A Traveler’s Notes

I just got back from Northern Minnesota yesterday. It’s the umpteenth trip I’ve taken there, but it reminded me of a couple of important things to remember while traveling.

1. It’s one thing to visit it’s another to live. I’ve mentioned it before but I’ve lived in a tourist destination. That being said when you are looking for a place to live don’t make whether its a famous destination or not affect your decision too much. So at the end of your trip know that its okay to miss the place you’ve been, but that there is probably drawbacks to living at the place your visiting.
2. Plan out more than you’ll need. When I went to Europe it was a study abroad trip with my university. While it was stellar to have most of the trip planned for us the notable thing I forgot to do was look up places to eat before we left. We ended up finding random spots in most cases, which led to some interesting culinary finds, but many times we spent up to an hour searching for a good spot to eat.
3. Look for the unique food. At least once a day pick a place you can’t find anywhere else. I say once a day because sometimes you got to get a cheap McDonald’s lunch to afford your dinner out at the specialty restaurant.
4. Go for the cheap flights, and hostels/hotels, unless there is a good reason to stay at a place, such as a famous hotel that you can’t find anywhere else, or if they have a blogged about rooftop pool or the like. Nearly every chain hotel will look similar, and you’ll pay through the nose to stay there anyway. As for flights, its a similar case, its just the travel portion and it’ll be over before you know it.
5. If you can, pick a “splurge” activity. From going to a cool museum to maybe going to an amusement park or an outdoor sporting activity. Don’t overdo it just understand that you should take advantage of opportunities if you can when you are somewhere far away,
6. If you fly take public transport around town, if you drive pack extras and food. This one’s all about keeping costs down. Public transport is nice and cheap in most major cities and gets to a lot of popular places. Rideshare is great for oddly timed trips and unique locations but it adds up quickly. But if you can drive use your space to pack extras, like clothes for more diverse activities and cheap food options and snacks, plus you won’t have to pay for rideshares, flights or public transportation.
7. Reach out to local friends for ideas. Tourist spots can be stellar, but make sure to add some local flair if you can, they might now insider secrets like the best/quickest menu items at a famous joint or the best place to park at a venue or even a local coupon code for that must-see show.
8. Avoid debt on the trip. I know I mentioned splurge opportunities but this is where patience comes in, wait to go until you can afford what you want. Avoid eating out at home so you can eat out on your trip, avoid the movie theater at home and you just might find yourself at a live show instead.
9. Be safe. This almost goes without saying but I think it bears repeating and tacking on some extra thoughts. Safety includes avoiding theft buy being aware, and buying the appropriate handbag/backpack. It also involves carrying a little local cash (whether or not you’re abroad) so you can always have a ride “home” or something to eat. Not to mention taking an eternal charger for your phone as well as a local wall plugin so you can hail a rideshare if you’re stuck somewhere.
10. Be ready to walk. Sometimes walking is your best option whether it’s from where the bus stops or from your hotel to the restaurant down the street, or down a small town street. Sometimes getting up close and personal with a place can be fun, plus you’ll burn off all the extra food you’ll be eating.

So save up, be smart, and go adventure somewhere.

#adventureisoutthere