Travel Tips
Travel Tip #36: Pack an Antibiotic
Last modified on 2010-03-09 15:59:37 GMT. 7 comments. Top.
You have an iron constitution. You never get sick. You’ve eaten street food from Calcutta to La Paz. In other words, you think you’re invincible. But, eventually, we all get sick. Most of the time, seeing a doctor will be pretty simple and you can address the problem with an expert. Other times, however, you’ll be stuck on a plane, a remote island or have no idea how to say “hospital” in the native language. That’s when you’ll be glad that you packed an antibiotic.
Whenever I’m traveling to a place with dodgy drinking water and an abundance of alluring street markets (those traits always seem to overlap), I have my doctor write me a prescription for Ciprofloxacin (or, as the kids are calling it, Cipro) which I fill before hitting the road. In the rare moment when your stomach gurgles and your poop resembles frozen yogurt, you’ll be glad that you can start killing whatever bug has begun Couchsurfing in your GI tract.
Persistent illnesses should be treated by a doctor and you shouldn’t start popping antibiotics every time your head hurts or tummy aches. But it’s always best to have some meds at the ready for when the shit hits the fan underpants.
Travel Tip #53: Know When It’s OK to Smoke
Last modified on 2010-03-08 15:55:42 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Smoking habits (and laws) vary from country to country and city to city within those countries. While it’s fine to feel out social norms on your own, sometimes the best thing you can learn from a guidebook is when and where it’s permissible to smoke.
One thing’s for sure, no one likes being trapped in a car with a smoker. Best to find yourself an alternative.
Note: I don’t smoke. Smoking kills (and worse, makes your teeth yellow). But if you’re going to smoke, be cool about it. And not in the way that 16-year-olds think smoking is cool. I mean be polite.
Travel Tip #32: Pack a Map
Last modified on 2010-03-04 15:23:33 GMT. 1 comment. Top.
No one wants to look like a lost tourist. As such, we all tend to shy away from walking around with huge paper maps unfolded in our hands. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t pack a map on the sly.
Smartphones can access real-time maps and information on the go. Guidebooks may look dorky, but you can easily tear out the small maps or make photocopies. Notebooks are great for drawing simple (or perhaps crude) maps of neighborhoods and the maps make for great journal entries when you look back on your trip. My friend Derrick cleverly keeps maps on his camera’s memory card that he can then access anywhere.
You may not want to look like a tourist, but you also want to find that restaurant that your friend recommended. So, swallow your pride and find a way to navigate without looking like an amateur.
How do you discreetly carry maps with you on the road?
Travel Tip #43: Read Locally
Last modified on 2010-03-03 16:33:07 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
It is often hard to fully unplug when traveling. Between smartphones, the internet and the ease with which one can find a copy of The New York Times or USA Today in any remote corner of the globe, it’s easy to stay connected to the news and events taking place back home. However, you’ll have a much more engaging experience if you stick to local periodicals.
Sit in a cafe with the local daily. Pick up a gossip rag and enjoy someone else’s version of sleaze. You may not understand every word (or any word, for that matter), but the layout, photos and design can often tell you everything you need to know about the tone of what you’re reading.
If you do speak the language, then you’re really in for a treat. Spend your time on the ground acting like a local. Follow the political scandals. Read up on the local rugby/field hockey/camel polo team. Or, if you’re into that sort of thing, indulge in some…uh…erotica.
Eschew tracking down your hometown newspaper and, instead, plug into the local scene. You’ll learn more about what’s happening in your destination at that very moment than any brochure or guidebook could tell you.
Travel Tip #88: Remember Where You Parked
Last modified on 2010-03-02 20:30:10 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Often, when you travel, you rent a vehicle. Then, you leave a restaurant or shop in a strange town and can’t, for the life of you, remember where you parked. Why not make a note in your phone, on a piece of paper or, in a pinch, on your hand? Anything to help you remember where the hell you left that snowmobile.
Travel Tip #61: Find Local Food Specialists
Last modified on 2010-03-07 20:08:58 GMT. 2 comments. Top.
Whether it’s the street vendor serving this best Pho in Saigon, the restaurant in Osaka whipping up the best okonomiyaki or a delightful farm in Upstate New York churning out the best apple cider donuts, it pays to seek out specialists who make…well…the best something.
Have you sought out a specialist to fix you a place’s best? Share your bests in the comments below.
Travel Tip #48: Pick Your Battles
Last modified on 2010-02-23 14:23:15 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Whether it’s some drunk kids looking for a fight in a bar or a street gang looking for your wallet, it’s best to know when to just concede. Leave the bar. Hand over your wallet without a hassle. It may hurt your pride, but that’s a lot better than it hurting your chances of seeing tomorrow.
Besides, have you ever tried to fight a pack of llamas? They’re ruthless.
Travel Tip #16: Make the Best of Layovers
Last modified on 2010-02-23 17:58:38 GMT. 1 comment. Top.
Long layovers (especially the overnight variety) can be mind-numbing. But why be in a bad mood? Moping, throwing a hissy fit and being cranky won’t solve anything and will only make the time pass excruciatingly slowly. Best to stay positive, make the best of it and, perhaps, have a little mischievous fun.
Ashley Klinger decided to maximize her time in Pittsburgh International Airport during an overnight layover and documented her antics. We could all learn a thing or two from Ashley. When life gives you lemons, film yourself swimming in a vat of lemonade.
Via Jezebel.
Travel Tip #15: Don’t Panic
Last modified on 2010-02-21 20:04:26 GMT. 2 comments. Top.
Problems that you encounter when traveling often seem more daunting than they actually are. Just because you are out of your element doesn’t mean that you can’t find a solution to most travel conundrums. Unless you were foolish enough to get yourself on an episode of Locked Up Abroad, odds are you can get yourself out of virtually any predicament in which you might find yourself. Keep a level head, take a deep breath and stay calm.
