What I've Learned on the Road
Traveling tips you won't find in guide books or online.
This is just a rough draft of my tips. I plan on elaborating and giving examples later. For now just some key points relating to the places I've traveled. Some of it may seem extremely common sense, but you'd be surprised. Also these are just my opinions and I personally hate traveling tips and usually scoff at them. So feel free to scoff, everyone travels different, but hopefully you can get something out of this. At least a good scoff!
1. Don't Rush! Don't try to plan too much into one trip. If you only have a couple of weeks, don't try to see the whole country. If you only have a few months or years, don't try to see the whole world. Also if you love a place, don't be in a rush to leave. I've regretted leaving some great places in the past only to be dissapointed by the next location. I've never had regrets staying at a place more than I intended that I loved.
2. Expect everything to go wrong! When something goes right, you can celebrate!
3. When things do go wrong, keep a good attitude and SMILE! Just remember the things that go wrong are usually the stories you will tell for the rest of your life.
4. Bring a journal, I prefer cashier or soft pocket notebooks by Moleskine. They are great for remembering interesting details, friends, songs, books, etc. My trip to Cambodia was the first time I brought one, thanks to Mom's Christmas present! I try to never regret anything but man it would have been so nice to have on my past trips. No more coming home with a million small pieces of paper with names and thoughts on them! I know some people hate a journal because they think it takes away from their trip and they want to have the memories in their head. Well I wish I had a great memory like that, but I don't, so I write it down.
http://www.moleskine.com/en/home
5. Stop and think what you are arguing about? Is it really worth wasting time and breath trying to get 25 cents off your tuk-tuk? Also I recommend planning on paying twice of what the guidebooks daily budget may be. There will always be extra charges you don't think of, and also most of the daily budgets do not include excursions or anytime of extra activity. On some trips I've actually made out cheaper than the books estimated budgets, but you don't want to be on the other side of that story...I've been there as well. You don't want to be stressed out about money when you travel, it takes away so much from your trip. Also most likely no one will want to hang out with you. Sometimes I don't mind paying 5-10USD for a convenient hostel, a lot better than walking around the whole city frantically looking and bargaining for one with a better deal. And 5-10USD is still not that bad of a deal anyway.
6. Don't feel obligated to give money or toys to the beggars. I know how bad they make you feel but honestly 99 times out of 100 it's not going towards any good for the child or beggar. Only certain times do I give...I'll get into details later, but handicapped people are usually okay I think, to some extent. Use your judgement. ALWAYS give to transvestites/transgenders on trains in India...they will curse you with boils if you don't...trust me, I know from experience!
7. Talk to the locals who want to talk to you, you never know where it will lead you. At the same time realize most likely they will try to scam you or at least try to sell you something or beg for money. Once again, use your judgement, if you see it going south get out. It it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
8. If you get sick and require a bathroom multiple times a day, make sure you spend a little more and get a room without a shared bathroom! Even backpackers can take forever in the bathroom getting ready! Seriously who spends half an hour in the bathroom in Kampot??!!! Lesson learned!
9. I don't care if you're traveling to the desert for your whole trip...get a RAIN COVER for your bag! If your bag didn't already have one built in, they are extremely cheap and will come in handy sometime on your trip. Also I would recommend bringing a dry bag, the one I have was 5 USD and takes up zero space in my bag. If you want to see why check out my first video on my Koh Ru page or the fifth video on my Trujillo page! I've also been the hero in Thailand and the Philippines on boat trips where you had to swim to get to beaches. All my cameras are waterproof (another travel tip in itself) but everyone else was thanking me for bringing the camera so they could take pictures.
10. Sure, go ahead and buy that cheesy t-shirt everyone else is wearing. Just don't wear it while your traveling. Unless you want to stand out even more as a tourist, gringo, falang, etc. Also keep in mind that some can be really offensive to locals, i.e. wearing a shirt about landmines while in Cambodia may not be the best choice of clothing.
11. Don't bring expensive sandals/jandals. Especially in Eastern countries where a lot of places you have to take off your footwear before entering. You can easily buy cheap sandals most places.
