6 Rules to Travel Smart
11:26 AM |
| Travel, business and leisure |
Toughest and most enjoyable part of being a photographer or promoter or a manager is the part where you travel. However a step gone wrong can make it all turn into a nightmare. Indeed travelling smart is like a chess game. Once you get the hang of it there is no experience as pleasant as travelling and seeing the world around. I had been travelling for quite a few years and covered different cities. Long queues in airports, waiting around luggage belts, chasing trains and tickets have taught me enough to share a tip or two. Yes, growing old has its benefits. You end up sharing a lot of tales and experiences as you keep travelling. Here it goes.
The Right Bag and baggage
If you have a destination then chances are high that you will have a bag too. The first step to travel smart is nothing but finding the right bag. The bag must not only be spacious but must also suit your purpose. I tend to stay away from flamboyant bags and distracting colours. In most cases it is a great option to blend with the crowd than to stand apart. When you choose a bag, I suggest you to choose on a utilitarian basis. Usually I stick with a single bag policy unless it is extremely necessary to carry a second one. More bags you have, slower and dependent you become. I do a security and safety check on my bags before I load it up.
Ground Report
World is such a small place and it won't be hard enough to find a friend in most cities. Have a casual conversation and make sure that you learn about the climate, political situation and festivals if any. Landing in midst of a riot during a rainy day would be the last thing anyone ever want. Knowing the weather also lets you choose your wardrobe and gadgets. What to wear and how to organize your schedule is extremely important if you are on a business trip. A point of contact in an unknown city is essential if you can afford one. Travelling alone is indeed risky and a wise traveler always seeks to minimize the risks. One of them if the fact that there is nothing that is free in a journey. Everything has its price. So always steer clear of shortcuts and baits. Apart from the point of contact, I carry details of embassies, police and specific landmarks. This benefits on a safety front in case of a crisis or an emergency.
Shoes
Utility and comfort - That's all you need to confirm when you pack the shoes to fit in to your journey. An ideal pair of shoes will never slow you down, lets you travel with ease and offers ample protection for your legs. Make sure you pick the right shoes for the weather and terrain. Most of us are not lucky enough to book a car or rent a car upon arrival. And till you find one, your shoes and wallet are your best friends.
Space Management
What you carry will carry you. Seasoned travelers organize and classify their luggage based on priorities. Those stuff that requires to be taken out often remains on the top and organized. Money will be distributed at various spots so that, the risk from being pick pocketed is minimized. Make sure to get enough padding for any thing that is fragile. Packing smart, saves time and effort. Yes, taxi drivers, guides and a few criminal elements can understand a lot about you just by the way you handle your luggage. At times it would be wise to carry a second bag so as to distribute the weight and it prevents you from buying a second bag in middle of a holiday.
Security & Precautions
Make sure research is done on the culture, security, economy and political situations. Avoid a fight at all times at all costs unless it threatens your existence. Your aim is to travel safe and stick to it. Have contacts and important documents stored in a USB drive. It never hurts to spare a few space for first aid and a few essential gadgets. Map your travel and check twice about your plan of action, stay, food and water. It is a great idea to stick to basic food that your body is accustomed to. A thumb rule is to know the ingredients before you order your meal and to order your meals from recognized restaurants.
Master plan and backup plan
Life can never be planned but it is still a great idea to have a general understanding of what to expect. Plan your journey, anticipate schedules and add buffer time so as to save yourself from unnecessary tangles. Always have a back up plan or two and points of contacts if you need a helping hand. Learn a few phrases from the language used regionally. Use your cell phone wisely. Most people do give out a lot of information to the bystanders while they make calls. Technology surround us, make the best use of google maps. Avoid blindly following travel websites since most of the searchable ones are promoted through SEO and information could be biased.
Finally let me come to the most important part of any journey. No journey is a waste of time. Some may be a success and others may be a disaster. No matter what the outcome is, they teach you something new. Each journey will make you more younger and wiser. Travel is necessary to add new dimensions and perspectives into life. Happy journey!
0 comments