Tuesday, 17 May, 2022
  • Home
  • Contact Us
  • Login
TopFlight-Travel.com
  • Home
  • Warm
    What To Do In Riyadh For Fun

    What To Do In Riyadh For Fun

    Where To Stay In Florida During Spring Break

    Where To Stay In Florida During Spring Break

    top Places To Visit In Phoenix

    Top 9 Places To Visit In Phoenix

    Trending Tags

    • Cold
      Winter Destinations In The USA: Plan A Romantic Getaway

      11 Winter Destinations In The USA: Plan A Romantic Getaway

      Water Activities In Denmark scuba diving

      Water Activities In Denmark: Scuba Diving, Wreck Diving, Sunbathing

      Places to Visit in St. Petersburg: Sightseeing Tips

      9 Places to Visit in St. Petersburg: Sightseeing Tips

      planning a trip to Iceland

      Planning A Trip To Iceland But You’re Not Sure When To Go?

      what Places to visit in Oslo

      Places To Visit in Oslo For Eating And Sightseeing

      Places To Visit In Toronto Within 2 Days

      Places To Visit In Toronto Within 2 Days

      What to do in Oslo

      What To Do In Oslo During A Weekend Trip?

      Top Attractions In Iceland

      Top Attractions In Iceland: Why You Should Visit

      What to do in Edmonton

      What To Do In Edmonton – Extreme And Fun Activities

      Trending Tags

      • Budget
      • Luxury
      • Unique
        Glacier Park Montana

        12 Days Trip: Montana, Wyoming, and Everywhere In Between

        A Honeymoon Destination In Europe

        Seeking A Honeymoon Destination In Europe? 16 Dream Places

        Best Places To Visit In San Diego

        Best Places To Visit In San Diego? Try Balboa Park!

        Places To Visit In Nashville

        Places To Visit In Nashville: 11 Unique Museums

        Doha: The Fascinating Capital Of Qatar

        Doha: The Fascinating Capital Of Qatar

        Unique Places To Visit In Rio de Janeiro

        Unique Places To Visit In Rio de Janeiro (Popular Worldwide)

        top Places to Visit in Milan

        Top Places to Visit in Milan: The Definitive Guide

        Explore Dublin

        Explore Dublin In 7 Not So Typical Ways

        What To Do In Dublin To Get To Know Its History

        What To Do In Dublin To Get To Know Its History

        Trending Tags

        • Festive
          Best time to visit Nepal

          What’s The Best Time To Visit Nepal?

          Christmas in Athens

          Our First Christmas In Athens

          Lavash - Armenian Cuisine

          Armenian Cuisine: Foods to Try in Armenia

          Places to visit in Milwaukee

          Our Milwaukee Trip During Summerfest

          Dead Sea at Jordan

          Travel Guide to Jordan

          Berlin, Germany

          Tourist Places In Germany: What’s Worth Visiting

          Munich Oktoberfest

          5 Things to Know About Munich Oktoberfest

          Trending Tags

          • Food & Drink
            Food Places To Visit in New Orleans

            5 Food Places To Visit in New Orleans: What and Where

            Places To Visit In Adelaide To Eat And Drink

            17 Superb Places To Visit In Adelaide To Eat And Drink

            15 Places To Visit In Washington DC

            15 Places To Visit In Washington DC (History, Culture, Eating)

            Dining in Dallas

            Dining In Dallas: BBQ, Comfort Food, Ethnic And More

            Nightlife In Doha

            Nightlife In Doha: A List Of The Top 11 Clubs And Bars

            Nightlife In Tokyo

            Nightlife In Tokyo: What Are The Options?

            Ottawa Cityscape wide view summer time

            What To Do In Ottawa While Backpacking For 2-3 Days

            places to visit in Raleigh for coffee

            Top 4 Places To Visit In Raleigh For Coffee Lovers!

