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7 travel rules you should break
I am not what you would call a rebel. I floss nightly. I chew each bite of food at least 20 times before swallowing, for fear of choking. As a kid, I colored between the lines. In short: I obey the rules. I always have.
But lately, I've noticed a little rebellious streak has emerged within me, particularly in the realm of travel. I've realized that a lot of people like to issue travel rules. Definitive statements about what we should and shouldn't do as travelers. And frankly, that seems silly.
Now, don't get me wrong: if the U.S. government issues a travel warning about heading to a foreign land, I think you should listen (or, you know, at least read the warning). I don't think that walking down dark alleys is strange cities is necessarily a good idea. But I do think that some travel rules were made to be broken. And that by doing so, you'll actually have a better time than if you had obeyed them. Here are seven travel rules I recommend you ignore.
Rule: Never check your bag.
I've heard this rule repeated time and again by experienced travelers (and I'm not going to lie: I've said it myself a few times as well). They warn that checking your bag makes you that much more likely to lose it. Or have your stuffed damaged, stolen, or otherwise snooped through.
Still, this is a rule that is delightful to ignore. After all, checking a bag makes going through security a breeze -- no need to worry about liquid restrictions, or having to lug your bag with you while simultaneously trying to remove your shoes, watch, belt, underwear, and dental fillings. Plus, checking your bag means that you'll be able to purchase an array of items that you couldn't otherwise pack (perfume, wine, etc). I'll never forget the time my hubby and I didn't buy an absolutely amazing bottle of liqueur because we didn't want to check our bags. I still think about it, and would have gladly waited an extra 20 minutes at baggage claim to have it.
Rule: Pack light.
I once read an article in a travel magazine in which the author implored his readers to pack nothing for their next trip. Absolutely nothing. Underwear was meant to be washed in the sink. Shirts could be re-worn several times.
For me, this isn't exactly a viable option -- perhaps because "washing underwear in the hotel bathroom sink" isn't on my vacation to-do list.
But lately, I've noticed a little rebellious streak has emerged within me, particularly in the realm of travel. I've realized that a lot of people like to issue travel rules. Definitive statements about what we should and shouldn't do as travelers. And frankly, that seems silly.
Now, don't get me wrong: if the U.S. government issues a travel warning about heading to a foreign land, I think you should listen (or, you know, at least read the warning). I don't think that walking down dark alleys is strange cities is necessarily a good idea. But I do think that some travel rules were made to be broken. And that by doing so, you'll actually have a better time than if you had obeyed them. Here are seven travel rules I recommend you ignore.
Rule: Never check your bag.
I've heard this rule repeated time and again by experienced travelers (and I'm not going to lie: I've said it myself a few times as well). They warn that checking your bag makes you that much more likely to lose it. Or have your stuffed damaged, stolen, or otherwise snooped through.
Still, this is a rule that is delightful to ignore. After all, checking a bag makes going through security a breeze -- no need to worry about liquid restrictions, or having to lug your bag with you while simultaneously trying to remove your shoes, watch, belt, underwear, and dental fillings. Plus, checking your bag means that you'll be able to purchase an array of items that you couldn't otherwise pack (perfume, wine, etc). I'll never forget the time my hubby and I didn't buy an absolutely amazing bottle of liqueur because we didn't want to check our bags. I still think about it, and would have gladly waited an extra 20 minutes at baggage claim to have it.
Rule: Pack light.
I once read an article in a travel magazine in which the author implored his readers to pack nothing for their next trip. Absolutely nothing. Underwear was meant to be washed in the sink. Shirts could be re-worn several times.
For me, this isn't exactly a viable option -- perhaps because "washing underwear in the hotel bathroom sink" isn't on my vacation to-do list.
And while I understand the joys of packing light, there's something to be said about about over-packing. Having several clean outfits to choose from (and enjoying the decadence of changing your shirt twice in a day!). Swapping out comfy shoes for even comfier ones! And honestly -- if you're just going from the airport to your hotel and back, lugging a bigger suitcase isn't that much of an inconvenience.
Rule: Avoid tourist traps.
I'm told on a daily basis how awful tourist traps are. They're overpriced! They're not worth it! They're too crowded and cliche! They're what everyone does when they visit!
