Seeking out novelty has transformed my trips

I used to think the best kind of travel was hopping from one bustling city to another, believing that overstimulation equaled a trip well-spent. 

As I gained more travel experience, I became convinced that the ultimate flex was staying in one place—savoring tranquility with beach lounging, massages, and coming home utterly relaxed. 

But after over a decade of exploring the world, I’ve realized I was wrong on both counts. The sweet spot lies somewhere in between. 

When you return from a trip, you shouldn’t feel so drained that it’s hard to get back into the rhythm of daily life. Nor should you be so overly rested that real life feels unbearable. Even the slightest hiccup can leave you irritable and unprepared for the day-to-day grind if you’ve been pampered into a blissful bubble.

The best kind of travel leaves you revived, with increased energy to get back to it.

That’s why I believe that the magic of travel lies in novelty hunting: chasing the thrill of the unfamiliar, unusual, and immersive. 

Imagine journeying to witness the Northern Lights shimmering across an Arctic sky, dining in the dark, or staying in a treehouse overlooking rice fields. Think of the thrill you’d get from taking a multi-day trek up a 12,000-foot volcano or kayaking through a bioluminescent bay where the water glows with each paddle stroke.

As a novelty hunter, my approach to adventuring prioritizes unconventional, and one-of-a-kind experiences beyond the typical tourist attractions like museums and historic sites.

Here’s why seeking novelty while traveling is beneficial, what I’ve gained from it, and how you can add more novelty to your trips.

Why I Love Novelty Travel, and You Should Try It Too

Novelty hunting is good for your brain

According to ScienceDaily and Science Direct, there are clear benefits to seeking out novelty. 

Studies show that engaging with new and stimulating experiences activates the brain’s reward system, fostering curiosity, enhancing creativity, and creating vivid, lasting memories. 

These enhanced travel memories are not only good for the soul but they are the most sustainable type of travel souvenirs you can bring home! 

It changes your day-to-day life

What I’ve learned on multiple novelty-based trips is that it’s important to define your version of novelty and plan around it. This will spark your unique sense of curiosity and wonder. Novelty isn’t just about doing something different; it’s about how it makes you feel. 

Those surprise-and-delight moments—seeing the Northern Lights, kayaking through glowing waters, staying in a quirky treehouse—created an unmatched emotional connection for me. 

For me, novelty-based travel is about more than exploration. It’s a way to reconnect with creativity, feel more alive, and return home with a new point of view. 

This kind of travel doesn’t just offer memories; it transforms the way you experience your day-to-day life.

It helps you step outside your comfort zone

When I enlist novelty as my tour guide, it challenges me to step outside my comfort zone. 

Novelty hunting can help you create a more well-balanced trip. You’ll have enough stimulation to feel inspired but enough rest to feel rejuvenated. 

Novelty fills the well of creativity for later and helps reset my mind when I’m stuck in a rut at work or get writer’s block. I see it as an ongoing way to invest in my future self.

My “5 Levels” of Novelty Planning

You can seek out novelty in multiple aspects of your trip, from where you stay to what you eat and your activities. From unique destinations to themed accommodations, even the simplest activities can be infused with something extraordinary. 

I’ve created these “5 levels” of novelty inspiration to help you consider ways of prioritizing novelty on your next trip.  I’ve also included some ideas and experiences from my fellow Travel Lemming creators to help you see how the possibilities are endless.

Level 1: Location & Accommodation

Begin by deciding on your location. Research which destinations are home to obscure or unconventional experiences and activities with your unique tastes in mind.

You could follow Brooke’s lead and visit a vastly underrated country like Slovenia or travel to somewhere remote and untouched like the Rainbow Mountains of China.

Accommodation is the fun part… especially if you get a great deal on a place like Rachel did when she booked this French castle for under $100!

Level 2: Transportation

Skip taxis, rideshares, and buses and look for boutique transportation options to find novelty when getting around. 

You could book the Bernina Express from Switzerland to Italy to see some of the most incredible sights. Or book a lunch in the Vista Dome on the Napa Valley Wine Train where you’ll eat in an antique dining car with glass-domed windows overlooking the vineyards.

Another underrated option? The scenic and affordable Amtrak Pacific Surfliner. Book a ride on this for unbeatable views of the California coastline.

Level 3: Meals

Discover restaurants that offer food as art and give your tastebuds a novel experience. Give up your sight at a blind cafe or try a fine dining experience at a restaurant nestled into a seaside cave in Italy.

You can also look into restaurants that require a bit of an adventure to get there, like one that’s only accessible by boat or hiking. After all, the journey is part of the dining experience too.

Level 4: Activities

Think of activities you can’t find anywhere else. Have you ever heard of halotherapy? Sante Fe is known for this. Research iconic visionaries native to your destination and see if they offer workshops.

Dig deep and maybe you’ll stumble across a little-known activity like a fairy door scavenger hunt in Denver. Or you could splurge on a discovery flight where you’ll get to fly a plane and see some jaw-dropping views.

It can also be as simple as getting creative with one of your already planned activities. Think of how you can add a dose of novelty, even if it is a touristy activity.

For example, you could see the Eiffel Tower with the crowds on a river cruise or take the elevator up to the top. Or you could grab a baguette, cheese, and wine at a local French market and picnic on the river bank overlooking the tower. Now that is novel!

Level 5: Packing Pizazz

Once you’ve got all of your hassle-free travel essentials, get creative with the rest of your packing list. 

Budget travelers, you can still make it happen. What items can you bring with you? Think party tricks, bath bombs, costumes, sentimental tokens, smart gadgets, and unexpected hometown items to spark conversation in a new environment.

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In the end, I don’t think the best kind of travel is about ticking off a certain number of destinations or indulging in uninterrupted rest. I think we can gain a lot from adding more novelty to our trips.

Novelty-based travel offers a way to come home not just with stories to tell but with a deeper appreciation for the world and knowing your potential within it.

I hope I’ve inspired you to pursue more novel experiences on your next trip. Up next, check out Taylor’s take on why adventure travel is the best!