            Trending Tags

            • Destination
              What To Do In New Orleans

              What To Do In New Orleans: Here’s My (Boyfriend’s) 4-Day Plan

              Off-Season Travel Destinations

              Off-Season Travel: 5 Suggestions And Tips

              Weekend In Adelaide at Glenelg beach

              Adelaide Hotels And Spots For A Weekend Escape

              What To Do In Bangkok: A Top 10 List

              What To Do In Bangkok: A Top 10 List (And More)

              Best Time To Visit Yellowstone And Other Popular US Places

              Best Time To Visit Yellowstone And Other Popular US Places

              8+ Best Places To Visit In Montana

              10+ Best Places To Visit In Montana

              Trending Tags

              • Travel Ideas
              No Result
              View All Result
              TopFlight-Travel.com
              • Home
              • Warm
                What To Do In Riyadh For Fun

                What To Do In Riyadh For Fun

                Where To Stay In Florida During Spring Break

                Where To Stay In Florida During Spring Break

                top Places To Visit In Phoenix

                Top 9 Places To Visit In Phoenix

                Trending Tags

                • Cold
                  Winter Destinations In The USA: Plan A Romantic Getaway

                  11 Winter Destinations In The USA: Plan A Romantic Getaway

                  Water Activities In Denmark scuba diving

                  Water Activities In Denmark: Scuba Diving, Wreck Diving, Sunbathing

                  Places to Visit in St. Petersburg: Sightseeing Tips

                  9 Places to Visit in St. Petersburg: Sightseeing Tips

                  planning a trip to Iceland

                  Planning A Trip To Iceland But You’re Not Sure When To Go?

                  what Places to visit in Oslo

                  Places To Visit in Oslo For Eating And Sightseeing

                  Places To Visit In Toronto Within 2 Days

                  Places To Visit In Toronto Within 2 Days

                  What to do in Oslo

                  What To Do In Oslo During A Weekend Trip?

                  Top Attractions In Iceland

                  Top Attractions In Iceland: Why You Should Visit

                  What to do in Edmonton

                  What To Do In Edmonton – Extreme And Fun Activities

                  Trending Tags

                  • Budget
                  • Luxury
                  • Unique
                    Glacier Park Montana

                    12 Days Trip: Montana, Wyoming, and Everywhere In Between

                    A Honeymoon Destination In Europe

                    Seeking A Honeymoon Destination In Europe? 16 Dream Places

                    Best Places To Visit In San Diego

                    Best Places To Visit In San Diego? Try Balboa Park!

                    Places To Visit In Nashville

                    Places To Visit In Nashville: 11 Unique Museums

                    Doha: The Fascinating Capital Of Qatar

                    Doha: The Fascinating Capital Of Qatar

                    Unique Places To Visit In Rio de Janeiro

                    Unique Places To Visit In Rio de Janeiro (Popular Worldwide)

                    top Places to Visit in Milan

                    Top Places to Visit in Milan: The Definitive Guide

                    Explore Dublin

                    Explore Dublin In 7 Not So Typical Ways

                    What To Do In Dublin To Get To Know Its History

                    What To Do In Dublin To Get To Know Its History

                    Trending Tags

                    • Festive
                      Best time to visit Nepal

                      What’s The Best Time To Visit Nepal?

                      Christmas in Athens

                      Our First Christmas In Athens

                      Lavash - Armenian Cuisine

                      Armenian Cuisine: Foods to Try in Armenia

                      Places to visit in Milwaukee

                      Our Milwaukee Trip During Summerfest

                      Dead Sea at Jordan

                      Travel Guide to Jordan

                      Berlin, Germany

                      Tourist Places In Germany: What’s Worth Visiting

                      Munich Oktoberfest

                      5 Things to Know About Munich Oktoberfest

                      Trending Tags

                      • Food & Drink
                        Food Places To Visit in New Orleans

                        5 Food Places To Visit in New Orleans: What and Where

                        Places To Visit In Adelaide To Eat And Drink

                        17 Superb Places To Visit In Adelaide To Eat And Drink

                        15 Places To Visit In Washington DC

                        15 Places To Visit In Washington DC (History, Culture, Eating)

                        Dining in Dallas

                        Dining In Dallas: BBQ, Comfort Food, Ethnic And More

                        Nightlife In Doha

                        Nightlife In Doha: A List Of The Top 11 Clubs And Bars

                        Nightlife In Tokyo

                        Nightlife In Tokyo: What Are The Options?