While every city has it's own fair share of tacky, touristy activities, that doesn't mean you should avoid all of them -- especially if means missing out on something you want to see. The Colosseum in Rome is always packed with tourists -- but that doesn't mean you shouldn't go. Nor should you skip the Empire State Building in New York. Or the Space Needle in Seattle. Are they packed with people? Absolutely. Why? Because they're fun and iconic and worth seeing.
Rule: Don't talk to strangers.
Okay, I admit, this one has a bit of validity. Travelers should exercise a bit of caution. I wouldn't randomly walk up to some suspicious-looking character and tell them the details of my life, my social security number, or which hotel I'm staying in.
But one of the most rewarding things about travel is meeting new people. If you find yourself in a safe, public place, and you're in the mood, why not spark up a conversation? I love chatting up cabbies, restaurant workers, doormen, and countless other locals I encounter for tips on what to see and do in a city. Even if I don't end up taking their advice, I still end up having a richer experience.
Rule: Have an agenda ... or at least some clue of where you're going.
I constantly meet super-organized travelers who put me to shame. They have every minute of their vacation organized, scheduled and planned out. They're researched tours, purchased tickets to shows, and made reservations months in advance.
I, on the other hand, am lucky if I remembered to book a return ticket home. And that's not always a bad thing. There's something incredibly liberating about arriving in a foreign city with absolutely no plans whatsoever. You can pop into whatever storefronts look interesting, roam a town aimlessly for hours, and snag last-minute tickets to a show or museum exhibit you've never heard of. Some of my best travel experiences are born from my lack of foresight.
Rule: Don't buy cheesy souvenirs
I had a friend, years ago, who I thought was the epitome of elegant. Her souvenirs from her travels consisted of obscure concert posters and hand-crafted jewelry that she had fiercely bartered for in the middle of busy European streets. She scoffed at mass-produced snowglobes, key-chains, and t-shirts.
While she did have a point (finding unique one-of-kind items while traveling is always fun) there's something to be said for tacky souvenirs. They're cheap, they put a smile on your face, and since the name is usually emblazoned across the front, there's no question where it came from. Besides, a Leaning Tower of Pisa shot glass that actually leans? How cool is that?
Rule: Try new things.
I've heard time and again that trips are a time to break away from routine, to try different things, to experience a new place and culture. And while I agree with that, I also think that travel is about relaxing and having a good time -- and sometimes that means doing the same thing over and over again.
If you love the chocolate croissants at your hotel's breakfast, there's no shame in getting them every single morning. If you absolutely adored wandering around Central Park last time you were in New York, why not go again? Yes, travel is about exploration, but it's also about having a good time. If that means become a repeat offender at a restaurant, museum, or a hotel, then do it. You won't regret it.
Rule: Avoid tourist traps.
I'm told on a daily basis how awful tourist traps are. They're overpriced! They're not worth it! They're too crowded and cliche! They're what everyone does when they visit
While every city has it's own fair share of tacky, touristy activities, that doesn't mean you should avoid all of them -- especially if means missing out on something you want to see. The Colosseum in Rome is always packed with tourists -- but that doesn't mean you shouldn't go. Nor should you skip the Empire State Building in New York. Or the Space Needle in Seattle. Are they packed with people? Absolutely. Why? Because they're fun and iconic and worth seeing.
Rule: Don't talk to strangers.
Okay, I admit, this one has a bit of validity. Travelers should exercise a bit of caution. I wouldn't randomly walk up to some suspicious-looking character and tell them the details of my life, my social security number, or which hotel I'm staying in.
But one of the most rewarding things about travel is meeting new people. If you find yourself in a safe, public place, and you're in the mood, why not spark up a conversation? I love chatting up cabbies, restaurant workers, doormen, and countless other locals I encounter for tips on what to see and do in a city. Even if I don't end up taking their advice, I still end up having a richer experience.
Rule: Have an agenda ... or at least some clue of where you're going.
I constantly meet super-organized travelers who put me to shame. They have every minute of their vacation organized, scheduled and planned out. They're researched tours, purchased tickets to shows, and made reservations months in advance.
I, on the other hand, am lucky if I remembered to book a return ticket home. And that's not always a bad thing. There's something incredibly liberating about arriving in a foreign city with absolutely no plans whatsoever. You can pop into whatever storefronts look interesting, roam a town aimlessly for hours, and snag last-minute tickets to a show or museum exhibit you've never heard of. Some of my best travel experiences are born from my lack of foresight.
