“Travellers understand, instinctively and by experience, that travel and adventure change and elongate time, even while navigating the deadlines of airline and train departures.”
― Paul Sheehan
#1. The early bird catches the worm
My first rule will always be get up early and beat the crowds and there is nothing worse than having to work your way around 50 wild bearing tourists with selfies sticks and another 50 Instagram influencers looking for their perfect shot of that free suncream they received.
In my honest opinion there is nothing better than walking around ancient ruins or sitting on top of a mountain in bliss with no other soul in sight and it will give you some of the best photo opportunities by far.
#2. Go loco with local
One of my pet hates is listening to a silly tourist complaining about how the food is different than back home or seeing them walk straight into an American grill steak house or some sushi joint so they get a little taste of home. Im not singling out the Japanese or the good old yanks for loving what they love, but this is a dig at anyone that just refuses to not try.
I find it one of the most annoying things, so go local or go home, some of the best food you will ever taste will either be on the street or behind that over priced restaurant your are sitting in.
#3. Lost /lost/ unable to find ones way; not knowing ones whereabouts
Getting lost in the jungle or a known violent part of town isn't exactly what I mean here, but coming off the beaten path is one of the most exciting things you can do. Not knowing your bearings and loosing a sense of comfidlableness can kick start your senses to explore, installs confidence in you to be on your own and surprisingly everything will be ok.
The human race wasn't made for just sitting in a luxury hotel absorbing the sunshine whilst drinking a Mojito, it is in our nature to search and investigate the world around us.
Although Mojito and pool are defiantly not to be missed.
#4. Olá! Hola! Bonjour! Hallo!
Although I am not the greatest at studying or learning new languages, still this is another one of my pet hates and I can't stand any tourist complaining that nobody speaks English or whatever your very own native language is. I fondly believe that trying a few phrases in the local language of your travel destination is one of the best benefits you will have and further more your will be liked and encouraged more than you come to realise.
One thing I have noticed throughout my travel experience is that the locals love to see you try in their own native tongue and have upmost respect for anyone who does.
#5. Forget the schedule, plan of action or agenda
Being a Virgo I love nothing more than scribbling down ideas, making a list and then working on a plan, but with time and after living in some pretty relaxed places I have learned to not always rely on a schedule and whilst travelling I found that waking up in the morning without a huge itinerary for the day has been one of the most beneficial things I have done. Don't get me wrong here and do not just throw everything away, but learning to not panic that you won't catch the bus on time or that the boat has left you behind can be an unexpected break and brings some welcome changes during your wonderful trip.
Adapting to change and thinking on your feet is something I totally recommend.
#6. Walk with intent
One of the things I have come across whilst on my adventures is fellow travellers getting distracted and robbed in broad daylight and there is nothing they can do about it, we know in some countries reporting it to the police is the first thing you do and in some cases things will be returned, in other instances it isn't even worth reporting the incident due to lack of trust in the local police who will gladly take some money from you and pretend they're there to help. With this being in mind my advice is that the more vulnerable you look the more likely you will be preyed upon. So always walk around with intent, even if you have no idea where you are going, always keep on your toes and always have your wits about you, although its sometimes difficult to relax under these circumstances but its all about confidence.
#7. Link up
Linking up with other nomads is always a highlight if you are travelling, but one of my favourite kind of people are the workers who are either local or expats still on a mission. I promise you once a connection has been made and you meet and greet the rest of the community your experience gets a whole lot better. The inside knowledge about the area they possess is not to be missed and you never know you might end up with invites to some surprising locations and unforgettable parties.
#8. Respect the rules. I do get sick and tired of rules and regulations and it always feels whoever is in charge is taking away my personal freedom to do what the @#$% I like, but when my feet do touch the floor of the country of choice I do my best to uphold and respect the laws in place and we should all do the same. I know how ridiculous some places are and I know how hard or difficult it is to grasp in certain areas.
So please do your research, check the dos and the don'ts before you head off on your wonderful trip and complain about everything.
I have no need to tell you the best way to pack your backpack so I hope these keep you happy.
Peace, love and travel xxx
Wandering Monkey