Of course, some advanced planning helps too.
Show me your papers – Pack a photocopy of your passport in a separate pack from your actual passport. Keep a copy with a friend or family member back home who can fax it to an embassy in a pinch.
Phone (or email) home – Speaking of the folks back home, make sure a couple of people have a copy of your itinerary (if one exists). Always have contact names and numbers on you in case you (or a hospital employee) need them. Check in from time-to-time to let someone know where you’re heading next. Or, go that extra mile and register with the State Department.
Safety first – Find room in your pack for a first aid kit. And no, those three Care Bears Band-Aids that have been in your bag since you were 11 don’t count. Some stomach medication and an antibiotic should be included with the other basics.
Strength in numbers – Solo travel is delightful. But, if you plan to explore some shady neighborhoods (or countries), it’s best to have some backup. Who else is going to identify your body?
Know where you’re staying – Off to wander (and/or get drunk) in a foreign land in which you don’t speak the language? Make sure you can find your way back to your accommodations later. In Japan, my apartment building provided cards with the address written in Japanese. Drunk and a tad lost one evening, I simply handed the card to a cabbie and was homeward bound.
Clean underwear – Do it for your mother.
Eventually, everyone finds themselves in a travel pickle. Remain calm, use some common sense and try not to wet yourself. And, if you do have to pose for a proof of life photo, try not to smile. Smiling tends to piss off kidnappers.
Have any tips for how to prepare for travel pitfalls so that you can keep panic at bay? Had to remain calm during an unexpected hiccup on a trip? Share in the comments.
Travel Tip #47: Enjoy the Sunrise
Last modified on 2010-02-19 12:59:33 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Sunsets get a lot of love in the travel world. Lord knows I have too many sunset photos to count. And virtually every place you visit touts its “Best Spot to Watch the Sunset.” In all the hubbub over the sun calling it a day, the beauty of the sunrise remains silently humble.
Sunrises are for early risers and all-night revelers. Sunrises rarely have the gaggles of tourists with their cameras and camcorders and absence of volume control. Sunrises occur in the calm of dawns teeming with potential. Sunsets get all the love, but sunrise is the unsung star of the day.
Let the hoards have their sunsets and scenic lookouts. I’ll take a brisk morning, solitude and a sunrise any day.
Photo above is of the sunrise in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada as seen from Eva Holland’s living room.
Travel Tip #22: It’s OK to Take Tours
Last modified on 2010-02-18 16:38:18 GMT. 18 comments. Top.
Some people are so intent on being independent travelers that they dismiss all tours as commercial, disingenuous and inauthentic. Those people are idiots. Am I being harsh? Perhaps. But those holier than thou travelers don’t make the rules for everyone who travels. They simply make rules for themselves and project their ideologies on the rest of us. There are some wonderful tours out there and sometimes they offer the best opportunities to enjoy some truly wonderful experiences.
Janelle Nanos, Special Projects Editor at National Geographic Traveler, wrote (eloquently, I might add) about this topic on Intelligent Travel before taking a tour of Morocco. Janelle and I recently discussed her opinions on tours and how her experience changed how she views them.
“Tours are a tricky thing. As a travel editor, I’m supposed to turn up my nose at them and focus solely on forging my own path,” she said. When it came to Morocco, she added, “a tour seemed like a smart way to do it.” She noted that there were several factors that helped change her opinion on tours.
“I found a tour company, Intrepid Travel, that shared my same ideals about sustainable and authentic travel and came highly recommended (both from my colleagues, and my magazine, which has included them in our annual Tours of a Lifetime issue).”
Janelle noted that the size of the group can affect the tour experience. Her Moroccan tour was “a small group trip, maxing out at 12 people. That meant no big buses, no crowded tourist restaurant.”
Lastly, when it comes to language barriers, having a guide can be the difference between having a superficial experience and truly having an opportunity to explore nooks and crannies that may otherwise have been challenging for travelers to find. Janelle noted that “it made spending two weeks in a foreign country where Arabic is the predominant language (a language I unfortunately do not speak) much easier to navigate, and it enabled us to travel further and into more regional areas than I may have ventured on my own.”
Are tours for everyone? I would argue that there probably is some type of tour experience that could satisfy any type of traveler. Will every traveler be willing to set aside their steadfast ideals and experiment with a tour? No. But we all need to make our own rules. If you want to take a tour, take one. Just follow Janelle’s advice and find a tour operator that shares your ideals so that you are not offended by how they do their business. Seek recommendations. And, of course, keep an open mind.
I’ll let Janelle’s final thoughts on tours close things out:
Traveling with a tour group can often feel like a canned experience, where everyone is going through the motions, but a good tour–and I now can attest that such a thing does exist, despite my own instincts to say the opposite–feels like getting around with a local and a few friends.
Special thanks to Janelle Nanos, Special Projects Editor at National Geographic Travel, for sharing her thoughts with me. You can read more of her work (and that of many other talented travel writers) on Intelligent Travel.
Travel Tip #8: Improvise
Last modified on 2010-02-17 13:50:08 GMT. 6 comments. Top.
It’s next to impossible to plan for every travel experience. It’s even more difficult to pack for every contingency. That’s why sometimes you just have to become MacGyver and just use what you got.
A bunched up sweatshirt becomes a pillow. A Ziplock bag and some soap become a washing machine. And a few inches of snow become an excellent cooler.
What clever ideas have you had on the road? Have you ever channeled your inner Bear Grylls? Share your greatest stories of improvisation in the comments.
Travel Tip #32: It’s OK to Be Kitschy
Last modified on 2010-02-16 17:46:51 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
I’ll never tell you to avoid seeing sacred temples, breathtaking natural wonders and cosmopolitan restaurants. But, every now and then, you need to act impulsively when you see a road sign or take the scenic route solely because you want to see something kitschy.