Rule: Don't buy cheesy souvenirs
I had a friend, years ago, who I thought was the epitome of elegant. Her souvenirs from her travels consisted of obscure concert posters and hand-crafted jewelry that she had fiercely bartered for in the middle of busy European streets. She scoffed at mass-produced snowglobes, key-chains, and t-shirts.
While she did have a point (finding unique one-of-kind items while traveling is always fun) there's something to be said for tacky souvenirs. They're cheap, they put a smile on your face, and since the name is usually emblazoned across the front, there's no question where it came from. Besides, a Leaning Tower of Pisa shot glass that actually leans? How cool is that?
Rule: Try new things.
I've heard time and again that trips are a time to break away from routine, to try different things, to experience a new place and culture. And while I agree with that, I also think that travel is about relaxing and having a good time -- and sometimes that means doing the same thing over and over again.
If you love the chocolate croissants at your hotel's breakfast, there's no shame in getting them every single morning. If you absolutely adored wandering around Central Park last time you were in New York, why not go again? Yes, travel is about exploration, but it's also about having a good time. If that means become a repeat offender at a restaurant, museum, or a hotel, then do it. You won't regret it.
What are your favorite travel rules to break? Share your thoughts in the comments section!
[Photos: Flickr | NicolasNova; L. Marie; JonRawlinson; ElvertBarnes; Mr.Thomas; AndreaKW; StephYo]
Geraldine DeRuiter is the founder of The Everywhereist, a travel blog for the accidentally adventurous.
[Photos: Flickr | NicolasNova; L. Marie; JonRawlinson; ElvertBarnes; Mr.Thomas; AndreaKW; StephYo]
Geraldine DeRuiter is the founder of The Everywhereist, a travel blog for the accidentally adventurous.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Kevin Jul 14th 2010 9:40AM
I'm "guilty" of several of your points. If I'm going somewhere where I know I'm staying put for a week or more at a time, I'll pack heavier. Why waste time doing laundry if slogging through streets lugging a bag isn't in the agenda? I also love "tourist traps" and have more t-shirts with the name of a location on it than I can wear!
Jackie Grover Jul 20th 2010 4:25PM
You had some great ideas in that article! However, I do save space by skimping on underwear. Instead (especially in Russia and Eastern Europe where they don't often have them) I just bring a rubber sink stopper. Then I can just wring out my undies that evening and I'm good to go the next morning.
Another idea on saving space: bring a folded-up bag along that is made of tough nylon (often called parachute cloth.) It's quite thin when folded yet strong enough to hold lots of items. I'll check my suitcase on the way home and take on my fold-up bag on board now loaded "to the gills" with my new stuff and stow it in the overhead bin.
Andy Jul 14th 2010 12:09PM
This article should be renamed "7 travel rules I want to break without you judging me"
You can do whatever you want, but you've given no reason why *we* should do any of these things. They're "rules" for a reason; because travelers have learned through experience that they lead to happier, fuller experiences.
Some people prefer to pack too much, never expand their horizons, and lay about aimlessly. If that floats your boat, go right ahead.
Everywhereist Jul 14th 2010 12:45PM
Andy, I think you need a hug. C'mere you.
Cindy Jul 14th 2010 2:42PM
While I agree with your alternate title [which could also be "7 Rules Designed by Travel Snobs that Deserve Breaking], I disagree with your claim that the Everywhereist gives no reasons for breaking these travel taboos. She gave several reasons in each section to break each rule; unfettered amounts of liquid, the fun of not stressing over packing just enough to survive but not so much as to be considered an "overpacker," ensuring you see all the fun tourist sites that also happen to be cornerstones of history, etc.
I realize that many people do not consider "travel" and "vacation" the same thing, but for those of us who get only three weeks of both/either a year it is important to make sure each travel experience ALSO feels like a vacation. If that means bringing a 50lb suitcase and enough clothes for a week and not moving from my favorite cabana all week while wearing my "I love Maui" t-shirt, I don't really see why you or anyone else should care that I'm not expanding my horizons. Like most things, how an individual travels is a highly personal subject, and frankly the last thing I need while "on vacation" is to somehow come out of it feeling like I am doing it wrong.
