“You should start a travel agency,” said my travel companion as I navigated two apps and three websites to book our next hotel. It’s been fun planning each leg of the trip, but it’s not something I want to do full-time. Maybe I’ll dabble in it someday, but I think I’d have to find the right clients first.
Today, I start a series of posts about my travel tips. I thought it would be one post, but it has grown into at least three already. I’ll occasionally post more specific information, but for now here are a few of my secrets for a great trip, reinforced by lessons I’ve learned from others.
Tim’s Tips – Part One
Travel Light
I’m down to one medium (40-liter) backpack and one smaller day backpack for this trip, and I still feel like it’s too much. I read somewhere, “The lighter your bag, the happier you’ll be.” It’s true. I feel great every time I see someone with a bigger backpack or suitcase!
Most people bring a lot of “just-in-case” items on their trips. One thing I’ve learned is that you never need those things, and even if you did, you can buy them almost anywhere in the world at a cheaper price than at home. I still have too many plaid shirts and pairs of underwear, but I did leave some in Hanoi. Hoping to continue to reduce my load as I travel.
Know Your Purpose
My friend and fellow Fulbrighter, Jeffrey Lam, published a post about the purpose of travel. I loved his description of a recent trip he took:
I was socially overloaded and then lonely. I was ecstatic and then miserable. I felt lost and then . . . less lost.
https://medium.com/@jeffreylam/what-is-the-purpose-of-traveling-1ac782bd6617#.tcrhmejw5
In his post, he discusses the reasons people travel, based on interviews he conducted. For me (as with Jeff) travel is not about pure enjoyment, luxury resorts, being pampered and crossing off sites on a checklist. It’s about learning. Learning is sometimes messy and uncomfortable. Learning requires taking risks and stepping outside your comfort zone. I like a comfortable bed and a fancy meal now and then, but my most memorable experiences come from when I ventured into unfamiliar territory and learned something new.
Research Carefully
I like to use several sites and apps and read a variety of reviews before booking a room, dining at a restaurant or choosing a cafe. Vicky Ann and I learned the hard way that not reading reviews carefully can lead to disappointment. We checked out of our first hotel in Nha Trang after one night of suffering in the room that smelled like a smoky bar and had a window almost touching the high-rise under construction next door. More on researching in an upcoming post!
Be Spontaneous
This contradicts my previous tip, but it’s important. I can’t research everything or I’d never have time to enjoy myself. Sometimes you have to just take a chance and eat at a place that feels right or looks interesting. I might find an undiscovered gem, or leave with a stomach ache. Either way, I’ve learned something.
Contribute
Remember, you are a guest wherever you are traveling. Isn’t it nice when you have a guest at your home and they do something to express their appreciation? Yes, spending your dollars does contribute to the local economy, but I like to do more than that. It’s not just to be a good person, but it makes you feel good if you do something for others while on your journey. There are many ways to do this, and it doesn’t have to take a lot of time.
Some travelers contribute by writing reviews on TripAdvisor or Google so that others can learn about where to sleep, what to eat and what to see. Others contribute by donating their time and talents to a local organization. Contributing can be as simple as picking up some trash or buying someone a cup of coffee. Still others contribute just by taking the time to get to know the local people, learn about their lives, and sharing something about themselves.
In the next post, I’ll share a few more tips. Time to pack for the next part of the journey.
January 27, 2017 @ 06:08
Tim, your talents never cease to amaze me! Now we can add travel agent to the list of skills that you have in addition to blogging and photography (and keeping VA from not getting herself into too much trouble!) Maybe that should be your next travel tip blog – how to keep your travel companion under control when she gets pursued by Russians, wanders alone for 2 hours, snores on the Night Train! Honestly though, you hit the mark every time with your suggestions/observations – can’t wait to see the next blog with more!
January 28, 2017 @ 08:54
Thanks, number one fan! We think of you many, many times a day – it’s as if you’re right here with us.
January 27, 2017 @ 06:30
Too funny Cindy! Looking forward to your next blog!
January 28, 2017 @ 08:55
Cindy doesn’t forget a thing, ever! (Be careful what you tell her.)
January 27, 2017 @ 06:33
Well done, Tim!!!! I really should heed your advice when I travel!!!!!
January 28, 2017 @ 08:55
Well, it’s how I like to travel, but I know it’s not for everyone. 🙂
January 27, 2017 @ 07:27
Awesome you guys!!
January 28, 2017 @ 08:56
🙂
January 27, 2017 @ 07:42
Good advice Tim!
January 28, 2017 @ 08:56
Thanks, more coming soon!
January 27, 2017 @ 18:54
Great post! I am now traveling with you with no luggage – just yours! Looking forward to your next post and one nice thing when we are gone for a while is a blog like yours – it keeps you company and you can share with us your adventures and learning. See you on your next post.
January 28, 2017 @ 08:57
So glad you’re coming along with us. Vicky Ann already knows all about you!
January 28, 2017 @ 12:36
Great post, as always! Are you going to tell us what apps you use?
January 30, 2017 @ 10:55
You read my mind. There’s a post coming soon!
January 28, 2017 @ 21:06
I chuckled with the luggage post! Unfortunately I know you are correct and yet I pack so many “things”! I have learned I am a things person and it is not always good. Having less is somewhat liberating for sure. I love your message of giving back with the suggestions that go beyond money and what can leave a lasting legacy. Have fun!
January 30, 2017 @ 10:57
Thanks for the comment! My tips are really my ideal. I don’t always live up to them, but I strive to.
Tim’s Travel Tips, Part Two – Welcome
January 30, 2017 @ 10:53
[…] if you’re used to traveling “on the beaten path,” try one of the tips from this post or the first one in this series and you might be surprised how it changes your view of travel. Or perhaps you’ll sign up for […]
Tim’s Travel Tips, Part Two | The Alternate Route
November 30, 2022 @ 21:19
[…] if you’re used to traveling “on the beaten path,” try one of the tips from this post or the first one in this series and you might be surprised how it changes your view of travel. Or perhaps you’ll sign up for […]