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I travel to the world's most amazing vacation rentals for work. Here are my tips for planning an unforgettable vacation.

Jul 22, 2023, 19:29 IST
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Megan BatoonCourtesy of Nicol Biesek
  • Megan Batoon is host of Netflix's "The World's Most Amazing Vacation Rentals."
  • She says she's learned to take a slower approach to travel.
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This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Megan Batoon. The following has been edited for length and clarity.

As the host of Netflix's "The World's Most Amazing Vacation Rentals," I'm lucky that I get to travel to some pretty awesome places as part of my job. Even when I'm not working, I love exploring the world: I'm currently looking forward to a friend's wedding in the south of Italy.

There are almost as many ways to travel as there are cool places to discover in the world. My approach to travel is different from my friends, and it's changed with time as I've gotten older. Whether you're traveling professionally or planning a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, here's what I've learned about getting the most out of each trip.

Think about your travel vibe

Planning a trip starts with asking yourself a question: how do you want to feel?

It sounds simple, but this question can inform your whole approach to travel. If you want to feel thrilled, pack your days with adventures and experiences that push your limits. Want to feel spoiled? Book spa days and scrumptious dinners. Knowledgeable? Look for educational tours and museums.

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If you're traveling with someone else, you might need to compromise, take turns, or go on solo outings to make sure you're both fitting your vibe. I know that firsthand: my co-host is more likely to try adventures, whereas I love to spend time relaxing.

The best trips happen when our experiences make us feel exactly how we wanted to. If your plans are serving the vibe you want to create, you're off to a good start.

Get lost on purpose

Getting lost might sound like a travel nightmare, but in my experience, it's how the best adventures happen. My favorite experiences are the ones I've stumbled upon, not the ones I've planned. Recently I was wandering around in Bali when I found an artisan carving a wood door. I watched him for about twenty minutes. No one would have told me to go there, but I found it so inspiring.

In order to get lost, you have to have plenty of free time. I build this into my schedule by planning one thing each day that I really want to see — say, the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Then, I keep time open around that so I can dine at a café after smelling their fresh bread, duck into a gallery that catches my eye, or stop for live music that I heard on my way. Just follow your instincts and see where that takes you. When you follow your curiosity, you'll never be lost.

Embrace a slower pace

When I was younger, I focused on getting the most out of every single moment of a trip. I wanted to be efficient and precise with my time, effort, and money while I was traveling.

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Over time, I've learned to prioritize what's important to me — namely, not being too exhausted. That means giving myself time to sleep in on vacation and the grace to eat whatever I want. Rest is OK, and you don't have to be going 24/7. When I'm traveling, the only schedule I want to be on is the one dictated by my internal clock.

Know your travel essentials

When I fly, I like to curl into the window seat. I put on my headphones and eye mask and don't move again until the plane touches down. That means I can be an introvert and not talk to many people, but being in one position for hours on end leaves me with lots of aches and pains. That's why I always have Advil Dual Action Back Pain right in my seat-back pocket. Hydration is also key for me, so my water bottle and lip mask are never far away either.

Travel is one of my greatest joys, but it can also be a pain—quite literally. Listening to your mind, body, and soul, and not being afraid to slow down, can help you have the travel experiences and memories that will last you and your family a lifetime.

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