30 People Share Surprising Changes In Their Travel Habits

Travel used to be a race for people in this thread, a checklist of “must-sees” and a suitcase that looked like it was packed for a movie montage. Then these 30 Redditors started quietly changing the rules, and it’s way more interesting than you’d think.

One person ditched the whole night life grind, realizing bars and clubs feel basically identical everywhere once the novelty wears off. Another started taking fewer days off, packing lighter, and lowering expectations until “less stress” became the whole strategy. There’s also the AirBNB versus hotel shift, where someone kept running into issues and finally leaned into comfort instead of chasing the idea of a perfect stay.

Here’s the full story of how their trips turned from exhausting plans into calm, present moments.

Traveling changes...

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1. "I’ve lost pretty much all interest in night life. I’ve found that bars/clubs are pretty much the same everywhere. I like having one nightcap, getting to bed early, and waking up refreshed. "

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The recent changes in travel habits highlighted in the article reveal a significant cultural shift towards exploration and the quest for authenticity. As travelers increasingly seek experiences that push them beyond their comfort zones, they are not only embracing personal growth but also forging deeper connections with the places they visit. This trend underscores the importance of cultural immersion, where individuals prioritize meaningful interactions over superficial sightseeing. By engaging more fully with local customs and traditions, travelers are finding that these experiences enrich their lives, leading to a broader perspective and a more fulfilling travel experience. This evolution in mindset demonstrates how travel is not just about the destination but also about the transformative journey that comes with engaging authentically with the world around us.

2. Additional days off.

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3. "Less is more. Less planning, less luggage, less expectations, less stress. Less is more "

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Additionally, the psychological concept of 'experiential consumption' plays a significant role in this trend. This underscores the importance of prioritizing experiences over possessions when it comes to travel.

4. Joy in spontaneity.

"In the last year or so, I’ve stopped trying to do everything. I’ve found that my happiest travel moments were when I made no plans and just did whatever felt right in the moment. Sometimes that might be just finding one spot I want to be and just soaking up my surroundings for the day. It’s hard to stay present when I’m worried about trying to do it all and see it all."

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5. Prioritize comfort.

"AirBNB vs Hotels: I love the concept of AirBNBs but I've had more and more issues with them. I stray towards hotels mostly now.

Flights: I detest economy. I value my comfort. Anything longer than 90m and I'll go up a comfort level. If that means I travel less, so be it.

Flights: I opt for no layovers whenever possible now. It sometimes costs a bit extra or means I have to use ground travel when I arrive, but cancellations on my 2nd leg has caused me enough problems that I don't want to deal with it anymore.

Airport lounges: I pay for access now. Having a more comfortable seat and access to free coffee (and snacks, food, drinks if available) is worth it for me. If it means I don't get to travel as much as I want, so be it.

Cruises: I didn't understand the draw of cruises. Finally took one. Cruises are now solidly in my rotation.

TL;DR -- as I get older I get grumpier and value comfort, ease of travel and avoiding the unknown as much as possible."

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The night-life person isn’t even trying to “make it happen” anymore, they’re just doing one nightcap, going to bed early, and waking up refreshed.

The search for authenticity in travel experiences is increasingly linked to psychological well-being.

6. Remember the experiences.

"Someone told me that you'll never remember how much that cool thing you want to do cost, but you will always remember the cool thing.

It made sense to me. Thinking back at my trips I can't remember how much any single event was. Going in the Colosseum or eating a nice meal, whatever it may be."

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7. Focus on enjoying every aspect of travel.

"I have tried to get into the mindset that for vacation travel the fun starts when you leave the house so finding ways to enjoy the drive to the airport, the wait in the airport, if having to lay over have longer ones to reduce stress. Airport restaurants might not be the best but browse and find something to enjoy, shop the shops even if not buying anything, have a friend drive you to the airport/pick you up and use that time to connect, have a good book to read…. I used to work hard to minimize the time in the airport, showing up just in time, short layovers… but I realized the stress wasn’t worth the gain."