                        Ottawa Cityscape wide view summer time

                        What To Do In Ottawa While Backpacking For 2-3 Days

                        places to visit in Raleigh for coffee

                        Top 4 Places To Visit In Raleigh For Coffee Lovers!

                        Trending Tags

                        • Destination
                          What To Do In New Orleans

                          What To Do In New Orleans: Here’s My (Boyfriend’s) 4-Day Plan

                          Off-Season Travel Destinations

                          Off-Season Travel: 5 Suggestions And Tips

                          Weekend In Adelaide at Glenelg beach

                          Adelaide Hotels And Spots For A Weekend Escape

                          What To Do In Bangkok: A Top 10 List

                          What To Do In Bangkok: A Top 10 List (And More)

                          Best Time To Visit Yellowstone And Other Popular US Places

                          Best Time To Visit Yellowstone And Other Popular US Places

                          8+ Best Places To Visit In Montana

                          10+ Best Places To Visit In Montana

                          Trending Tags

                          • Travel Ideas
                          No Result
                          View All Result
                          TopFlight-Travel.com
                          No Result
                          View All Result

                          My 10 Commandments of Travel: What I’ve Learnt The Hard Way

                          Ashleigh Graham by Ashleigh Graham
                          September 30, 2021
                          in Travel Ideas
                          Reading Time: 10 mins read
                          0 0
                          0
                          Home Travel Ideas

                          I took my very first international trip in 2004. Since then, I’ve spent about 10 cumulative years on the road travelling full time.

                          65 countries. 6 continents.

                          All of that travel comes with lots of lessons:

                          • Never tell anyone where you’re staying
                          • You’ll never use that money belt
                          • US carriers are robbing you blind on international data plans
                          • 7-11s have the best snacks in Asia

                          Those are just the little things! Some of the things I’ve learnt are so important that they’ve become hard-and-fast rules. 

                          As you’ll see, I learnt them the hard way — I hope they help you stay happier and healthier out in the world. Here are my 10 commandments of travel:

                          Never Judge a New Place Before a Full Night’s Sleep

                          get some sleep after landing is one of my 10 commandments of travel

                          Travel days are so exhausting! Maybe it’s because I’m in my 30s, or perhaps it’s always been this way, and I wasn’t as aware of it — but after a day of hauling my luggage around cities and train stations and airports, I am beat.

                          And hungry. And crabby. 

                          In that state, it’s tough to see the positives of a new place. That’s why I don’t allow myself to judge a new city or country until I’ve gotten a whole night of sleep. In fact, this is my most important travel rule.

                          Once upon a time, I flew from Bangkok to Kathmandu. I was up really early, almost missed my flight, dealt with pain-in-the-ass customs entering Nepal, and took a terrifying taxi ride to the hotel.

                          Then I went out to explore, and a kid on a bike rain straight into me and knocked me down in the street.

                          I returned to my hotel crying — not in pain (I was fine), but out of sheer exhaustion. At that moment, I hated Nepal. I looked at flights out of the country. I couldn’t wait to leave. Everything was terrible.

                          And then I slept for 17 hours. When I woke up, of course, everything was back to normal — and Nepal ended up being one of my favourite countries in the world!

                          What does this mean: a good night’s sleep helps you judge a new place fairly.

                          Only Pack as Much as You Can Carry on Your Own

                          A few years ago, I had this ridiculous moment in the Victoria train station in London — I couldn’t find an escalator or an elevator near my exit, so I was hauling my full-sized suitcase up a massive set of stairs, stopping every five steps from adjusting my grip and breathing. I felt stupid (and probably looked it, too).