12. Be smart with your money. Only carry as much cash as you will need at that moment. If you are traveling with your whole pack, split up your money over your body and bag. Honestly most travelers I meet don't go anywhere that doesn't have an ATM nearby. Spend the extra few dollars at the ATM, and get out increments you can afford to lose. Better to lose 100 USD than 1000 USD like the guy I met on Khao San Road. Also be sure to split up your money. If you ever see me out there, chances are I'll have money in my socks as well as 10 other places on my body and bag. I always keep a small amount in my pocket in case I get robbed "quick". I give him the 10-20 USD equivalent , he's happy, I'm happy I didn't lose much.
13. Try to learn at least some of the local language. Learning some Spanish in school has made all my trips to Spanish speaking countries so much more enjoyable. I only knew 3 words in Cambodia and it made it extremely hard to get around in the small villages and towns. Although it's fun to play charades sometimes, it's frustrating when you can't get directions or find what you need. Also I would have loved to been able to talk to these people a little about their lives. I know it's hard, especially places like Southeast Asia where there is a different language in every country, but that's just advice if you are able to learn it before you go. In no way is this a reason not to travel somewhere, I'm bad with languages so I understand your pain. At least learn "hello" and "thank you" though! My new idea is to start writing down every word I didn't know that would have been useful, and start making a list. I hoping to get around 25 essential words that anyone could learn, other than the intimidating 1000 word phrase books, or even the guide books small sections on language never help me.
14. Always, always, always bring a torch (flashlight) wherever you go! Not just on the trip in general, but wherever you go. Unless you are just going out for the night in a big city, always bring a torch with you. I can't tell you how many times I have been the hero for having one, or kicked myself for not bringing one.
15. Bring a satchel with you. Yes, some people may call it a man purse and make fun of you. However, you will have everything you need with you at all times when you need it. Use your judgement where you bring it. Do not take it out when going out in the city. An easy steal for someone. Around the hostel or certain other locations you feel safe it can be the best thing in your bag. Great for carrying your camera, moleskine, pen, torch, cash money, anything small but necessary, including...
16. Toilet paper!!! Always have toilet paper with you. I learned this lesson the hard way in Colombia and you probably don't want to hear the details. Even if you've become an expert at using the bathroom the "eastern way", who says there will always be water available? I was in the middle of nowhere in the Philippines and had and got sick on the bus. The only place we stopped the whole 8 hours had no water at all! Luckily I had so TP with me! Do yourself a favor and bring it with you. I always stock up at the airport before I leave. I don't consider taking a few extra squares from the airport stealing. Neither should you.
17. Security Checkpoints. Make sure to be very careful when TSA or another countries equivalent is looking through your bag. Not that I don't trust them and they might steal something, but I had an extra sim card for my camera turn up missing while going through security in Honduras. I could have misplaced it but I'm about 99.9% sure exactly where it was and it probably fell out when going through everything in my bag. I also lost a phone in India, probably just me being in a hurry and forgot to grab it since I hadn't used it in over a month.
18. Little Advice for Buses. If it's hot out, especially if you're not feeling well and there is no A/C on the bus, be sure to get a window seat. You want to have control over the window, sometimes people close all the windows and it can become a sweat box! Also if putting your bag overhead, be sure to place it opposite and forward of your seat, that way you can keep an eye on it the whole ride. Also just because you are on a "safe" tourist bus doesn't mean you can relax about your belongings. I found out this the hard way in Thailand. I felt comfortable about the other tourists on the bus and somehow I got robbed while sleeping.
Things I Never Do...
...that most people would. This is the segment where I get to vent about all the things that annoy me when I see fellow backpackers doing them or talking about them. Most people I meet and befriend do at least one of these, so don't feel bad if your reading this. I don't hate you! Backpackers are my favorite people in the world, I love all of you! Well, most of you. I understand everyone travels different, I just want to get my opinion out there on what is unnecessary when traveling. Most of these things could probably come across as being a really irresponsible traveler. I understand that and am willing to travel that way, call me what you wish.
1. Copies of Documents. I never make copies of my passport and visas, nor do I bring extra passport photos, copies of birth certificate, driver's license, etc. Actually does anyone do this? I really don't know but it takes me right into number...
2. Travelers Checks! Seriously, we live in the 21st century. We have these things called ATMs, cajeros automaticos, whatever you want to call them...use them. They are almost everywhere now and easy. If you lose your card, cancel it and get a new one. Travelers checks are a pain and waste of time in my opinion.
3. Travelers Insurance. I don't own insurance of any kind in the States, why would I get it when I travel. I understand this is not "safe" and I don't consider this advice at all. But it is possible and that's how I roll.