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The impact of social media on travel habits cannot be overstated. The article reveals how platforms like Instagram and Facebook have transformed not only how we perceive destinations but also how we plan our trips. User-generated content now serves as a vital resource for travelers, inspiring them to explore lesser-known locales and engage in experiences that stray from traditional tourist routes. This shift emphasizes the importance of social influence in contemporary travel, as people increasingly seek out unique adventures based on the curated images and stories shared by others. The way we connect and share our journeys has evolved dramatically, creating a dynamic landscape where travel is as much about the experience itself as it is about the narrative we craft around it.

8. Finding charmingly renovated motels.

"As our family grew to 6 we realized that most of the middle to higher end chains have occupancy restrictions that are a bit tough to beat with 4 kids running around.

But we have found that the old school motels with all of the rooms having their own door to the outside have become KING. They don't see/care how many kids you fit in there. No hallways to carry your s**t down.

And at the end of the night, we can close the door with them safely in bed and sit outside our door and enjoy a drink together, something that absolutely can't be done in modern hotels.

Finding really cool rehabbed ones has become our travel goal."

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9. "Hop on hop off busses. Before kids, never. Once we had kids, we found it was an easy way to get an overview of cities, them going back later to those places we really want to see. Air conditioning and comfy seats. If the kids took quick naps, all the better. "

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That same “less” energy shows up again when someone talks about taking additional days off but packing less, planning less, and expecting less, because stress does not belong on a vacation.

Practical Tips for Travelers

To enhance travel experiences, individuals can benefit from planning itineraries that allow for flexibility and spontaneity. Encouraging a mindset of exploration and curiosity can also enhance the travel experience, as it opens up opportunities for unexpected discoveries.

10. "When I first started traveling - it was hostels all the way. Now I couldn’t ever imagine myself going to one. Why share a room with people who have alarms set for their 5am flight and need to share one bathroom "

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11. "Valuing personal comfort more: comfy bed, private bathroom, upgraded seat. Once you get a fancy airplane seat it’s hard to go back. Also, I mostly travel solo and I’m not as shy talking to strangers — either other travelers or locals. This has made a big difference"

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Engaging with local communities has emerged as a transformative aspect of travel for many. As highlighted in the experiences shared, travelers who dive into local events or volunteer opportunities find themselves not only creating deeper connections but also significantly enhancing their overall satisfaction. The article illustrates how immersing oneself in the local culture fosters a profound sense of belonging and joy. This is particularly evident in the stories of individuals who have taken the time to connect with the people and traditions of the places they visit. Such interactions not only enrich personal experiences but also contribute to a more fulfilling travel narrative. The emphasis on challenging oneself while connecting with others resonates throughout the shared experiences, underscoring how these moments can lead to greater fulfillment on one's journey.

This is similar to the AITA where friends’ luxury upgrade ruined the budget, and the narrator refused to pay.

12. Spend more for added comfort.

"How much I love staying in fully equipped apartments, especially with a little one. Having one or even two bedrooms and a washer dryer is an absolute game changer. I'm definitely willing to spend more for that added comfort.

On that note, I've learned you need to account for comfort and not everything needs to be walked to or going on public transport. Taxis/Ubers are worth the money when you're tired or can't get there conveniently."

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13. "No more hostels - it’s a private hotel room or I’m not going lol "

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What we learn from all these stories is that travel is a personal thing that grows and changes as we do. It's about what you value, what you're curious about, and connecting with people and places in your unique way.

Whether you're into short local trips, luxury vacations, or backpacking on a budget, how you see the world is special to you. By sharing our experiences, we inspire each other and remember all the amazing possibilities out there.