Whether it’s the World’s Largest Lobster in Shediac, New Brunswick, Canada or The Big Banana in Coffs Harbour, NSW, Australia, nothing brings a smile to travelers’ faces like seeing a cheesie yet delightful roadside attraction.
So, keep enriching your spirit at temples, breathing in fresh air in the wild and eating exotic cuisines in unique restaurants. But don’t forget to care for your whimsical side and check out the kitsch that the world has to offer.
Travel Tip #56: Maintain Good Posture
Last modified on 2010-02-12 14:15:08 GMT. 1 comment. Top.
Whether you’re on a plane or bus, seated in a restaurant, walking through town or on a hike, your posture will determine if you’ll spend the next week of your trip with a sore back. Sit and stand up straight so that you can avoid stiffening up. It’s bad enough that you’re constantly on the move, sleeping in strange beds and sedentary for hours during trips on planes, trains and automobiles. Best to stretch yourself out, maintain good posture and avoid the aches and pains that can ruin a trip.
Travel Tip #20: Share a Room
Last modified on 2010-02-12 14:23:12 GMT. 1 comment. Top.
There are several reasons to share a room with a friend when you’re traveling:
Safety: There’s strength in numbers. Staying with others helps ward off criminals looking to steal your money and/or innocence.
Savings: Often accommodations will be the most expensive aspect of your trip. Splitting the cost of a hostel or hotel will leave you with more money to splurge on snow globes.
Camaraderie: You may think that you know your friend well. But nothing strengthens a friendship like having to see each other in your pajamas. If you can survive sharing a bathroom in India, you can guarantee that you’ll be friends for life.
It’s Adorable: This may only be true if you’re husky puppies.
Whatever your reason for sharing a room on the road, you’ll end up with more money in your pocket, less attempts on your belongings and a stronger bond with your friend. It just makes sense.
More on Chapstick
Last modified on 2010-02-09 03:32:00 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Travel Tip #3 laid to bare the need to pack lip balm when you travel. And while I proclaimed my loyalty to Chapstick brand lip balm, I won’t shy away from trying local blends. That’s why I picked up some Fish Lips while I’m in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, Canada. A lovely blend of beeswax, lanolin and cod liver oil. The Vitamin A and D found in cod liver oil are fantastic for your lips. And your lover will appreciate its pleasant aroma. She won’t, however, appreciate your use of the word lover. That’s just awkward.
Travel Tip #3: Pack Chapstick
Last modified on 2010-02-05 21:16:03 GMT. 1 comment. Top.
Whether your in the blistering cold or blazing sun (or both), keeping your lips moist and protected is incredibly important. I’m loyal to Chapstick brand lip balm. You can keep your Bert’s Bees nonsense and anything that requires me to stick my finger into a tin and then wipe it on my lips. I like to freebase when I take a hit from the balm.
Travel Tip #114: Go Snowtubing
Last modified on 2010-02-01 20:30:44 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Skiing is great (from what I hear). And snowboarding is awesome (so they tell me). But for true childlike thrills and giggles, you need to find yourself a mountain that offers snowtubing (such as New York’s Hunter Mountain). Or, if you’re bold, scrounge around for your own inner tube and a snowy hill that doesn’t end with a sheer cliff.
Make sure you have some friends around so that you can race. Keep your butt off of the bottom of the tube (and/or the snow) to avoid drag. And then just have yourself a pretty rad afternoon.
While your friends are careening down the slopes on skis and snowboards, you’ll be laughing and avoiding broken bones. And when you’re all warming up in the hot tub later on, you can proudly share your stories of joy and victory. Because there’s only glory in snowtubing.
Travel Tip #12: Pack a Towel
Last modified on 2010-02-02 01:27:58 GMT. 1 comment. Top.
Previously, I’ve told you about the importance of packing a bathing suit and sunscreen. Well, odds are, if you need those items, you’re going to need a towel. Sure, if you’re going on a traditional holiday, your hotel or apartment will have towels for you. They may even have a robe, your highness. But if you’re backpacking, camping or running from child support payments, you’re going to need to pack your own drying rag.
I recommend the MSR Packtowl UltraLite*. It’s so light, in fact, that there’s no room for the ‘e’ that should be in Packtowl. Don’t try to pack a terrycloth towel. No matter how big it makes your junk look, it will only take up space in your bag and never fully dry. The last thing you want is for all of your gear to smell like mildew. No matter how big your junk is*, no one likes it smelling like mildew.
So, whether you’re lounging in the jacuzzi, cliff diving or fording a river, make sure that you have a towel with you.
* Pictured is the Dick Towel (NSFW).
** Junk size will vary by owner.
Travel Tip #166: Help Animals
Last modified on 2010-01-29 03:08:06 GMT. 4 comments. Top.
Back in 2007, I took a trip to Sweden with some friends. While exploring the archipelago, I fulfilled a dream that I had carried with me for at least two weeks. I had previously decided that I would make my vacation a mission of hope. I would right a terrible wrong. I would return Swedish Fish refugees to their homeland.
So, before I left for Scandinavia, I purchased a bag of Swedish Fish candies. I told no one about my plan. When the time was right, I helped close a painful chapter in Swedish-American relations. No longer would the “Stolen School” of Swedish Fish remain exiled from their native land. Swim on!
Travel Tip #20: Pack a Snack
Last modified on 2010-01-28 19:51:58 GMT. 22 comments. Top.
Whether you’re on a flight, a hike or a walk through a city, it’s always a good idea to have a snack in your pack (plus, you know, it rhymes). Sure, you should try local foods and explore street carts and markets, but having some snacks from home will ensure that you can eat something in a pinch.
I have my own ideas on what constitutes a good snack and, since this is my blog, I’m going to share them with you.
On a Flight
- Dried mango
- Trail mix (must include M&Ms)
On a Hike
- Dried mango
- Trail mix (must include M&Ms)
Walking Around a City
- Dried mango
- Trail mix (must include M&Ms)
So, there you have it. You’ll never regret having a snack tucked away in your bag. And neither dried mango nor trail mix can spoil. Throw a bag of each in your pack before you depart and all of your friends will think you’re smart.
