Travelling can either be a breeze or a huge hassle. When it
all boils down to it; the success of any travel relies largely on how prepared
you are. And this is often brought by good judgment from years of experience.
Unfortunately, some of us do not have the luxury to allow teacher time to
impart its travel lessons just because we want every trip to be a success. Not
everyone finds adventure in discovering something in the form of a travel
mishap. So how can one learn all that he has to without actually going through
some bad travel experiences? He could continue reading.
I am not exactly the most well-travelled writer in the
industry; but I have gone to enough places (to look for hot parties, of course)
to know a thing or two about travelling. Although the following pieces of
advice are not exactly breakthroughs, these are some ideas and tips I have come
up with during my years of back packing. So sit back, relax, and try to keep
reading this host of tips to help your travels.
Tip # 1: Always bring a spare pair of shoes. The thing is,
shoes are too bulky and with light travels, shoes are something that should
kept at a minimum. Most people (especially men) wear the pair of shoes they
intend to use for the duration of their stay when they board the plane, bus, or
road vehicle that will take them to their destination. Most people think it is
sensible to bring a pair of shoes that goes well with everything you packed.
Unfortunately, I used to be ‘most people’. However, a ridiculously rainy
evening in Cagayan de Oro taught me that wearing the same pair of shoes you
intend to use for the duration of the trip is a big mistake. Rain gets you
shoes wet and stinky. Obviously, you don’t have the time to dry them out in a
sunny place to get rid of the moisture. The best thing to do then is to use
another pair of shoes and let the wet pair dry. Ergo, bringing a spare pair, no
matter how bulky it makes your backpack, is a must.
Tip # 2: Always keep your money safe. You know they always
say that you should keep your money in different places? I am a firm believer
of this. But this does not mean that you can have a friend keep your money. No
matter how long you’ve known them or how close you are. Never trust anyone with
your money. The fact that it isn’t theirs would simply make them less cautious.
So here is the deal. No matter how drunk you predict you’ll be; keep some money
with you and keep some in your purse and luggage. I always take money that is
enough for any immediate purchase and keep that amount in my pocket. That way,
when I need to pay for something, people around me while I’m making the purchase
wouldn’t see how much I have in my wallet. Keep a larger amount in your wallet
as well. Aside from this, keep a couple of thousands in an obscure pocket
inside your bag or purse. Also leave a couple of thousands inside your luggage
which should be safe in your hotel room. I lost thirteen thousand in Boracay
once. Trust me. This is worth all the hassle.
Tip # 3: Always bring a medicine kit. Take some
decongestant, anti allergy, pain killer, paracetamol, and some lozenges at the
very least. Feeling sickly during a vacation or trip is bad. What makes it even
worse is having to shell out a huge amount on medication when you can spend
your moolah on something more worthwhile…like a cocktail. Also, taking some
decongestant before a flight helps keep your sinuses unclogged which makes it
less likely for you to suffer from headaches caused by pent up pressure in that
area.
Tip # 4: Always reserve a hotel room at least a month before
your scheduled trip then follow the reservation up by calling the hotel a three
days before you reach your destination; looking for a hotel a couple of days
before leaving for your destination leaves you with very little options. Not
reserving a hotel at all is just suicidal. Trust me. The last thing you would
want to happen is to check in to an inn that is below your standard just
because you can not find any other place to stay in.
Tip # 5: Bring as little toiletries as possible. This is one
tip not many people apply but I think it is very important. If you use a brand
of soap or shampoo that you can buy in any convenience store or sari-sari
store, then don’t bring a stash with you. Instead, purchase your toiletries at
your destination. Why? Toiletries don’t pack well. You can’t squeeze them in or
push them around. Some toiletries even spill during the travel and get your
clothes all sticky. Of course, you could also keep them inside a Ziploc bag but
really, why don’t you just leave them behind and purchase shampoo, soap, and
toothpaste at your destination?
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