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NOSNORB'S ULTIMATE TRAVEL TIPS
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THE RIGHT STUFF
The intelligent globetrotter knows that the number one secret of carefree traveling is knowing what to take and knowing what to leave behind.
Your list should include things you cannot travel without rather than things you might need. With the maxim of "It ain?t right if it?s not light" to guide us, here we go with the short-list.
Are you ready?
Key considerations for the globe trotter include:
Lightweight (lug-a-bility)
Durable (easy-care, rug-a-bility)
Climate (therm-a-bilitity)
Versatile (multi-use-adapability)
Culturally appropriate (blend-in-ability)
Lightweight?Reasons to Carry only one bag.
Security?the less you have to look after, the more secure are your belongings. When you carry only one bag you look more like a local and less like a tourist and as a result you are less likely to experience that most uncomfortable of situations, having some or all of your possessions disappear. As an added bonus you have less to keep track of and worry about.
Ease of Mobility?With less to lug, you are now free to move around quickly and efficiently. When you carry your luggage on the plane, there is less likelihood of you and your belongings arriving at different destinations. There?s no more lengthy wait around the carousal, and you will no longer require the services of a porter thus saving those tips to spend on yourself. You will avoid the next line up and be the first to flag down a taxi, and arrive first at your accommodations. This will leave you in a better position to negotiate, if you are not happy with their price, pick up your one piece and do some comparative shopping. It?s nice to not be possessed by your possessions!
Comfort?your muscles will thank you. Remember that old Confucian saying: "a grain of rice gets heavier the further down the road you go".
Face it, it?s inevitable?you will acquire stuff en route that will become part of your carrying load.
Feel free to shed as you go because?
1.you?ll have to carry it, or
2.make arrangements to stash it or forward it home, and
3.is it worth it?really worth it when you consider the cost, the time, the effort to save and send it?
4.will you feel the same about it when you get it back home? IE. Does the three-foot replica of the Eiffel tower made from seashells really look good in your bathroom?
Durable? Will you and your gear survive?
Test everything before you go, it may be inconvenient or difficult to replace things when you are away. Even though you registered the lifetime warranty for your torch; it may be difficult to get it honored when you are on a boat in the middle of the South China Seas.
Take a test run first. To get a realistic feel for what it will be like, try a mini excursion with all your belongings and your traveling companion before you do the real thing. Load up exactly as you would as if you were traveling. Walk a mile or two, go up and down stairs, in and out of busses, try as many different situations and conditions that you think you may experience. You may find a little re-packing is required.
Comfortable, low maintenance?
Climate?location, location, location?are you prepared?
Common sense?when traveling to the Himalayas leave the scuba equipment at home! Before you leave home do your homework for temperature and precipitation predications during your travels.
There are three considerations here:
1 what is the weather under normal conditions (summer, winter, spring, fall etc.).
2 what are the geographic considerations? For example, Ecuador has an extremely diverse geography. Here, the temperature ranges depending on location, beach to mountaintop can vary as much as ___one million___degrees.)
3 are there any unusual conditions or seasonal fluctuations you should be aware of (hurricanes, monsoons, typhoons etc.)? Prepare accordingly.
Culturally Sensitivity
Take time in advance to educate yourself about local customs. Your respect of these cultural norms will not only be appreciated but will also enrich your experience. Observe as much as possible and ask politely when in doubt. Observation of Indian men shaking hands when introduced may lead you to believe that the same protocol is extended to women. This is not so, it is considered impolite for women to shake hands upon introduction.
You?ve heard the phrase "When in Rome?"? Well, its true and guess what? It applies everywhere. The last thing you want to do is appear to be is a cultural bumpkin from your home country.
Political climate: Utilize the advice of the authorities of your home country. Register at your home embassy when in another country?especially in politically unsettled regions.
For Guys?Take a dark blazer; it will fill the requirement for dress up occasions. For wrinkle reduction turn the blazer inside out; fold in half shoulder to shoulder then roll-up. Tie one on?with a designer necktie?it will give you that quality stamp of approval for unexpected hob-nobbing.
For Gals?Have we got your (little black) number: Take a wrinkle-proof black dress to dress up or dress down. To reduce wrinkles, roll up the dress when packing . Take a good quality (lightweight, folds small) silk scarf to accessorize and adjust your look to suit any occasion?you?ll get a deliberately dressed up look, rather than an on the road, getting by look.
Two Pairs of Trousers:
Forget the jeans. They are heavy, difficult to launder and can be uncomfortable on long trips. Be conservative in your choice of garments, projected attitude goes a long way. Shorts in public places are frowned upon in many parts of the world.
Two or Three Blouses/Shirts:
Buy drip dry and wrinkle free. Long sleeve and loose is best and most comfortable. No need for T-shirts. If it becomes unexpectedly cool wear one shirt over the other. Besides looking tres hip you maintain the "light is right" rule.
Bathing Costume:
The boxer/walking shorts style trunks will double as shorts for men. For women, the appropriate fabric and style of bathing costume can substitute as a body suit beneath the appropriate jacket and skirt.
Rain Gear:
A collapsible umbrella is fine for light rain, but in more monsoon- like conditions, you should consider a gortex garment. It not only keeps you dry but also breathes as well. A heavy gauge plastic bag will keep your one piece of luggage dry and clean. The see-through kind is a good choice. *See bag section.
Jacket:
I prefer a parka made with_______. It is not only light, but dries fast and doubles as a pillow on long hauls and a seat cushion on bumpy, uncomfortable camel caravans etc. In more moderate climates a down vest will serve just as well. Choose one with lots of pockets.
Sweater: No Sweat!
A conservative, attractive cardigan not only looks good, but in a pinch will also pass muster for a more formal occasion. For easy care, choose a dark color and acrylic fabric.
Shoes: Well-pampered feet are happy feet! Pack a comfortable pair of shoes that are suitable for both casual and more formal wear. (I have found that leather deck shoes are acceptable for all but the most regal of occasions.) Choose a dark color shoes that are lightweight. Spray them thoroughly with a good water repellent /protector. Make sure they have good arch supports and are well broken in before you leave for youradventure. Generally running shoes are for, well, just that?running. So unless you are planning to do some serious running, leave them home. Who wants to look like a rap artist anyway? A little baking soda in your shoes will help to control odor.
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