Yes, I know what you're thinking, "ugh another blog post about traveling", but I've been around and have learned quite a bit on my travels and would like to share a few things with you.
- Do Some Planning.
I have to admit, I don't plan much but there are a few things that I want some control over when traveling. Most of my travels are not planned and with that, I have a lot of freedom to do whatever I want. But my flights and bus rides are planned carefully if I'm in a foreign country that I don't know well.
You'll always be able to find a hotel or hostel somewhere but at least have an idea on how much they cost and where are the ones that will meet your needs before traveling there.
- Don't Plan.
I know what I said above but bear with me.
Some people like to plan everything down to the last second, what they're going to eat and when they're going to eat it. I do understand their view, It'll be great just to show up at the hotel you booked and know what's going to happen for the next few days with no surprises .(budget wise)
But..
I've met the most amazing people, I've seen places that I have never knew existed by just exploring and go where the journey takes me, I spent nights in dodgy hotels, I slept on other people's couches, I jumped in a car with a person that I've never met before and we drove through three states to their horse farm where I spent a few days before I flew back to New York. The other time when I booked my flight ticket to Bangkok, Thailand, I arrived in the early morning hours and met this Spanish guy at the airport and we got a cab together to the city where we ended up in a bar and drank until the sun came up before we parted ways.
What I'm trying to say is, be adventurous, leave some mystery to your trip.
- Safety First!
Traveling can be fun as hell, truly life changing with new experiences, but being in a foreign country can be dangerous.
They have different street rules and you will be an easy target. You can spot foreigners from a mile away in most eastern countries.
So, when you go out, take enough cash with you to last the day, don't take everything with you. Lock your stuff a safe or hide your passport and wallet in your hotel room if you're in a dodgy neighborhood.
This is just a personal thing I do but I never take identification with me nor my hotel card. I'll obviously have my room key/card with me but it never leaves my bag or pocket.
I got scammed by people once and had to pay 3000RMB(+-$450) but luckily I only had like $15 on me and I gave them the $15 and then they left me alone.
While traveling, I'll always have my camera strapped around my shoulder, should be around your neck though, I wouldn't say that I'm always cautious but there are times when you're gut tells you to focus and be aware of what's going on around you.
- Relax!
Sometimes there is literally nothing you can do in a situation. Be it waiting or running late for a plane, train or a taxi, try to take it easy when you're late, if you're stressed then you stop to enjoy everything around you, take the time you spend waiting for your next flight or bus to plan your next move. There were way too many times where I was just so worried that I stopped experiencing the city I was in
- Eat Local Food.
Please, I beg of you, don't go to a foreign country and run straight to the nearest McDonald's.
Local food is amazing and unique to that specific city/country, doesn't matter where you go, just try it.
Street food is also great if you're on a budget. The vendors normally serve small dishes and you'll be able to eat while walking around.
- Things to take with you.
It goes without saying, take your passport. There is nothing more terrifying than to realize you didn't pack your passport in your bag while you're at check-in.
Earphones! Can't stress this enough. Baby crying on a bus/plane/in the coffee shop/boat/next door... No problem, you have your earphones to keep your sanity intact.
Also, keep hydrated. Keep a bottle of water close, you're probably going to walk a lot.
- Travel LIGHT!
If you're planning to travel to different cities, areas or provinces then you need to travel light. Try to carry 2x 23Kg suitcases, a backpack and a camera bag up and down stairs to get to other metro platforms through crowds of people. I can assure you it's not fun.
If I go on a trip that would last less than two weeks then I'll just take my backpack with me, it's definitely the way to go.
- Last but not least.
Meet new people, take chances, push yourself as a person and get out of that lame comfort zone of yours.
Enjoy it.