14. "FOOD TOURS. What an amazing interactive way to not only learn about the food, but also culture and history. They’re pricey but soooo worth it. You get to discover so many new local foods that don’t usually make it onto “must eat” lists. "

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15. "When I travel somewhere, I always save a day and plan nothing. Then I’m able to fit in things I come across as I travel (but didn’t plan for) or I just roam and recharge and go where the day takes me. I call it my Ferris Bueller day "

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16. "We used to fly every vacation. It gave us the possibility to go to some wonderful places. But now with how bad the airlines are I have zero interest in flying. We are doing more road trips and are much happier for it. Even though it limits our range. "

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17. "I don’t do restaurants except for dinner. I go to the grocery store periodically as I travel and buy fruit, bread, cured meats, wine, and something sweet, then work my way through it as I go. Healthier, cheaper, and a fascinating experience. "

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18. Paying for a more comfortable flight.

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19. "Get a journal and write in it every day. Reading back on the small sensory details I wrote down (that I normally would have forgotten if not written down that day) helps me go back and put myself in that time and place again. "

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20. Returning to familiar spots.

"As a family, we are getting to the stage where I want to go back to a handful of places that I’ve been to and liked.

We’ve had too many trips thats haven’t been up to expectations and it’s such a shame when you have so few opportunities to travel around school holidays and each roll of the dice is so expensive.

I feel quite old going back to the same place year after year but I think I’m happy with it."

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21. "When I travel with family I book a local photographer for a shoot. They know great spots and we get pictures of all of us without having to stress. It’s cheap, often not much more than a good restaurant meal, and when I’m too old to travel those pics will be priceless. "

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22. Choose more affordable destinations.

"I used to have an extensive list of places I wanted to visit, and used to cram 1-2 countries into every vacation. But now - I am more likely to go to a single place and really enjoy what it has to offer.

I also used to be interested in super expensive countries (eg. Amsterdam, Singapore) but now that I’ve been to one, I have almost zero desire to go to another and spend incredible amounts of money on basic things like accommodations and meals. I’d rather go to places that are more affordable, because I find them more enjoyable when I am not worried about blowing through 150$ a day.. looking at you Amsterdam."

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23. Well-vetted small-group tours with guides.

"Tours. I’ve mainly traveled alone. When I was younger, it was easier to think I knew all about what I should see and what I was seeing. Now I appreciate being in a small group, whether just for a day or several, and having someone talk me through it a bit.

EDIT: I should have specified: we’ll-vetted, small-group tours. I don’t want to be on a bus stopping for obligatory photo-ops and listening to pre-recorded descriptions."

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24. Relaxation and sunshine.

"How much I just want to go somewhere warm and beachy and chill the f**k out. If I am somewhere new I will take a day or half-day and see what cool stuff there is to see, but I am there to rest and drink after work's busy season, and a good dose of vitamin D before enduring the rest of the gray months in the Pacific Northwest winter."

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25. Adventurous experiences.

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26. Wear a mask.

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27. "Points and miles have been a game changer for us. We have been able to visit hotels and destinations that would have otherwise financially been out of reach. It has also enabled us to fly first/business class on most trips and it's so nice to actually enjoy long haul flights instead of dreading them. "

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28. Explore deeper

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29. Upgraded plane seats.

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30. Prioritize convenience and comfort over packing lightly.

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Then the spontaneity crowd takes over, with one traveler saying their happiest moments came from doing nothing except soaking up one spot all day.

And when it comes time to sleep, the AirBNB vs hotels debate gets real, since the thread’s comfort-first switch makes the whole trip feel easier from the start.

The article highlights a significant shift in travel habits that underscores a quest for authenticity and cultural immersion. This trend suggests a collective movement towards valuing experiences that resonate on a personal level rather than merely collecting souvenirs or ticking off destinations from a checklist.

Furthermore, the emphasis on flexibility in travel plans, as illustrated by various anecdotes, points to a growing recognition that spontaneity can lead to more enriching experiences. Engaging with local cultures not only enhances personal satisfaction but also fosters a deeper connection to the places visited, ultimately transforming the way we perceive travel itself.

The biggest twist is they stopped trying to conquer the trip, and their vacations finally started cooperating.

Wondering about trip boundaries, read the AITA about sharing itineraries with a flaky friend.