How To Travel

By Nick September 19, 2006

Darren Rowse from Problogger.net is having another group writing project. This project is to write a “How To” article. There are countless travel “how to”s in travel, so narrowing down what I should write about was difficult. Since it seems like a broad topic, I thought I’d write about something broad. So, I decided to write about how to travel.

I know “how to travel” sounds stupid, but there is a lot to it. While I thought about what it means to travel, I realized that this would be a good time to define what traveling is, compared to what vacationing is. Traveling is a lot more than the displacement of an object, being you, to a far away land. As you aspire to be a budget backpacker, you must change your entire outlook on the practice known as traveling.

How to Travel

Know the difference between traveling and vacationing - I thought I’d summarize the post early. So if you already understand the difference, the rest of the post is just re-emphasizing the backpacking doctrine (at least my interpretation of what it is)

Have an Open Mind - Do not be obnoxious, and accept the culture and traditions those abroad have. You probably wouldn’t like it much if someone from abroad made fun of your interests and hobbies.

Learn -This goes along with having an open mind. Try to learn about the history and geography of the area you are visiting. Learning helps everyone. It makes us more aware of the world’s real problems, that believe it or not, actually are more serious than $2.60/gallon unleaded gasoline.

Be flexible - If you make an itinerary, do not make it hour by hour. Try not to check your watch so much too. Having free time is usually the highlight of most people’s trips. With a uber rigorous itinerary, you can miss spontaneous sights and activities because you did not leave extra time.

Relax - This also ties into being flexible, somewhat. Stay low key and “chill” on your trip. It’s easy to get stressed out traveling, so it’s important not to get shook up with the small obstacles that may arise. Roll with the punches so you can sit back and relax.

Spend a little money - Literally. Spend a small amount of money, but don’t starve yourself. Eat enough to be moderately comfortable, stay places a little below average, and buy a trinket or two to remember the trip by. Budget a little money to go out to the bars at night also. This will allow you to meet new, interesting people. You don’t want to regret not having a good time, and spending $13-20 on beer at night will probably be worth it.

Have fun - this is the only passive instruction listed here. I think that if the previous instructions are followed, having fun will come naturally. If, for some reason, you can travel by the previous seven rules but do not have fun, I don’t think budget travel is for you. Maybe try out a more luxurious travel method

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Topics: Budget Travel Tips, Miscellaneous |