A saying that instills a deep thinking process is inspiring, so I thought I would share my top social media tips to lift your day. For travelers like you and I, its been a year of adjustments. Initially, we journey virtually through social media, but the path takes some of us around the world in reality. I hope you find these words of advice helpful. Please feel free to share your favorite thoughts that motivate you.
Table of Contents
How to Negotiate Any Path
“Humility, gentleness, and helpfulness go so much further and open doors you cannot imagine,” is a quote from the article The Art of Negotiation I wrote back in 2012. The message is still circulating today. I find it also fitting with the extraordinary times we are navigating this year.

Humility, gentleness, and helpfulness go so much further and open doors you cannot imagine. ~ Ann Tran
My Website is My Base Camp

Although I shared my feelings that your site is your base camp, and social channels are extension of communication channels, I didn’t really have the luxury to always practice what I preached until this year. Due to restrictions on traveling, I focused on building content on my own site instead of contributing to other publications.
So much to do and more to learn. That’s my approach to life.
It’s the Quality of Relationships, Not Quantity

At the beginning of my social media journey, I attended many tweet-ups and conferences. I didn’t have that luxury when I started working as a travel writer as I was always on the go from country to country. (And loving every second of it!)
With all the down time due to current travel conditions, I do long for a virtual meet-up with my social media friends. Funny, how we take so many things for granted. It’s not until they’re gone that we miss them.
Virtual Vacay, and That’s OK
For now, we can share our 2020 journeys virtually. This year has been quite challenging, to say the least, but look how well we pivoted. For example, I am having fun exploring the Washington, D.C. area and finding as many outdoor activities to feature for locals to visit and support. In case you are interested, these are NOT the typical findings of other Top 10 lists.
Here are my recommendations in the DMV area:
10 Best Washington, D.C. Gardens – and When to Visit Them
The Ten Best Things to Do in Washington, D.C. — Visit These Monuments
Storytelling is the Path to Engagement

I challenge you to be creative and have fun in the process. I am always running around looking for photo ops. Sometimes the obvious is right in front of us.
Here’s Mine, Show Me Yours
This Fall, I used my own backyard to set the stage to capture the essence of Autumn.

Since we can’t travel now, I figure let’s create a little get-together by asking others to show off their passports. Here is mine …
You can find other representatives on: What’s the Power of Your Passport? Here’s Its Ranking I think you’ll really find this interesting, especially if you are in love with international travel as much as I am. So much global information only a few keyboard clicks away. Enjoy!
Gratitude is the Attitude

Gratitude is key in life, and if we practice this, it will carry us forward. This I know to be true. And so do a lot of other people, like scientists, poets, family members, elected officials, grocery store clerks, and, well, let’s just say people from all walks of life.
It isn’t about just collecting the numbers and metrics because it is pointless if it is just noise. Unless the noise is for positive change for our future. We can do better than “just noise,” though. Lots better.
Stay resilient! We got this! Travel is a state of mind, not a location. For now, our main mode of transportation is virtual, and I am making the best of it. Bon voyage!