                          At that moment, I promised myself I’d never again travel with more than I could comfortably carry on my own. And I haven’t!

                          These days, I travel with a 24-inch suitcase, a daypack, and a cross-body purse. Fully stuffed, my suitcase usually maxes out just below the 20kg/44lb mark. I can carry it with one hand — with some effort — up and down train station stairs.

                          This is pretty much my upper limit in terms of comfort and manoeuvrability; yours might be different.

                          When You Want Something Familiar, Enjoy it Without Guilt

                          When I was in my 20s, I wouldn’t have dreamt of entering a major Western chain. I was there to experience a new culture, damn it!

                          It doesn’t matter how tired I was or how much I wanted something familiar — I was going to “live like a local” if it killed me.

                          Now that I’m in my 30s, that mentality is long gone. Because here’s the thing: travel is exhausting. It’s stressful. Sometimes, you need a little bit of comfort and familiarity.

                          If you really just want to sit in a Starbucks and feel normal for an hour, do it! If you’re craving a McDonald’s hamburger, get one! And more importantly, do it without guilt. Enjoy the shit out of your big delicious American latte.

                          Soak in the feeling of comfort and routine and normalcy. Revel in it. Enjoy the free Wi-Fi and stare at Instagram and forget you’re somewhere new.

                          Do not scold yourself for not trying a “local” place. Trust me — when you leave, you’ll feel refreshed and ready to explore. When you’re feeling overwhelmed by the constant decision-making and unfamiliarity, these little pockets of comfort are the best.

                          Never Let Valuables Leave Your Sight…Also, Don’t Travel with Valuables

                          never leave your daypack is one of my 10 commandments of travel

                          I travel to many countries where extreme poverty is a sad reality. While I always try to stay low-key, it’s impossible to fit in — which means that I’m automatically a target for theft.

                          To combat that, I keep my valuables close at all times. Also, I try not to pack something if I’d be unfortunate to lose it.

                          Naturally, I learnt this the hard way. In Ecuador, I got on a bus from Quito to Banos. Only a few other people on board, and I absentmindedly put my daypack in the overhead compartment.

                          A couple of minutes later, I realised that was a bad idea, so I grabbed it and put it in my lap. It was only when I got to my hostel that I realised that my bag was lighter.

                          In just those few minutes, someone had come up right behind me, stolen what they could grab quickly, and shut the bag again. That momentary slip cost me an expensive jacket, hiking pants, and a hairdryer. 

                          Use Packing Cubes

                          You know when you find a product that’s so wonderful and makes your life so much easier, that you become an instant evangelist? For me, that’s packing cubes.

                          I’m someone who finds comfort in order — so when my suitcase is a jumbled mess of clothes, it’s stressful. Enter the humble packing cube! I didn’t discover these little guys until country 56 (I’m now at 65), and they have changed my travel life.

                          They keep everything contained and organised. I never have to dig around to find socks or a specific shirt.

                          Always Check a Bag

                          So I know this goes against all of the carry-on only travel wisdom on the internet, but I always check a bag. This is for four reasons:

                          • I don’t have to drag a suitcase through crowded concourses and tiny airport shops! I’m always so happy to ditch it at bag drop.
                          • Since I don’t have to worry about carry-on weight limits, I can stuff my suitcase with more clothing options. And shoes!
                          • I don’t need to worry about size restrictions for liquids and gels. I travel for weeks and months at a time, so I like to use full-size bath products. It cuts down on plastic waste — plus, I don’t have to buy replacements as often.
                          • I never need to worry about finding space in an overhead bin. My backpack and purse fit under the seat in front of me. 

                          It’s so lovely to wander around the airport free of luggage.

                          Choose Travel Companions Carefully

                          Oh, this is a tough one. Travel puts such unique stress on a relationship. Those tiny things that irritate you about each other at home? They get huge, really fast when you’re stuck together on the road.

