips to Expanding Your Comfort Zone If you want to push the boundaries of the familiar and wander outside your comfort zone, here are a few things to get you started.
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1. Don’t order anything off the menu that you could make for yourself. Once you’re good with that, you can move onto eating one thing every day that you’ve never tried before.
2. Take public transportation. It’s not only cheaper but will get you out into the big world where real people live. Talk to your neighbor on the bus and ask them what they like most about wherever you happen to be visiting. And whenever you get the chance, walk.
3. Try couch surfing. There are lots of websites that will hook you up with locals willing to give you a bed for the night in exchange for the pleasure of your company.
4. Make eye-contact. Seriously, next time you’re walking in a foreign city, waiting in line for a table or seeing the sites, actually make eye-contact with the people around you. They’ll probably smile back at you and next thing you know you might actually be having a whole conversation with someone.
5. Ask for directions. Even if you’ve got the most awesome map or GPS in the world, always ask for directions to wherever you’re going. Most people love to be helpful and will usually ask where you’re from and share some insider tips about the best restaurants in town or must-see attractions that you’d never find in a tourist brochure.
6. Take in at least one local cultural event. If you’re in Ireland, that could just mean listening to some Celtic music at the local pub. China’s got some incredible kite flying festivals and you can’t go to Spain without seeing some flamenco dancing. No matter where your journey takes you, putting a little local entertainment on the agenda will give you a chance to mix with the masses and probably see or hear something you can’t get at home.
7. Go it alone. One of the easiest (and for some scariest) ways to step out of your comfort zone is to set off on your own. You’re more likely to interact with the people you meet along the way and will be amazed at just how much you’re capable of.
8. Do a little browsing. Every country has its own mecca for local goods and produce, whether it takes the form of a bazaar, souq or open-air marketplace. This is where you’ll find an eclectic mix of local crafts, clothing and food. It’s an experience that’s so much more immersive than shopping for souvenirs in a mall or, for the really desperate, at the airport.

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Traveling outside your comfort zone doesn’t have to involve jumping out of planes or backpacking in the wilderness. It’s about increasing your capacity for embracing the unknown and discovering that the greatest adventures always happen just out of sight of the tour group.

Sooner or later, you’re going to get fed-up. Tired of paying exorbitant fees for checking your suitcase. Sick of waiting at the baggage carousel. You’ll probably hit the end of the line when the airline loses your luggage (again) and you’ve spent three days in a foreign city with only a toothbrush and ill-fitting underwear. Sooner or later, you’re going to move to carry-on only.

The thought of packing your entire life into a box that barely reaches your knee may seem daunting, but you’ll be surprised at how much you can get in there – and how much you don’t need. Here are a few basic tips to help ease your transition to check-free travel.
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1. Pick the Right Bag - Start by checking the size limitations of your airline. Budget carriers have greater restrictions so don’t assume that if the sticker says “carry-on” they’ll take it. Don’t cheat by stuffing the outside pockets of a backpack because it won’t fit in the overhead if the front and sides are bulging. Some airlines let you drop your bag at the door of the plane if it technically qualifies as a carry-on, and you can pick it up again when you disembark. It’s free. Do it.
2. Mix and Match - Choose clothing with solid colors and pieces that go with everything else in your bag. Two pants and three tops should equal 6 outfits. Go for layers and leave the bulky sweaters at home. No, you don’t have to wash your underwear in the sink every night, but expect to re-wear your bras. Wear whatever takes up the most room, even if it means an extra sweater that you have to take off for the flight.
3. Maximize the Personal Bag - In addition to your carry-on, you’re usually allowed one personal item. Make it count. Choose a messenger bag or tote, just make sure it will fit under the seat. Use it for your electronics, anything that’s bulky and awkward to pack or that you need to access easily on your flight. That’s also where you’re going to want to keep any toiletries to present at security.
4. Ditch the Potions - All your liquids and gels need to fit in a zip-lock bag and be less than 3 oz each. Stick to the bare essentials that you can’t get at the hotel or borrow from your hosts. At worst, plan to purchase things like shampoo and soap when you arrive. It’s still cheaper than checking a bag, cuts down on weight, and you don’t have to worry about spills.
5. Pack for a Week - It doesn’t matter whether you’re going away for a week or a month, pack for a 7-day trip. After that, you can find a laundry, use the washing machine at the hostel, or hand-wash in the sink. If it can’t be easily cleaned with a little soap and water, don’t bring it.
6. Don’t be a Nervous Packer - Packing a carry-on is about paring down. There’s no such thing as a “just in case” essential. It’s the stuff you throw in for good measure that you’re least likely to use, so don’t start inventing problems for yourself. If you have an unexpected emergency or find that you’ve left something behind, remember that other cities and countries have stores too.
7. Try a Few Packing Cubes - If you’re still having a hard time getting it all in there, consider using packing cubes. They’re zippered bags that help you organize your stuff, and because you can squeeze out the air, you’ll be able to get more in your bag.
8. Simplify Your Footwear - Shoes can be monsters when it comes to packing a carry-on, so keep it simple. Wear your runners or walking shoes. Pack a pair of sandals and flats or ballet slippers for dressing up. That’s it.
9. No Paper - Books and magazines are bulky, heavy, and a nightmare to lug around. If you can’t stand reading on an electronic device, buy a book at the airport and leave it behind when it’s time to come home. A cheap paperback is still going to pass the time, and you may even discover the guilty pleasures of reading something completely frivolous.
10. Pile Before You Pack - Lay everything on the bed before you start packing. You’ll get a better sense of what matches, how much you’re planning to take, and which items you really don’t need. Leave the room and come back in half an hour. If you’re still happy with your choices, you’re good to go.

You’re going to love the freedom of breezing through the airport, taking public transportation, and having everything you need at hand without lugging a big suitcase around. Just remember to pack your Brave Era travel sheet. There’s a reason it packs up to the size of a cell phone and weighs less than 6 oz. Happy travels.

People travel for many different reasons. A lot of people love to spend their vacations in comfort and luxury by checking into five star hotels in beautiful locations. Some love to immerse themselves in nature or culture. Others travel for adventure, to find thrill and experience new and exciting things.
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These adventures aren't always easy to plan, but here are a few tips that can help make it easier and give you a great travel experience filled with adventure:
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• Consider your group - The first thing to consider while planning your adventure trip is to determine the number of individuals in your group. Also make sure to consider each person's age, health and interests. A great trip should have all members of the group satisfied with the activities. Make sure the people you travel with are easy to get along with and share the same interests as you.
• Research - Before leaving for any trip, make sure to conduct thorough research about the place you are going to. This way, you can find out all the things to do and places to go, then easily decide which ones you want to take part of. This also helps you set a budget for the amount of money you are planning to spend.
• Book ahead of time - Booking everything ahead of time helps save a lot of money. Flights and accommodations are usually cheaper when you book them in advance, and you can even book your tours and activities online. These are all usually more expensive when you book on site or last minute.
• Bring the essentials - Make sure you have most of the essentials with you. Always have any medicine that you might need such as allergy medicine and vitamins. Pack your toiletries in small travel bottles. Bring a small microfiber towel for cases when your accommodations don't provide them. For comfort and protection against questionable sleeping places, bring a travel sheet with you which you can also use in long plane and train rides.