Andy Jul 14th 2010 10:35PM
May I remind you that the title of this article is "7 travel rules *YOU* should break". The author is doing the exact thing you think people shouldn't.
I'll say again, whatever floats your boat.
freakingoriginal Jul 17th 2010 1:52PM
May I remind you that the article name is "7 travel rules you *SHOULD* break". She used 'should' not 'have to' they're strong suggestions the author isn't telling you that you have to do this she is simply giving you 7 travel rules that she thinks are unnecessary, and then a few reasons as to why it may be worthwhile for you, the reader, to break them. Yet she also gives reasons as to why these rules have validity. So therefore she is hopefully not making Cindy feel like she is vacationing wrong but merely recommending things that, in her opinion, may make for a less stressful and more enjoyable travel experience.
verdegrrl Jul 14th 2010 12:54PM
I've mailed clothing to myself at various destinations for trips on the continent. Either general delivery to be picked up at the post office, or a specific hotel with prior clearance. Repacked the box with stuff I was done with and any goodies I'd picked up, back to a friend near home.
Useful for motorcycling/cycling, as well as long road trips.
Raquel Segura Jul 14th 2010 8:57PM
I only check my bag on the return flight home.... by that point I don't care if it arrives a week after I did.
It wasn't much fun being in Rome for 4 days without my suitcase.
kwjayhawk Jul 14th 2010 9:58PM
Try 17 days in Nairobi without your checked bags....
lilliane Jul 15th 2010 8:24AM
I agree on every point if we're going on a holiday. Who want to wash underwear if you only have a weekend or a week traveling.
But I think the rule on one bag wander is for long term travelers who have to lug their bags to multi cities/countries. And as for booking flights back, some nationals cannot get into a country without a ticket out which is a shame. I'm planning for an RTW trip but have to plot all my destinations because I need visas to 90% of the world ahead of time. I also think that trying new things is a must especially if it's culture specific... like eating the balut eggs once in south east asia.
I do talk to strangers, buy magnets of new cities, and go to popular touristic places.
CeeJay Jul 17th 2010 11:10AM
I also buy a magnet and talk to people whenever I visit a new city. Looking at my fridge brings pleasant memories of where I have been. Talking to people has great benefits. I have been directed to some wonderful restaurants and other unique places not always in guide books or shown by tour guides.
That really paid off on a trip to Morocco where the tour guide was only taking us to "certain" places to shop and warned us not to wonder off to the souks on our own. We soon found out why when a young Moroccan gentleman we met took us to the souks where his family and friends had stalls. We got rugs, clothes, etc. one-half the price of what we had seen at the tourist guide's hand-picked stores.
Now the only place I disagree with you is on the clothes washing. We do a lot of beach travel (7-10 days) where we end up with lots of wet bathing suits, beach covers, beach towels, etc. We have found washing everything wet/dirty near the end of the trip saves not having to immediately unpack and wash clothes when we get home. Fortunately, most of the places we stay have laundry facilities on the premises so it makes it pretty easy to do.
Colleen Jul 16th 2010 4:11PM
I love snowglobes. But with all the restrictions for flying, I am afraid to buy them. Because even if I check my bag, wouldn't a snowglobe be considered a banned item? So if I am ever overseas and need a snowglobe, I am sending it home ahead of me.
Sharanne Jul 17th 2010 3:25PM
Colleen, Yes, Snow Globes are banned from travel in carry-on luggage by USA rules. I do not know about elsewhere. Shipping them is a good idea because you really do not want one of them breaking in your checked luggage.
Travelogged.com Jul 16th 2010 11:26PM
My favorite rule to break is "Don't try to see everything if you only have a short amount of time." I always try to see everything -- who knows if you'll be back? And if you are, you can go back to your favorite sights and spend more time at them. Of course, it's impossible to see "everything" anyway, but you'll end up seeing a lot more if you try.
