Before my next travel-specific posts go up, a few lessons learned. May they help you, and remind me what (not) to do...
1. If you're going to show up at your destination and have a place to stay, knowing exactly how you'll get there is worth the effort. Pay attention to the transit schedules, if you're relying on a bus or a train, or you could be in for a very expensive taxi ride.
2. Learn key phrases, or be confident with your nonverbal gestures for the following: "delay"; "on-time"; "excuse me, you are in my seat!"; "is this seat taken?"; and the favorite, "do you speak English / I don't speak (insert language here)"
3. Though a website may claim the staff speaks fluent English, be prepared for them not to! Just in case.
4. Cash is king.
5. Build in time to wander.
6. Always carry a map, extra snacks, a bit of water, and some patience.
7. There is almost too much information out there on the "best" places to see or the "must-do" lists of what to do. Pick a publisher, a few blogs, or a couple of websites that you like, and stick with them - avoid information overload and leave space to form your own opinions.
What are the key lessons you've learned on the road?
1. If you're going to show up at your destination and have a place to stay, knowing exactly how you'll get there is worth the effort. Pay attention to the transit schedules, if you're relying on a bus or a train, or you could be in for a very expensive taxi ride.
2. Learn key phrases, or be confident with your nonverbal gestures for the following: "delay"; "on-time"; "excuse me, you are in my seat!"; "is this seat taken?"; and the favorite, "do you speak English / I don't speak (insert language here)"
3. Though a website may claim the staff speaks fluent English, be prepared for them not to! Just in case.
4. Cash is king.
5. Build in time to wander.
6. Always carry a map, extra snacks, a bit of water, and some patience.
7. There is almost too much information out there on the "best" places to see or the "must-do" lists of what to do. Pick a publisher, a few blogs, or a couple of websites that you like, and stick with them - avoid information overload and leave space to form your own opinions.
What are the key lessons you've learned on the road?
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