Step Outside Your Comfort Zone on Your Next Vacation

Vacations are meant to be a true escape, so why carry along insecurities and self-imposed limits? Your getaway should be an adventure, a break from the ordinary—embrace everything the world has to offer! Treat travel as not just an escape from work and home, but from the mundane. Step out of your comfort zone and do something unexpected—it will make your vacation unforgettable and create memories to last a lifetime!

Just Give it a Try

On my first press trip for my blog, I was asked to go horseback riding on a beach in Jamaica. I was terrified—horses are powerful animals! But not wanting to be the one who sat out, I faced my fear. At first, it was stressful, but soon I relaxed and enjoyed the experience. It was a valuable lesson, and now I always say 'yes' when something pushes me beyond my comfort zone.

In January, I rode through Red Rock Canyon near Las Vegas. It ended up being the highlight of my trip, and it reminded me how much I would have missed if I hadn’t said yes!

Don’t Hesitate to Disconnect

During my first trip to Texas, a friend suggested tubing. The idea of floating down an icy river in a swimsuit, with no cell signal for six hours, made me uneasy. I wasn’t thrilled about leaving my phone behind in the car, but I took the plunge.

And I absolutely loved it! It turned out to be one of the best activities ever. We spent the day floating, chatting with strangers, and by the end, we had new friends. Honestly, I didn’t even miss my phone—I was having too much fun living in the moment.

On the way home, I did ask my friend to stop so I could snap a photo!

Broaden Your Culinary Palate

My daughter’s first dive into spicy food was a bite of jerk chicken during a stop in Negril, Jamaica. She loved it so much that she made me learn to cook it once we got home from our Dinogo Caribbean cruise. Her boldness with food inspired me to step out of my culinary comfort zone while traveling. Though there are dishes I’ll never try again, I've discovered some incredible recipes and unexpected delights along the way!

For example, during a trip to Mexico City last year, I was served hibiscus flowers wrapped in a tortilla, along with another tortilla topped with seasoned crickets.

Yes, I said crickets.

I ate them. Why not? They weren’t the tastiest item on the menu, but not terrible either. They tasted a bit like salty chicken. The worst part? A tiny leg stuck between my teeth.

Thank goodness I always carry dental floss!

Face Your Fears

I enjoy taking a few risks now and then, but some things really scare me—like white water rafting. During a trip to Costa Rica earlier this year, I skipped out on rafting because I was genuinely terrified. I’d never done it before, and the thought of it freaked me out. As soon as I got home, I regretted not going and promised myself I'd try it in North Carolina later that summer.

I was still scared—I even crossed my fingers the whole way, hoping the river would be closed due to weather. But the weather was perfect, and we set off on our white water rafting adventure. My heart raced, adrenaline surged, and it turned out to be the highlight of our family trip!

Taking on an activity that scares you, like white water rafting, is a great way to make the most of your vacation. Travel is about new experiences—so why limit it to just the sights you see and the food you try?

Embrace Adventure

During the day, I’m a work-from-home mom juggling carpools and errands. Life is busy, often hectic, but also routine. I imagine many people live the same way—working all day, evenings spent cooking or cleaning, and weekends filled with family time and a little bit of relaxation.

There’s nothing wrong with that—after a long workweek, most people don’t have the energy for anything wild or adventurous.

Vacation should be different! It should be packed with excitement and adventure, the kind of experiences that leave you smiling when it's time to return to the daily grind. Try something a little daring on vacation—white water rafting, exotic foods, cave diving, snorkeling, or ziplining! My family always looks for a ziplining adventure, like the Puerto Rico Canopy Adventure we did on our Dinogo cruise last summer.