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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 3 of 3)
Ole Guy Jul 23rd 2010 4:08PM
Several years ago, while on military duty in the Mid East, I had the opportunity to visit Paris for a few days. Having heard horror stories of the Parisian rudness toward Americans, I was a bit apprehensive to strike any but the most-superficial comversation (having taken French in both high school and college, I felt minimaly competent to at least understand and be understood). The people with whom I communicated seemed quite helpful in answering my questions and concerns. While lunching by the Paris Ballet Theater, following a brief exchange with the waiter, several patrons, noticing my "American-French" accent and demeanor, came to my table and struck up some rather amicable conversation of the "cocktail party chitchat" variety.
I've got to admit, the entire experience was a bit taxing on my linguistic abilities, but we had a few conversations which, many years later, continue to reside in the good times/bon temps reservoir of my memory banks.
Just be prepared to get soaked on the price of a cup of coffee and a croisant.
Leo Jul 23rd 2010 9:14PM
Travel alot, gotta agree with it all!
Samantha Jul 26th 2010 4:41PM
My daughter, who is a lighting director for a well-known rock group and who travels with them 10 mos. of the year, gave me excellent travel advise: "If you can't carry it ALL BY YOURSELF, Mom, don't take it! And send home anything you buy so you don't have to lug it around with you." I had to be in Australia for 3 weeks to see my Dean about my progressing doctoral work, and treked from Tasmania to Cairns with stops in between. My sister, who came with me, took the same good advise. We had one easily manageable bag to check, and one to carry onboard, and never ran out of stuff. In fact, we each sent our "warm" clothes home after leaving Cradle Mountain in Tassie. We sent another box home from Sydney. As we were stopping for a couple of days in Papetee (mistake...oh, BIG mistake...never make THAT one again...) we kept some 'cool" clothing instead of shipping it home, and a 'warm" outfit into which we changed before arriving in JFK in late January. And aside from my spending the requisite 3 days in conference with my Dean, we had NO daily itinerary...and had a wonderful time with a great sense of freedom. Can't wait to go back next year (minus Papetee).
Jacquie Whitt Jul 25th 2010 1:25PM
I add one more to my list. I sleep outside whenever I can. My most memorable "sleepout" was on one of the Galapagos Islands. With only 100 people living on the island, safety was not a concern, so I grabbed the mattress off my bed and dragged it outside onto the beautiful deck and kind of slept, kind of didn't, all night while listening to the crash of waves on the lava rock-laden beach.
Of all the amazing things I did and saw on that trip, the "sleep-out" was the best!
karen stoops Jul 31st 2010 5:48PM
all i do when i travel is book a ticket book one nights accomodation in the country i land in then get out and do what i want and then move on to the next country no timetable come and go as i please
Geisha_Girl Jul 28th 2010 12:28PM
I disagree with most points in this article. What on earth is the point of overpacking? No one knows you in Cambodia, and they surely don't care if you're wearing yesterday's shirt. Don't talk to people? That's how you get to know a country. Don't try new things? Are you kidding? You might as well order takeout from your local Chinese joint and tell all your friends you went to Peking last night!
If I'm going to travel, I'm going to immerse myself in the culture and learn as much as I can about it, even if it means sampling insects as a snack or tromping through a jungle to reach a temple ruin. The title for this article should have been "How To Get the Absolute LEAST Out of Your Vacation Dollar".
JAG Sep 9th 2010 7:50PM
Don't check your bags. Go with this rule, but then again I hold grudges as it only takes one lost or late bag for me. I do admit that I start thinking about checking my bag again after waiting on the tarmac for the valet checked bags. But, I found this awesome travel tote (called gojoe) that will hold a drink and personal effect and fits on the handle. This makes lugging around that bag worth it actually. So I go back to: don't check your bag! BTW: check it out www.gojoestore.com.