Travel Rulebook
Rule of Three Travel highlights experiences and may not always focus on the necessities to keep in mind while you travel. Ideally, after a handful of long-haul flights, you should have an idea of what you should be packing or mentally preparing for. Do your homework. Not everything needs to be written out in a blog post.
Just in case, here are some things to keep in mind when planning your next big trip.
Entry Requirements: Find out entry requirements and country specific needs by going to government websites. Do not rely on a random article or video you saw. They can certainly help but the rules could be changed by the time you get there.
Wearables: Check the weather. Duh. Pack clothes accordingly. Sometimes, you can even pack lighter and just plan to buy clothes during the trip. Shoes. If you are not packing the right shoes for the activities that you may or may not have plans for, you’re messing up. Always, ALWAYS have a good pair of sneakers or short boots that can handle a trail, city streets, and still work with casual outfits. Comfortable too, as you will be walking a lot. I still can’t believe people I have seen wearing sandals on a trail in Zion. Also sandals in NYC. Without socks too? No bueno.
Miscellaneous items: You learn what kinds of things you need as you travel, like you don’t necessarily need to buy a neck pillow because it’s not like you can sleep on planes anyway. And you if you are one of those people that can sleep on planes, I want to be you. Ultimately you know your body and your needs best. So if you run hot, and you’re traveling in Europe during the summer, pack yourself a personal fan. If you’re a light sleeper, plan to use white noise apps, bring an eye mask, and ask the hotel for a room away from the elevator/street/adjoining room, etc
Moving Around: I prefer using all modes of transportation when traveling. Why? It mostly boils down to convenience. Saving money sometimes matters. But if I can take completely safe public transit, then it’s an opportunity to see the city. Taxi when my legs have given out? Sign me up. A quick google search should also tell you whether to download an uber-like taxi app, as not all countries use uber or have a reliable system (Barcelona uber is a good example of when to NOT use uber as of this post). Get yourself an international driver license. It doesn’t cost a lot, and it doesn’t hurt to have. Some countries require having one.
Money: Always plan for cash only spending and credit card types accepted. At this point, cards are rarely an issue. All I will say, is that if you are on a budget, you can lock in your spending by having your budget in cash and using only cash on the trip. Of course, keep the cash separated by day and don’t carry it all around while you are out and about, unless at the airport.
Internet: It’s great to disconnect but sometimes you just need the map to show you where to go next. Be sure to download a map on whatever travel app you use like google or apple and you will be able get directions without needing internet service. If you want, get a pocket wifi. Companies and service vary from country to country.
Places to stay: Not every place will be exactly what you imagined. Give a little grace and be understanding. Figure out what your most basic needs are and book accordingly. My basic need? AC. Even if a filter says AC on a travel site, I must see it in the photos for confirmation. And even then, I must prepare myself for the AC to be absolute ass and just accept it. Of course, when you get that perfect place, it makes it so much more enjoyable. Just be sure to read reviews, in as many places as you can. For example, travel site + google maps. Sometimes the places aren’t as nice as they look in the photos. Avoid anything that offers vague descriptions and prepaid hotels, if you can. You will not get your money back if your room is not to your liking.
Be flexible: There’s a reason why couples and friends break up when they travel together. Traveling is hard and it challenges you. Sometimes it brings out the worst in people. But if you’re flexible, it can bring out the best…or at the very least, not end up as terrible as you want to make it out to be….as long as you don’t land in jail. You will inevitably have a day where you’re constipated, or SO tired, or just plain irritable. You may have the worst bartender in the world, or there is a huge line for a museum, or your partner is getting on your nerves and you’re melting in the sun. But you choose how you want to react to it. Once you decide that you’re not going to give into a stressor, your experience can alter. Obviously, if you’re constipated, you can’t really choose how you feel. And I would then default back to preparing for that when you’re packing. Poop tea, anyone?
Be respectable: Research customs and way of living. Don’t be an annoying tourist and disrupt the local culture. Some places prioritize less noise, personal space, efficiency. Other times, it may not matter at all. Just recognize that there is a reason why you see countries rolling back their tourism programs. It should be common sense to not climb onto a historical site when there is a sign that says not to. Same goes for the side of a mountain. It’s your life, so I guess if you want to risk falling to your death for a selfie, that’s your choice. Signs are there for a reason, and if you just want to “not be told what to do”, maybe you’re not the traveler you think you are.
Damn, I really feel like I need a number 10 but idk what that is…..
Traveling can open your mind and your heart to the beauty in this world, and the people in it….as long as you do it right. Plan as much as you can, and allow the rest to unfold itself.
image shot at Ara Ha