Note: Crackers on a glacier beats no crackers on a glacier, but I much prefer candy.
What’s your favorite travel snack? Share in the comments.
Travel Tip #15: Pay Attention
Last modified on 2010-01-27 17:50:28 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Look over there! No, that way! Your other left!
Travel Tip #29: Pack Sunglasses
Last modified on 2010-01-26 17:08:58 GMT. 1 comment. Top.
Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall, all you have to do is call…an optometrist. He’ll tell you that you can do plenty of damage to your eyes if you don’t protect them from the sun. Whether you’re on the beach or on top of a mountain, if you take on the rays, your eyes will pay. Cover up…and look good doing it.
Travel Tip #13: Dress Comfortably on the Plane
Last modified on 2010-01-25 15:29:45 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
No, this does not mean that you can wear sweatpants in public! I’ve addressed this before and won’t budge on it (same with Crocs). But, by all means, pack a change of clothes for the flight, wear your favorite hoodie and take off your shoes. Sleep masks are optional.
Travel Tip #4: Pick a Compatible Travel Companion
Last modified on 2010-01-22 13:15:27 GMT. 3 comments. Top.
I’ve written about what makes a good travel partner in the past. And my friends over at NileGuide touched on some important aspects, as well. But I really cannot stress this enough: You and your travel companion need to form a cohesive team.
You’ll be sleeping together. You’ll be eating together. You’ll be bikeskating together. Choose wisely when inviting someone to join you on a trip. It’s the decision that could most affect whether your trip is a success or an epic failure.
Travel Tip #31: Be Patient
Last modified on 2010-01-21 16:31:13 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Not every part of your trip is going to be an adrenaline rush. In between drinking snake blood and hunting the most dangerous game, you’ll be idling away time in train stations, airports and bus terminals. Rather than get antsy or complain about schedules and itineraries, stay calm and enjoy the downtime.
Twiddle your thumbs. Play cat’s cradle. Shuffle up and deal out a game of UNO. Just don’t be a whiner. You’ll get there when you get there and the journey is part of the adventure.
Travel Tip #52: Pack a Hairbrush
Last modified on 2010-01-20 13:21:56 GMT. 2 comments. Top.
Cowlicks are embarrassing.
Travel Tip #345: Eat Chili
Last modified on 2010-01-19 17:33:03 GMT. 4 comments. Top.
Whether you’re in a cabin on a winter getaway, camping in the woods or road tripping through the American Southwest, chili is a staple food. Cook a batch yourself if you can. If you don’t have the facilities or the wherewithal to whip up a steaming pot of goodness, find a place that specializes in it. The more they tout their “secret recipe” the better. And if their signage includes an anthropomorphic animal wearing a bib while holding a knife and fork, you’re golden.
What do you put in your chili? I’m a cheese and Fritos man, myself. Rice is nice. Crackers are decent. Have any suggestions? Leave ‘em in the comments. And if you’ve found a sweet chili spot in your travels, spill the beans in the comments, too!
Travel Tip #22: Pack a Toothbrush
Last modified on 2010-01-15 15:25:40 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Pack a toothbrush with soft bristles and massage your gums daily. That way, when you return home and go to the dentist, you won’t have to endure one of those preachy lectures from a dude who’s wrist-deep in your mouth.
Travel Tip #6: Hang with the Locals
Last modified on 2010-01-14 14:06:16 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
The best way to experience a place is through the eyes of someone who lives there. No matter how much you research a destination, you’ll never be able to replicate the lifestyle of someone who calls that place home. Find some locals who are willing to show you around, share their favorite place and invite you into their lives.
Before you start your trip, spread the word and seek out connections. Tweet requests for introductions to friends. Do the same on Facebook or your blog. You’ll be surprised by the offers you receive to put you in touch with people on the ground in your destination.
Before you know it, you’ll be connecting with your new friends. Just be sure not to take advantage of them. Rather than treat them like a personal tour guide, befriend them. Hang out with them as you would your friends at home.
Not only will you have a much more authentic experience during your trip, you’re likely to create some real and lasting friendships. What starts with a handshake may very well end with a hug.
Travel Tip #9: Pack a Change of Clothes in Your Carry-On
Last modified on 2010-01-13 02:23:08 GMT. 2 comments. Top.
Along with your laptop, iPod and a good book, throw a fresh outfit in your carry-on bag. In the event that your luggage is lost, you’ll at least be able to wear a clean t-shirt and your favorite pants to that horseback riding lesson.
Travel Tip #54: Wash Your Hair
Last modified on 2010-01-12 14:19:27 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Traveling for days on end can leave your hair greasy and frayed. Be sure to wash and condition regularly to avoid things getting stuck in there.
Travel Tip #72: If You’re Sick, Find a Doctor
Last modified on 2010-01-11 16:32:32 GMT. 1 comment. Top.
It’s one thing to not feel 100% like yourself when you’re traveling. Long flights can leave you dehydrated and you’re bound to get the squirts on one of your trips. But if you feel really sick – the kind of sick that has you calling home to tell your mother that you loved her – then your best bet is to find a doctor.
There’s no shame in seeking medical help. It might just be the difference between you telling the tale yourself someday or the NY Post doing it for you with an awful pun.
Travel Tip #75: Public Toilets Are Your Friend
Last modified on 2010-01-09 14:53:55 GMT. 3 comments. Top.
When you’re out and about for the day, you can’t get picky about where you do your business. Your options are: a) try to hold it until you get back to your hotel, b) find a restaurant that will let you use their facilities, c) use a public toilet, or d) drop a deuce on the sidewalk and hope your friend picks it up in some newspaper and throws it out. My advice is to spend some spare change, hold your nose and use the public toilet. It may be soaking wet, but that’s probably from the self-cleaner.