                          Before you know it, you’re yelling at your friend that if she doesn’t stop complaining, you will punch her in the face and knock her out so she can’t complain. (Yes, I did that and no, I’m not really proud of it)

                          one of my 10 commandments of travel is to choose your companion carefully

                          Thankfully, this is a lesson you only need to learn once. (Hopefully) The friend mentioned above had never left the United States and wanted to join me in India.

                          I warned her that it would be a very challenging experience for her first trip — maybe she should visit me in Europe, instead? She insisted, so I agreed.

                          Worst. Mistake. Ever.

                          This girl complained for two weeks, nonstop. She didn’t like the food. She was jealous that the women were so thin. Everything was too dirty. “Why couldn’t these people just clean the city? Why can’t the cows just move out of the street? Why is it so crowded?”

                          We both had a miserable time. I learnt two big lessons on that trip:

                          • I should never have allowed her to join me in such a challenging place.
                          • I should never blindly say “yeah, sure!” when someone asks if they can travel with me.

                          Now, I pick travel companions carefully. Even more importantly, I match the destination to the person. Not everyone wants (or is equipped) to experience challenging but fascinating trips — and that’s just fine!

                          Do Not Base Travel Plans on State Department Advisories

                          I’m the type of traveller that does almost no research. I find a cheap flight and book a couple of nights — then I just show up and figure it out.

                          Want to know what else I do not do? Base my trip on the travel advisories from the State Department. Not because they’re not valuable, but because they are terrifying. (No wonder people are afraid to travel!)

                          This is not to say that you shouldn’t read the advisories and alerts — read them, but don’t let them freak you out. Pro tip? If you see a scary warning, look at the region it applies to. Chances are, it’s nowhere near any of the country’s main tourist sites.

                          Take Mexico, for example. You might look at the warning and see that the state of Colima has a Level 4 advisory due to “violent crime and gang activity”. You don’t need to cancel your trip to Cancun! Just avoid Colima (easy to do), and you’re good.

                          Get Cash and Make Change at the Airport

                          one of my 10 commandments of travel is to have cash in my wallet

                          The first thing I do when I land in another country is head for the ATM. They give you better rates than exchange booths; plus, I like to hold on to my US cash in case of emergency.

                          The trouble is, ATMs often give big bills. In some countries, shop owners give you the stink eye when you hand over a high-denomination bill. Or, they flat-out refuse to take it while giving you the stink eye.

                          So, once I get cash from the ATM, I head right for an airport convenience store and buy something small. (They get heavy foot traffic, so they almost always have change.)

                          Then, I can head out into the city knowing that I can ride public transportation or buy a snack without a hassle.

                          If a Place Sucks, Leave!

                          I was raised with that Midwestern attitude where you soldier through hard things until you complete your goal. Then, you learn from the process. We are tough, hardy folks (9 months of winter does that to you), and we do not give up on a challenge. That’s a great approach to life, but it’s not always great for travel. Why? It means that even when I absolutely hate a place, I still feel compelled to stay and experience it! Inevitably, I find myself resentful and dealing with travel burnout.

                          Here’s the thing: travel is all about freedom. I’m so fortunate to travel so freely — why on earth would I spend my precious time visiting places that make me miserable? (Those places don’t need my negative energy!)

                          To be honest, I’m still working on this one. It is getting easier, though — when I hate a place, I’m pretty happy to remove myself. Quickly, if necessary. (Those last-minute, get-me-out plane tickets are tough on my finances, though, so I’m trying to be better about choosing places with greater care.)

