Travelling is one of those things that can either leave you feeling refreshed or completely drained afterwards. The difference often comes down to how much thought you put into all the small details. Whether you are heading to a new city for the first time, revisiting a favorite place, or just trying to make the most out of a weekend away, making a few simple choices can make your whole trip a hell of a lot smoother and more enjoyable. Heres how to travel smarter: pack lighter and fear at home wherever you go.Stay Where You Feel ComfortableThe best trips start with finding a place that fits your mood. For some people, that means having a quiet boutique hotel; for other people, its heading somewhere a little bit more lively where conversation can happen over breakfast. When you are choosing, make sure you duck past just the photos and have a look at reviews too. Words like friendly, welcoming, and helpful staff usually say a lot more than what you will read from having a star rating. If youre in a big city, try neighborhoods that are just outside the main tourist areas; you will usually find that you get a much better price. There are local cafes nearby and a calmer pace without actually missing out on whats nearby.Travel Light and Move FreelyPacking light isnt just about saving on space; its all about freedom. Fewer things mean that it is easier for you to adapt when your plans are changing. You can move between activities easily, hop on public transport, or stay out longer without having to worry about dragging luggage everywhere with you. And when you do have bags to store before checking in or after check-out, services like Radical Storage are a lifesaver. You can drop your luggage at trusted local spots such as hotels, shops, cafes, train stations, and more, and then explore the city without being weighed down. It is something that is quick, affordable, and available in most major cities.Explore Like a LocalThe best part of travelling is feeling connected to the place that youre heading to. Skip having a strict itinerary in place and leave room for you to wander around. Walk instead of taking a taxi, stop for coffee while locals gather, and visit things like small museums and markets. These little moments are often the ones that end up being the highlights that you remember more than anything that is strictly planned. If youre travelling solo, chatting with people such as guides, shop owners, and baristas can help you to have a brilliant trip and see things that dont show up online.Keep It SimpleGreat trips arent about doing everything; they are all about making sure that you have some time and space to enjoy what you do. A little planning goes a long way when it comes to going away, but try not to overthink it too much. Choose comfort when you can, store your bags when you need to, and leave room for you to have spontaneity. When travel feels a little simpler, it feels like you are living rather than just being somewhere new.The post How to Make Every Trip Feel More Effortless and Enjoyable appeared first on LGBTQ and ALL.