KB Jul 17th 2010 7:47AM
My chiropractor once gave me what may be the best advise ever - bring only what you absolutely need the first day there, and plan to buy everything else as you go along. I can't actually follow that advice because I'm far to anal and have to plan in advance, but I loved his theory - you're going to want to buy stuff, so make it part of the plan. Bring your carry on and only the absolute necessities for if you're stuck in the airport - a single change of clothes, a travel deoderant, and thou. Then, you not only have the freedom to buy that stupid souvenier t-shirt without worrying if it will fit in the checked luggage (which you brought, empty) but you NEED to or you have nothing to sleep or wear to the tourist traps the next day. It's the excuse to buy the stupid little things and say 'well, I needed a toothbrush, so why not buy the one in the shape of the Statue of Liberty?'
I agree with a lot of the author's advice, because putting it in your head allows you to relax and enjoy yourself more. On the other hand, some people (like me) are notorious planners and feel at sea without an agenda to work on. Yes, I want to see these set places. BUT, I've been on tours where keeping to the agenda meant not actually getting to enjoy any of the places we actually went - we didn't have the time to explore that castle or those gardens or really see everything in that museum. More than anything I dream of the day I can go back to Vienna and have more than one day there, of going back to Prague so instead of walking PAST all the sites I can really spend time at some of them and get to experience them.
One last thought on spending time in a place and not worrying about getting to everything - I live in NYC. I've been here 15 years, and there are still some places I haven't been able to get to; there are also some places I've been to several times, and still haven't seen everything. There is just NO WAY that on any trip you will see everything, so why not have a Top Five list of what you absolutely HAVE to see, and from there let yourself free to wander? In NYC I recommend the Statue (natch), Central Park, the Met Museum, Coney Island and Times Square/Broadway should be absolutely on your list. Personally I don't think the Empire State Building is all that exciting but I understand why some people do; I also think Ground Zero is a little morbid as a tourist destination, but I understand that too (I think my view on that is because I lived here during 9/11). After that, wander the Village or go to any of the other fabulous museums - we got a dozen famous ones, and about a hundred small ones that are fantastic and no one hears about them (the Museum of the American Indian is FREE, and takes only a few hours, and is AMAZING, but no one knows about it). Take a long walk down 5th Avenue and window shop, go out to Astoria or Brooklyn. The Statue and Ellis Island should be a full day's plan at least, but there are some amazing river tours that leave from the former Fulton Fish Market that will appeal to both sailors and landlubbers alike.
See what I mean? If you only have a week, how do you choose? Just wander and find out what amazing things hide in the corners!
S Garey Jul 17th 2010 9:17AM
If you're complainig all the time, or if you're afraid of your own shadow, you shouldn't be traveling anyway. Live your life, break the rules and have a good time!
Micki Jul 17th 2010 10:18AM
RULE: Always take a picture with either you or your traveling companion(s) in the picture.
Too many times my husband and I have watched fellow tourists ruin a good photo-op because they felt someone just had to be standing in the view. It's no wonder family and friends grow weary of looking at your vacation photos, "Here's Suzie in front of ____", "Here's Bob next to the ____". It grows old quickly. Besides, who around you wants to hear all of the "Does my hair look okay?", "Did you get me in the shot" banter between the two of you. If you absolutely must be in the photos - for heaven's sakes don't pose like a faraway stick figure. Move closer to the person and only shoot from the waist or shoulders up. The important part of your photo is the location, not the person in the picture (unless its a famous person / celebrity).
We specifically do not take pictures of ourselves while on vacation. If we happen to be at an iconic location (i.e. the Effel Tower, Grand Canyon, Golden Gate Bridge) we will take a picture of ourselves for our own personal use (like a souvenior) - but then another one without ourselves in it for showing off in our travel album.
When you get home, don't feel as if you have to show every single photo you took to your loved ones. Weed out the "not quite as good" shots and only show enough to convey how wonderful your trip was to your friends, family and co-workers. They will not only stay interested in your photos and stories, but maybe jealous of the fun you had on your trip as well.
Everywhereist Jul 21st 2010 2:15PM
That is brilliant advice - without realizing it, I've been doing the same thing! :)
Kelly C Jul 21st 2010 3:15PM
I don't agree 100% with this. The reason why I take a picture with myself/friends/family in it is because I like that it shows that we were there. Otherwise, I might as well just pull a picture of the Eiffel Tower off the internet... there are plenty of those and you can't tell if I'm the one who took it or not.
However, I don't take all my pictures with people in them. I like taking random pictures that you can't just pull off the web: Unique views points, funny signs, local people, etc. Those are mine and mine alone.