                          Tags: travelling
                          ShareTweetPin1SendSend
                          Previous Post

                          6 Best Italian Places To Visit in 2021

                          Next Post

                          Planning To Visit Ha Long Bay? Here Is A List Of 22 Things To Do When You’re There

                          Ashleigh Graham

                          Ashleigh Graham

                          Related Posts

                          Off-Season Travel Destinations
                          Destination

                          Off-Season Travel: 5 Suggestions And Tips

                          May 13, 2022
                          Scuba Diving During A Cruise Vacation
                          Travel Ideas

                          Scuba Diving During A Cruise Vacation

                          April 25, 2022
                          Weekend in Corfu
                          Destination

                          A Weekend In Corfu | A Guide To The Best Spots On The Island

                          April 9, 2022
                          What To Do In Buenos Aires: My Top 10 List
                          Destination

                          What To Do In Buenos Aires | My Top 10 List

                          April 8, 2022
                          The Island Of Eleuthera - Bahamas On A Budget
                          Budget

                          The Island Of Eleuthera | Bahamas On A Budget

                          April 2, 2022
                          Malta: My Memories From A Heaven
                          Destination

                          Malta: My Memories From A Heaven In The Mediterranean

                          March 30, 2022
                          Next Post

                          Planning To Visit Ha Long Bay? Here Is A List Of 22 Things To Do When You're There

                          • Trending
                          • Comments
                          • Latest
                          Beirut

                          Solo Female Traveller In Beirut: My Experience

                          March 11, 2022
                          places to visit with heritage malta pass

                          Top 10 Sites to Visit With a Heritage Malta Pass

                          September 23, 2021
                          Luxembourg: The Symbiosis of Old and Modern

                          Luxembourg City: The Symbiosis of Old and Modern

                          December 7, 2021
                          Trip to Puerto Princesa

                          A Family Trip to Puerto Princesa, Palawan

                          September 23, 2021
                          evening air travel

                          12 Hacks for Air Travel To Save Time And Discomfort

                          Manila, Davao, cities in the PH

                          Davao City Day 1: City Tour, Food Trip and Sightseeing

                          Exploring the Magical Marrakesh

                          Exploring the Magical Marrakesh: Must-See For Visitors

                          Fjord in Norway

                          Norway – A land of magnificent Fjords and sheer natural bounties

                          Food Places To Visit in New Orleans

                          5 Food Places To Visit in New Orleans: What and Where

                          May 16, 2022
                          What To Do In New Orleans

                          What To Do In New Orleans: Here’s My (Boyfriend’s) 4-Day Plan

                          May 14, 2022
                          Off-Season Travel Destinations

                          Off-Season Travel: 5 Suggestions And Tips

                          May 13, 2022
                          Review Of The Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok

                          A Review Of The Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok

                          May 11, 2022

                          TopFlight-Travel.com

                          • About
                          • Privacy & Policy
                          • Contact Us

                          Categories

                          • Budget
                          • Cold
                          • Destination
                          • Festive
                          • Food & Drink
                          • Luxury
                          • Travel Ideas
                          • Uncategorized
                          • Unique
                          • Warm

                          Tags

                          Asia Australia bars Beach beer Brazil budget California Canada Caribbean Castle central America Chicago China clubs desert Europe Finland Food Germany Greece hotel hotels India Ireland Irish Island Italy Kilmainham luxury hotels Manhattan museums Ontario Philippines Scandinavia snow South America Spain Thailand travelling UK US USA vacation Volcano

                          © 2021 TopFlight-Travel.com Travel Ideas brought to you by The Dinner Media Group. See mincerecipes.info, burgerrecipes.info, thefoodiebunch.com, saladrecipes.info, topflight-travel.com and littlehomereloved.com.

                          No Result
                          View All Result
                          • Home
                          • Warm
                          • Cold
                          • Budget
                          • Luxury
                          • Unique
                          • Festive
                          • Food & Drink
                          • Destination
                          • Travel Ideas

                          © 2021 TopFlight-Travel.com Travel Ideas brought to you by The Dinner Media Group. See mincerecipes.info, burgerrecipes.info, thefoodiebunch.com, saladrecipes.info, topflight-travel.com and littlehomereloved.com.

                          Welcome Back!

                          Login to your account below

                          Forgotten Password?

                          Retrieve your password

                          Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

                          Log In