Ever since I started travelling, which was only a few years ago, I have been giving myself travel rules to follow while collecting tips and tricks from others. Here are some of them:
- In the end, all you need is your passport (and visa), wallet, (house) keys, and phone. The rest can be somewhat easily replaced.
- Share all your important travel info with at least one person who is not travelling with you.
- Fly Emirates whenever you can afford it. They have the best food, entertainment, and friendliest crews.
- Flight pillows and foldable water bottles are good investments. Get it. And use it.
- Carry a backpack if you are travelling by air, especially if your trip involves multiple stops and days. It’s very useful.
- Pack an extra easy-to-access underwear in your carry-on or backpack.
- If you can, invest in a good travel backpack. My current backpack is the Boondocker Recycled 26L Backpack from Passenger.
- Bring a Kindle (in the backpack above) and sunnies, regardless of the weather.
- Your travel clothes and stuff will magically fit the size of your luggage. whatever the size is.
- Do research on the place that you are visiting.
- Stay in Airbnb for the closest-to-being-a-local experience.
- But stay in a hotel if you prefer a hassle-free travel experience.
- More importantly, do some research and stay in the right spot in the place you are travelling to, depending on your interests.
- If you travel to the same place often, especially for work, try to stay in different locations/hotels and definitely try different restaurants and activities.
- Do a bit more research and stay in a newly built hotel. They are usually better, cleaner, friendlier, and cheaper.
- Don’t consume weeds hours before your next flight.
- Support the local economy and, more importantly, respect the locals.
- Visit the market ━ preferably the fish market.
- Carve some me time for yourself, especially if it’s more than a long weekend trip.
- Don’t drink anything but water on the plane, even if you really REALLY love wine.
- Do the same things you like at home in a foreign place. For example, if you love hanging out in the coffee shop/or spending hours in the bookstore back home, do the same in the new place you are visiting.
- Bring a journal, travel journal, or memories recorder beyond your iPhone camera unless your camera can capture emotions.
- A facemask on the plane is a treat.
- Don’t fly long-haul flights on your heaviest period day, if possible, but if it’s unavoidable, book an aisle seat.
- Otherwise, always book a window seat, especially on long flights where you are planning to sleep.
- Visit 7-11 or equivalent, and stock up on local snacks.
- Speaking of which buy a bulk of your souvenirs from the local supermarket. Everyone loves to try unusual food, skincare even household items.
- At least learn how to say “thank you” in the local language (it’s “terima kasih” in Bahasa Indonesia) and use it often.
🛫 ━ KK.
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