4. Medicine and First Aid supplies. A waste of space in my book. You can get medicine almost anywhere and it's extremely cheap. It's also usually a really interesting experience in the small corner store "doctors" offices. Playing medical charades can be extremely funny and humiliating when they don't speak English! Bumming off other people is also an option. I always bring Immodium A.D. however. Almost every trip I've been on I've came down with a 24 hour bug from eating bad food. A few tablets won't add any space to your bag, but you'll be glad you brought it when you have that 15 hour bus ride the next morning after some rank food!
5. Malaria Pills. It's either take malaria pills and have a great chance of having all kinds of annoying side affects and a still slight chance of catching malaria, or save money and hassle and don't take them. I've never taken them and never plan on it. Cover up, use mosquito nets, repellent, whatever you have to do to keep them off. Also keep in mind most people exaggerate about how bad everything really is, especially Central & South America.
6. Brushing teeth with bottled water. Absolutely unnecessary if you ask me. I always brush my teeth with the tap water and have never have any problems. It probably is not true, but I like to believe I'm building an immunity to the bacteria by taking a little in with my morning brush. If only I brushed my teeth everyday when I'm backpacking, I would be invincible! Also, note to self, start brushing your teeth everyday when you travel...getting nasty man.
7. Computer, Ipod, cell phone. I love meeting people who work from their computer and just travel the world. If you do not fall in this category, or have some other really good reason, leave this stuff at home! Not only do you have a good chance of losing them or getting them stolen, I also believe it adds to your chances of getting robbed. If I had my choice of robbing someone, I'd pick the person with the largest bag and an Ipod in their ear. *Note* I do bring my Ipod when I work on Koh Ru. I can trust everyone there though and I love bartending to my own playlist!
I used to travel with an Ipod shuffle but gave it up. It just adds so much more space when you start to have a million chargers and electronics in your bag. When I'm at home I always have music on, whether I'm riding my bicycle five minutes to the store or updating my website, I'm never without music. It's kind of nice once and a while to listen to whats going on around you. Especially in a different country. And unless you're working or living somewhere, there is absolutely no need for a computer or cell phone!
8. Lonely Planet and other guide books. My favorite books and best friends when I first started traveling. I would recommend Lonely Planet or other guide books for your first trip, however, don't do what I did and bring the whole book! I think you will realize very soon that most of your advice and plans will come from fellow backpackers, the best way to get first hand advice about everything. I don't think I've ever been to a legit hostel and never found a copy of the local guide book. As of now, I buy a used(usually a couple years old) book off Amazon.com and rip out a few pages that will be vital to the beginning of my trip. I'm close to taking the next step and making my travels even more exciting and going blind. It doesn't mean you still shouldn't check up on a few things about the country before you go. Example, will your ATM card work in the country, etc. I found out the hard way in Venezuela on that one!
Also if you refer to your Lonely Planet as the Bible, all religious matters aside, you are a big time wanker in my book. If you want some real adventures, throw that book away, lose your group of drunken stoner friends, and get lost out there. Meet the locals, get drunk and stoned with the locals if you want, get some good stories. I don't care if you've been to every country in the world, getting drunk at the hostel in Bocas is just as boring as your story about getting stoned at the hostel in Boracay. I've meet people who've traveled to only a few countries, spent lots of time there, and have the most amazing stories that I could listen to all day. Sorry, this rant is mainly for one particular guy I met in Panama who bored me to death one night with his stories. Don't be that guy.
9. Wear a "front" backpack. Please, if you have ever worn a gigantic backpack on your back as well as carry another backpack on your chest, check out my tips for packing light. This is so unnecessary it's not even funny. Most of the bags I see on peoples chests are as big as my backpack. I don't want to make these people feel bad, I just feel bad for them. It must be miserable to travel so heavy.
10. Use caution about what you eat or drink the night before a journey. I never follow this rule, but I always wish I did during the ride. This is actually a really good tip, but I never do it, and probably never will. I like to live for the moment, and I have some really good stories because I didn't follow this rule. However if you want to have a more enjoyable ride, take it easy the night before.
1. Copies of Documents. I never make copies of my passport and visas, nor do I bring extra passport photos, copies of birth certificate, driver's license, etc. Actually does anyone do this? I really don't know but it takes me right into number...
2. Travelers Checks! Seriously, we live in the 21st century. We have these things called ATMs, cajeros automaticos, whatever you want to call them...use them. They are almost everywhere now and easy. If you lose your card, cancel it and get a new one. Travelers checks are a pain and waste of time in my opinion.