Note: Your friends have every right to shun you for the remainder of the day once you emerge from the public toilet. It is fair to assume that you are now a biohazard. But at least you didn’t poop your pants.
Travel Tip #42: Know Where Your Food Comes From
Last modified on 2010-01-07 16:20:37 GMT. 3 comments. Top.
One way to prevent getting sick on the road is knowing how your food was prepared. While you may be wary of street food, at least you can watch the purveyor prepare your meal. And, unlike a fast food restaurant, a street vendor can prove the origin of your meal.
I ate this lamb’s body in Djemaa el Fna square in Marrakech, Morocco. This fella gave me its tooth. I politely declined to keep it. It remains one of my deepest travel regrets.
Travel Tip #66: Pack a Creature Comfort
Last modified on 2010-01-06 18:18:45 GMT. 3 comments. Top.
While travel should be about cultural exploration and leaving your comfort zone, sometimes it’s nice to have a tangible reminder of home to soothe you through a particularly challenging stretch of your trip. Be it a favorite sweatshirt, a stuffed animal from your childhood or a pair of hole-riddled socks that you’ve had since you lost your virginity, having something that puts you back in your happy place is an essential packing item.
What’s your creature comfort? Is there something comes with you on all of your trips? Leave a comment below!
Travel Tip #16: Opposites Attract
Last modified on 2010-01-05 14:32:09 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Travel exposes you to cultures, faiths and appearances that are unlike anything you will find at home. Interactions with people who are different than you often lead to new experiences, interests and, if you’re lucky, friendships.
You may just realize that your new friend looks and sounds nothing like you but is more similar to you than anyone you grew up with.
Travel Tip #200: Go Urban Camping
Last modified on 2010-01-06 18:19:48 GMT. 11 comments. Top.
Urban Camping from Mike Barish on Vimeo.
I refuse to use the word “staycation.” It’s not even a word. That said, sometimes you simply find yourself at home and with nothing to do. Rather than just twiddle your thumbs and have another lazy weekend, turn your home into the great outdoors. Urban camping is one of my favorite hobbies and makes even the coldest January day in New York City feel like summer in the woods.
Simply set up your tent (in my case, a Big Agnes Big House 6), stock your apartment with a few camping essentials and keep everything nice and simple. Franks and beans are a perfect campsite meal. S’mores made on the stove will generate tons of smiles. And having a dog with you fills the wildlife requirement. Heck, we even had a campfire (on the TV)!
Check out the video above to see how a Manhattan apartment can be transformed into a rustic escape.
And take a look at my photos to see how you can have an adventure without ever leaving the house.
Travel Tip #19: Be Curious
Last modified on 2009-12-29 23:23:04 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Things are not always as they appear and that’s never truer than when you’re traveling. Meager accommodations can be home to sensational features. Sketchy locals can turn out to be the most gracious hosts. And humble towns can provide the richest experiences.
Rather than judge things at face value or assume you understand everything that you are seeing, look deeper. Explore, ask questions and trust that your curiosity will lead to some of the best experiences of your trip.
Travel Tip #36: Don’t Be Intimidated
Last modified on 2009-12-29 15:37:37 GMT. 5 comments. Top.
People may warn you that the world is a scary place. And yes, some neighborhoods in any city will be rougher than others. But if you’ve made the choice to travel, you’ve already leaped over the biggest hurdle.
The world isn’t as bad as the naysayers tell you. And it’s not as Utopian as the hippies say it is, either. We all reside somewhere in the middle and you’ll be able to handle anything that comes your way if you travel confidently and relax your gag reflex.
Travel Tip #44: Be Helpful
Last modified on 2009-12-28 16:01:20 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
While some people don’t consider themselves to be citizens of the world, traveling will inevitably expose you to new people, many of whom are less fortunate than you. While I’d never suggest that you give handouts to every beggar and busker that you encounter, you should be a responsible and respectful human being when you are a visitor.
There are plenty of ways to leave a positive impression while you are traveling. Blog about worthwhile causes that you encounter (if you’re a loser with a travel blog), spend some time volunteering during your trip or simply treat people with respect and dignity no matter their station in life.
Whether you give a peso, publicity or just your time, leave a lasting impression with the people that you meet by improving their lives. And sometimes that takes nothing more than a smile.
Travel Tip #25: Put Your Camera Down
Last modified on 2009-12-23 15:59:52 GMT. 5 comments. Top.
Just because you fancy yourself the next Ansel Adams doesn’t mean you need to burden yourself with every single lens and tripod that you own. Sure, you want to document your travels and preserve your memories. But, by keeping some moments solely in your mind, you’ll actually treasure them more.
So, put your camera down, take a deep breath and just be there. Be in that place. Be in that time. And maybe just wear some pants if you want to cover your legs entirely.
Travel Tip #102: Give Modest Accommodations a Chance
Last modified on 2009-12-22 03:25:09 GMT. 2 comments. Top.
You’d be surprised how much fun you can have with new friends at hostels. And there are some remarkably decent motels out there (with more charm in their vending machine selections than some hotels have in all of their amenities combined). So, rather than splurge on a room at a swanky hotel, find some place interesting or unique to spend the night.
Have you stayed some place off the beaten path or with a fascinating history? Do you always avoid chains and seek out independent accommodations? Share your stories in the comments.
Travel Tip #32: Know Where the Bathrooms Are
Last modified on 2009-12-21 16:13:06 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
There’s a good chance you’ll get sick if you spend enough time on the road. Always make a point of locating the bathrooms lest you end up making a mess in a less than appropriate place.
Travel Tip #74: Bring an Umbrella
Last modified on 2009-12-18 15:38:47 GMT. 4 comments. Top.
Ponchos are great and a garbage bag will work in a pinch, but if you want to keep your new dragon friend dry, you’re going to need an umbrella.
