Travel Tips
Eight tips on travelling.
One. Walk. Doesn’t matter how long you are in a city for, if there is a free walking tour, DO IT. They are the best ways to see a city, learn about the history, anecdotes of the places and people and, oh did we mention, it’s free!? Of course, you should always give a monetary tip and depending on the length and enjoyment of the tour, you decide how much. What I love is having a tour with a local. Someone who was born in and grew up in the city. When not on a tour and wherever possible WALK. It is the best way to get to know any place. Both the good and bad!
Two. Dress like a local and be treated as one. Don’t look like a tourist. Imagine you were going on a tour of your own home city, what would you wear? What would you pack? Use a bag that doesn’t shout ‘I’M A BLOODY TOURIST COME AND GET ME.’ Marius and I pride ourselves on being stopped and asked for directions wherever we are. If we can blend in, mission accomplished!
Three. Patience. This is the greatest virtue you need when travelling and sightseeing. There will be lines, crowds, annoyingly loud cultures (you know who they are). Your travel buddy will be tired, you will be tired, so just remember to be patient. You won’t see it all, you won’t do it all and that’s okay. Enjoy the moments in real time and stop worrying about what else there is to do.
Four. Snacks. Don’t underestimate the power of a small handful of nuts. These snacks are light, don’t take up much room in you bag, don’t need to be kept cold and when your travel buddy or you are feeling hangry, eat a nut or two.
Five. Shoes. A good pair of shoes can make or break your holiday. It doesn’t matter where in the world you go, you must have a pair of sneakers that can go with every outfit. Marius and I always pack a pair of Converse and Adidas sneakers, (black and or white). They go with most outfits and perfect for most temperatures. In cold climates we would recommend a decent pair of boots. Can’t go past an Australian pair of RM Williams. Worth. Every. Cent. Of course in hotter climates you will need an open shoe to let the feet breathe.
Six. Sunnies. A good pair. A real pair. Something that actually protects and shades the UV light. If you are going to be out all day, you need to have a decent pair of sunglasses. Our favourite, why it’s Ray Ban of course!
Seven. Language and respect. DO NOT ever assume that people know how to speak English. If you are in a non-English speaking country, please please please learn the basics and master the polite form of asking ‘Madam/Sir, do you speak English?’ in the local language. Remember it is not an expectation for them to speak English. As native English speakers we are so blessed that so many places DO speak English, so please respect other cultures and languages by making the effort to learn something. Type it into Google translate and read it out from your phone if you must. They’ll appreciate that you have tried.
Eight. Prioritise. Do and see what you love and are interested in. Why visit a church if you have no interest in architecture, art or religion? Why visit a museum if you find history boring? Don’t spend hours looking for a place to eat when you can easily pack a panini if that’s all you need. Prioritise and do what YOU love, not what the travel guides or bucket lists tell you to do.