3. Travelers Insurance. I don't own insurance of any kind in the States, why would I get it when I travel. I understand this is not "safe" and I don't consider this advice at all. But it is possible and that's how I roll.
4. Medicine and First Aid supplies. A waste of space in my book. You can get medicine almost anywhere and it's extremely cheap. It's also usually a really interesting experience in the small corner store "doctors" offices. Playing medical charades can be extremely funny and humiliating when they don't speak English! Bumming off other people is also an option. I always bring Immodium A.D. however. Almost every trip I've been on I've came down with a 24 hour bug from eating bad food. A few tablets won't add any space to your bag, but you'll be glad you brought it when you have that 15 hour bus ride the next morning after some rank food!
5. Malaria Pills. It's either take malaria pills and have a great chance of having all kinds of annoying side affects and a still slight chance of catching malaria, or save money and hassle and don't take them. I've never taken them and never plan on it. Cover up, use mosquito nets, repellent, whatever you have to do to keep them off. Also keep in mind most people exaggerate about how bad everything really is, especially Central & South America.
6. Brushing teeth with bottled water. Absolutely unnecessary if you ask me. I always brush my teeth with the tap water and have never have any problems. It probably is not true, but I like to believe I'm building an immunity to the bacteria by taking a little in with my morning brush. If only I brushed my teeth everyday when I'm backpacking, I would be invincible! Also, note to self, start brushing your teeth everyday when you travel...getting nasty man.
7. Computer, Ipod, cell phone. I love meeting people who work from their computer and just travel the world. If you do not fall in this category, or have some other really good reason, leave this stuff at home! Not only do you have a good chance of losing them or getting them stolen, I also believe it adds to your chances of getting robbed. If I had my choice of robbing someone, I'd pick the person with the largest bag and an Ipod in their ear. *Note* I do bring my Ipod when I work on Koh Ru. I can trust everyone there though and I love bartending to my own playlist!
I used to travel with an Ipod shuffle but gave it up. It just adds so much more space when you start to have a million chargers and electronics in your bag. When I'm at home I always have music on, whether I'm riding my bicycle five minutes to the store or updating my website, I'm never without music. It's kind of nice once and a while to listen to whats going on around you. Especially in a different country. And unless you're working or living somewhere, there is absolutely no need for a computer or cell phone!
8. Lonely Planet and other guide books. My favorite books and best friends when I first started traveling. I would recommend Lonely Planet or other guide books for your first trip, however, don't do what I did and bring the whole book! I think you will realize very soon that most of your advice and plans will come from fellow backpackers, the best way to get first hand advice about everything. I don't think I've ever been to a legit hostel and never found a copy of the local guide book. As of now, I buy a used(usually a couple years old) book off Amazon.com and rip out a few pages that will be vital to the beginning of my trip. I'm close to taking the next step and making my travels even more exciting and going blind. It doesn't mean you still shouldn't check up on a few things about the country before you go. Example, will your ATM card work in the country, etc. I found out the hard way in Venezuela on that one!
Also if you refer to your Lonely Planet as the Bible, all religious matters aside, you are a big time wanker in my book. If you want some real adventures, throw that book away, lose your group of drunken stoner friends, and get lost out there. Meet the locals, get drunk and stoned with the locals if you want, get some good stories. I don't care if you've been to every country in the world, getting drunk at the hostel in Bocas is just as boring as your story about getting stoned at the hostel in Boracay. I've meet people who've traveled to only a few countries, spent lots of time there, and have the most amazing stories that I could listen to all day. Sorry, this rant is mainly for one particular guy I met in Panama who bored me to death one night with his stories. Don't be that guy.
9. Wear a "front" backpack. Please, if you have ever worn a gigantic backpack on your back as well as carry another backpack on your chest, check out my tips for packing light. This is so unnecessary it's not even funny. Most of the bags I see on peoples chests are as big as my backpack. I don't want to make these people feel bad, I just feel bad for them. It must be miserable to travel so heavy.
10. Use caution about what you eat or drink the night before a journey. I never follow this rule, but I always wish I did during the ride. This is actually a really good tip, but I never do it, and probably never will. I like to live for the moment, and I have some really good stories because I didn't follow this rule. However if you want to have a more enjoyable ride, take it easy the night before.