Travel Tip #14: Hold Onto Your Hat
Last modified on 2009-12-17 14:18:31 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Actually, hold onto more than just your hat. Keep all of your belongings secure. Nothing ruins a trip quicker than a lost passport or wallet (except for maybe explosive diarrhea). But don’t get one of those money belts. I still think those things are kind of lame.
Do you have tips for keeping your belongings secure? What have you lost on trips? Share your stories in the ol’ comments.
Travel Tip #62: Find Your Own Treasures
Last modified on 2009-12-16 20:01:02 GMT. 14 comments. Top.
Whether you collect refrigerator magnets (like I do for my mom), thimbles or zany t-shirts on your travels, be sure to find mementos from your trips that mean something to you. Don’t feel compelled to buy cliché schlock. Some of the best souvenirs are beer coasters that you snag from a bar, a doodle a new friend made on a napkin or a lock of that Australian girl’s hair.
The more personalized your souvenirs, the more likely you are to always treasure them rather than eventually view them as clutter. Don’t hesitate to pull the trigger on a purchase. You don’t want to regret not buying something, which I do everyday.
What are your favorite mementos from your travels? Share your stories in the comment.
Travel Tip #24: Hang in There
Last modified on 2009-12-15 16:22:48 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Travel isn’t always a positive experience. Just like at home, you’ll have bad days and trying times on the road. You’ll get sick, miss home, lose your passport or just feel so untethered that nothing feels real anymore.
When that happens, take a deep breath and just stick with it. At worst, you can always cut your trip short and go home. At best, you’ll come out of the experience stronger and with a story that may be funny in retrospect.
Whatever you do, don’t let go.
Travel Tip #13: Blaze a Trail
Last modified on 2009-12-11 02:02:00 GMT. 1 comment. Top.
You don’t have to be Lewis and Clark (or Sacagawea, for that matter) to blaze your own trail. Try a food for the first time. If you’re normally an all-inclusive resort type of person, ask your concierge for directions to a local dive. If you’re typically in search of desolate places to prove that you’re a ”real traveler,” have a go at taking a tour or seeing the world’s biggest banana.
Break free from your routine and you’re already in uncharted territory (at least as far as your personal charts go).
It doesn’t have to be the first time something has been done to make it an adventure. It just has to be your first time.
Travel Tip #92: It’s OK to Get Bored at Museums
Last modified on 2009-12-09 21:55:29 GMT. 3 comments. Top.
I didn’t study art history. I don’t “get” art. But I do appreciate talent. I enjoy seeing antiquities and having my mind blown by ancient crafts that have survived for centuries. But after about two hours, museums make me antsy. And I’m not going to apologize for that. Neither should you.
Travel Tip #7: Wear Good Boots
Last modified on 2009-12-09 16:41:15 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Whether you’re hiking, mountain climbing or exploring the Yukon, your boots will very quickly become your best friends (after your sled dogs). Get a solid pair that fits properly (even if you double up the socks), gives you a firm grip and both protects and supports your feet. A good pair of boots can help you overcome any shortcomings that the rest of your gear may have.
Travel Tip #132: Respect Boundaries
Last modified on 2009-12-08 17:16:57 GMT. 1 comment. Top.
Just because your new friend is being flirty and tongue kissing you deeply doesn’t mean that she’s ready to go back to your hostel and bump uglies. No means no in any language.
Ed. note: She is most definitely a he in this instance. This does not affect the merit of the Travel Tip.
Travel Tip #54: Bundle Up
Last modified on 2009-12-07 16:45:14 GMT. 1 comment. Top.
Beard frost may look cool, but once inside it becomes beard dampness. And that’s just lame. Don’t be an idiot. Put on a scarf.
Kickin’ it in Whitehorse, YT, CA with Eva Holland.
Travel Tip #48: Pack Pajamas
Last modified on 2009-12-04 09:40:28 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Sure, you sleep naked at home. And you don’t like constrictive clothing. But you may end up as a guest in someone’s home. Or find yourself in a ridiculously cold part of the world. And that’s when you’ll be glad that you packed your cheetah pajamas.
Travel Tip #88: Animals Aren’t Always Appropriate
Last modified on 2009-12-03 13:20:07 GMT. 4 comments. Top.
Some vacations are perfect for pets. Camping, family visits and tours of the Snausages factory, for example. But other times, it’s just wrong to have your pet with you. Take a minute to appreciate the difference.
Travel Tip #231: Get Lost
Last modified on 2009-12-02 15:36:57 GMT. 1 comment. Top.
Are you one of those people who schedules every minute of your trip? Do you drive your friends crazy with detailed itineraries? Are you constantly worried about running late while you’re on vacation? You’re a moron. Enjoy your holiday. You live according to a calendar while you’re home, why torture yourself on the road? We all have meetings, appointments and responsibilities during our day-to-day lives and that’s why we hate those lives. Let go when you are traveling and leave your watch at home. Wander. Meander. Stroll. And yes, get lost.
Rather than panicking and assuming that your plans are ruined once you are lost, just go with the flow (unless it’s a heavy flow, in which case I hope you packed wisely). Look at getting lost as an adventure. Don’t try to correct yourself immediately. Enjoy the unexpected sights and sounds. It’s like a vacation within a vacation.
It’s OK to be a little late or fall behind schedule. It’s your schedule and you’re making all of the rules. So, the next time someone tells you to get lost, take their advice. And also flip them off, because they’re kind of being rude to you.
Travel Tip #112: Wash Your Hair
Last modified on 2009-12-01 16:00:23 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Remember to wash and condition your hair regularly to maintain its natural luster. Just because you’re on the road doesn’t mean you should look like a hot mess.
Travel Tip #56: Eat Breakfast
Last modified on 2009-11-30 04:43:48 GMT. 2 comments. Top.
Sightseeing, spelunking and running from your problems require a lot of energy. Whatever the reason for your travels, be sure to start each day with a complete breakfast.
Above: My balanced meal at Roscoe’s House of Chicken & Waffles (Los Angeles, CA, USA).
Travel Tip #1: Enjoy Simple Moments
Last modified on 2009-11-25 15:34:01 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
You can have your tourist traps and sacred temples. I’ll take random samurai dog sightings.
Travel Tip #98: All That’s Duty Free Is Not Gold
Last modified on 2009-11-24 16:01:32 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Ah, duty free. The tempting bitch goddess of travel. Do you suckle from her teat and satiate your desires for Toblerone and massive cartons of cigarettes made to look like large novelty packs? Or do you shun its earthly temptations and keep your luggage streamlined? There are some gems to be found in duty free, but there is plenty of craptastic nonsense, as well. Choose wisely, and your travels will be all the better.
Cigarettes – Good lord, how many coffin nails are you planning to put into your body? Will you be smoking them near me? Do you really need all of them right now? PASS!
Liquor – Liquor prices in duty free used to be phenomenal. The deals were so good you’d be stupid not to load up on the good stuff. Somewhere along the way, though, the prices stopped justifying having to schlep the stuff around. But now, The Macallan has gone and created the 1824 Collection of Scotch whiskey purely for duty free stores. And it’s delightful. So maybe it’s time for liquor to have a new heyday in duty free. Find the deals on good stuff and it will be worth your while. Plus, in the Third World, if you’re going to brush your teeth with a brown liquid, it might as well not be the one coming from your sink. BUY!
Perfume – Unless you’re an old Russian woman, you do not need a keg of that ass liquid that’s bound to make your fellow travelers dry heave at 35,000 feet. Put it down. Walk away. PASS!
Candy – It’s candy. Buy it. Only local stuff, though. Toblerone can be found at home. It’s really not that exotic. Be authentic. No one likes a duty free douchebag. BUY!
See, it’s not that hard. Liquor and candy. Your needs on the road really aren’t all that different from the ones at home. They’re just tax free.
Travel Tip #69: Use Protection
Last modified on 2009-11-23 15:16:26 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
The road can be a romantic place. It can be a lustful place. And, it can be an itchy, cheesy discharging place. Sure, you want to plant your flag in foreign lands (or, for the ladies, have an explorer discover your fertile delta), but be smart about it!
Avoid disaster by wrapping things up before you play hide the salami/yakitori/burrito/kati roll.
Travel Tip #32: Bring a Sweater
Last modified on 2009-11-20 14:20:09 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
No one likes being cold. You shiver, you get embarrassing goosebumps and, for the ladies, your headlights turn on (well, that’s for the men, too, I suppose). Best to hedge your bets and keep a sweater handy.
This goes double for you women out there. At some point, you’ll be in a car/restaurant/miniature museum that has the gall to turn on the air conditioning and you’re going to whine about it. Here’s a bonus tip within a tip: Don’t complain to the guy that you’re with that you’re cold. We already know you are. And, quite frankly, that’s your problem.
Do us both a favor and put on that sweater that you brought. See, I just saved your vacation and your relationship.
And for you fellas, a sweater can be an amazing accessory.
Now go out there and work it. Ain’t nothing gonna break your stride!
Travel Tip #212: Watch Freestyle Frisbee
Last modified on 2009-11-18 15:03:09 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
I was on the beach in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico when I saw these cats flinging the ‘bee. They’re freestyle disc athletes (or frisbee, for us laymen). That guy spinning like a Puerto Rican dreidel is Carlos “Pipo” Lopez, who is currently ranked #17 in the world.
The Freestyle Players Association always has some sweet events lined up, so if you’re in the neighborhood, do be sure to swing on by.
Travel Tip #9: It’s OK to Do Nothing
Last modified on 2009-11-17 20:41:01 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
You’ve dog-eared nearly every page of your guidebook. You have recommendations from your local friends. You trip is planned and your itinerary is teeming with activities, meals and tours. But what happens if you arrive and you you just feel like having a leisurely day? Well, that’s an easy one. Don’t do a damn thing!
Who says every minute of your trip has to be filled with a cultural experience? Sometimes, the best way to truly get a feel for a place is to spend an afternoon in a cafe. Or to just lay in a park. If you lived there, that’s how you would want to spend a day, right? Don’t feel guilty or lazy.
There will be plenty of time to see the sights and defy death. Toss the guidebook aside and lay in the grass with a newspaper. Or order that second bottle of wine. A few hours of leisure during the day may even keep you going through all those wild nights.
Travel Tip #5: Stay Hydrated
Last modified on 2009-11-13 04:47:50 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Since most people associate travel with a break from the drudgery of their work-a-day lives, they tend to party as much as they can when on the road. Be it daiquiris on the beach or beers at a pub, alcohol flows freely when we’re away from home. But all that sightseeing, hiking and partying will catch up to you. No one wants to spend half their holiday nursing hangovers or seeing the inside of squat toilets. Protect yourself against these humbling fates by drinking plenty of water.
It may not be glamorous and it may require you to buy bottled water in some third world countries (such as Florida), but water will keep you hydrated and on the go. Coffee may be more authentic in Italy and ouzo may make you more popular in Greece, but, without water, both will make you a waste of space eventually. So, be sure to carry plenty of agua with you and to share with your friends.
Travel Tip #33: Celebrate Mullets
Last modified on 2009-11-12 16:41:42 GMT. 1 comment. Top.
The popularity of the mullet has waned in the United States. Now a subject of ridicule and mockery, the mullet has few supporters Stateside. Overseas, however, the mullet remains not only a viable hairstyle, but a fashion staple that transcends all socioeconomic boundaries.
I’ve seen mullets from Sydney to Versailles, and have come to cherish these sightings. Be it a working class bloke or a rogue lass rocking a femullet, I respect the quiet dignity of their business up front while I celebrate the aplomb and panache of their party in the back.
So, rather than mock those who rock the mullet, why not celebrate them? Keep your eyes peeled and remain ever vigilant, fair travelers. Mullets in the wild should be worshiped and documented.
Have you spotted a mullet during your travels? Please share your finds with me.
Travel Tip #22: Make Friends on the Road
Last modified on 2009-11-10 17:41:43 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Traveling can be like the first day of college in that you get to reinvent yourself with people who don’t know you. Are you an introvert at home? Hit the ground running and be the life of the party at the first pub you can find. Are you prim and proper in your day-to-day life? Pack your skimpiest bikini and enter every wet t-shirt contest you can find. No matter what you do, don’t spent the entire time alone. Introduce yourself to people in your hostel or at the bar in your hotel. Ask locals where they go for fun and then invite them to join you. That’s called making friends and it will make your trip a lot more fun than if you just purchase a bunch of hentai and order in-room porn.
You can make friends anywhere. The trick is not to be shy and never turn down an invitation to drink with someone. Not a drinker? Why not break bread with a new friend and get to know each other in a more intimate setting? Or, keep things really simple. Everyone knows you when you wear your name on your shirt.
Solo travel can be great and I’m sure you’ll find yourself. But making friends on the road makes every trip more memorable. And remember: friends come in all shapes and sizes.
Travel Tip #15: Pack Sunscreen
Last modified on 2009-11-09 15:58:15 GMT. 1 comment. Top.
I’m a warm weather guy. Very few of my travels have involved parkas, fleece or gloves. However, warm weather means less clothing means more exposure to the sun. And nothing ruins a vacation more than a sunburn (except for diarrhea – diarrhea is always the worst). Do yourself a favor and pack some sunscreen.
As people often break out of their shells and lose their inhibitions on trips, be sure that you lather up those body parts that seldom see sun at home. If you’re finally wearing that slinky mankini that you would never wear at the public pool, view it as an opportunity to make a new friend at the hostel or the beach. “Hey, would you rub lotion on the back of my thighs?” makes for a better introduction than “you look hot in those socks and sandals.”
Once you’re golden brown, repay your new friend by purchasing her a local alcoholic beverage. And if you failed to find a lotion buddy, perhaps you can find a hooker to rub some aloe on the burns.
Travel Tip #11: Order Chocolate Cake From Room Service
Last modified on 2009-11-10 16:45:22 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Photo by Flickr user octal.
Normally I avoid hotels. I tend to rent apartments, crash with friends or even grab a room at a hostel. And I would advise you to do the same. But if you do find yourself in a hotel, take advantage of it. Room service may be expensive, but it’s food…delivered to your room…on a cart with wheels. One minute you’re in your room with no chocolate cake. The next…there’s chocolate cake!
It’s a scientific fact that chocolate cake simply tastes better when eaten in a hotel room. Preferably while in bed. Get crumbs everywhere. Wipe your mouth on the sheets. Savor every bite while watching a horrendous movie that you can’t identify because hotel televisions don’t display program titles. You’d never sit around watching that Ben Affleck abortion at home. Then again, you probably wouldn’t eat a $12 piece of chocolate cake at home either. But you’re in a hotel. And there’s room service. And I’ll be damned if that isn’t some good chocolate cake.
If you know what the hell movie you’re watching, please do let me know.
Travel Tip #67: Eat Local Junk Food
Last modified on 2009-11-10 16:45:29 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
If you’re like me, you treat your body like a temple. But travel is about stepping out of your comfort zone and experiencing other cultures. And that includes enjoying the snack foods of the places that you visit. Sure, we all fancy ourselves foodies of the highest order, but everyone needs low brow snacks in their lives. There are few better ways to experience the local palate than to consume their junk food.
The French are known for haute cuisine, but they also enjoy pairing their wines with chorizo-flavored potato chips (I recommend a single-serving box). And who hasn’t eaten a Cheeto and thought, “I sure wish this also tasted like bacon?” Well, the Australians remedied that predicament.
So the next time you find yourself in a foreign land, eschew eating at a fancy restaurant or having your host family cook for you. Instead, find the local corner store and ask for their finest fried pork product. You’ll be glad you did.
Travel Tip #33: No Masturbating in the Shower
Last modified on 2009-11-04 20:54:29 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
We all have needs when we’re on the road. But if you’re traveling with platonic friends, you’re going to need to address your urges in the privacy of your own wet dreams. The bathroom is a common area and, when traveling, the shower is a sacred and holy space that demands reverence. Just because you left your girlfriend/wife/bottom bitch at home doesn’t mean that you can defile the one place in which your friends and hostel-mates feel clean and safe.
So, find the local red light district, grind against your cot or save it up for when you get home to your Fleshlight. But for the love of all that is holy (and to keep your friends from ditching you on the road), no masturbating in the shower!
Travel Tip #109: Always Pack More Underpants Than Shoes
Last modified on 2009-11-04 21:47:20 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
I know you think you’re going to have several wardrobe changes on each day of your amazing trip to Chinafricaustraliastan, but believe me, this isn’t a Madonna concert. It’s not even a Wiggles concert. You’re going to get to your destination and accept being a little stinky, a bit dirty and constantly on the move. You won’t be stopping at the hotel/hostel/yurt to change. You’ll be eating and drinking at night with other travelers who don’t care that you have some sweet loafers packed in your bag that would have looked so goddamn cute with those jeans you meant to wear at some point.
But you will get the runs. Pack some underpants and leave the stilettos at home.
Travel Tip #43: Always Pack a Bathing Suit
Last modified on 2009-11-04 21:47:44 GMT. 1 comment. Top.
Have you ever regretted packing a bathing suit? It doesn’t take up much luggage space. But what happens when some hottie is in the jacuzzi and you don’t have a swimsuit? Then you’re left out of the white zin party.
Do yourself a favor and pack that bathing suit. And be sure to drop your keys in the fish bowl when you get to the party.