- Pack smart and only take what you need. Then unpack 20% of that.
- Expect things to go wrong because they will. Delayed flights, cancelled flights, bad weather and more are all part of traveling. Things are going to go wrong just pack a good book, fire up the computer or have a chat with others at a bar and it will eventually get better.
- No matter what, do not follow the pretty girl downstairs to the club in Piccadilly Square London. Just trust me.
- There is no real need to pack loads of cash, ATM’s are everywhere.
- Let your bank know what countries you will be traveling in or they might think your card is being used illegally and cut off the funds.
- A group of little kids crowding around you are not always just curious. Sometimes they are skilled pickpockets.
- German police don’t have much sense of humor.
- An extra large t-shirt in the Philippines is only extra large if you are a teenage girl.
- In Thailand when they tell you your meal is a little spicy, they lie.
- Don’t be so aloof. Talk to everyone, the waiter, the hotel clerk, shop keepers and even strangers. You meet some really good people and they can give you insight into the area others will never discover.
- Tequila tastes better when you’re in Mexico.
- Beer tastes better in Munich and Prague.
- Bugs, insects and other local delicacies taste like you think they will no matter where you are.
- People for the most part are pretty decent but there are a few jerks out there.
- Relaxing at an outdoor café drinking a cold beer is a good way to pass the time and do some people watching.
- Foregoing the “must see” attractions and exploring the area on your own can be rewarding.
- Whether in Mexico, Bangkok or the train station in Frankfurt, street food is pretty tasty.
- Japanese Police don’t have much sense of humor either.
- The pretty Russian female tourist at the bar in Dubai is not a tourist.
- Just when I think I have things figured out something new happens and catches me by surprise.
These are some of the lessons I have learned while traveling.
Leave a comment and tell me some of the lessons you learned while traveling.
traveling
(Visited 994 times, 1 visits today)
Some great points here for the newbie traveller mate, made me chuckle 🙂
We all learn things through our travels, though sometimes I am a little slow. You notice there are 2 entries regarding the police.
This is pretty funny; thanks for the smile today. Peace.
Thanks for visiting. Glad you enjoyed it.
Nice, but believe me, the best place on the world to have a beer is Belgium.
That’s what I love about beer drinkers. Put 100 in a room and you get 100 favorites. As for me My favorite place to have a beer is wherever I am. Thanks for visiting.
A cold beer and people watching is a great way so spend some free time and you never know who will come up and talk to you!. Always be ready to smile and give a pleasant response as you have indicated in NO. 10 on your list. This goes a long way to making helpful friends in a strange country. You have listed some really good points and good reading. Thanks for sharing.
Hey thanks for stopping by
Most useful (or at least funny) “things I’ve learned” post ever.
Glad you enjoyed, and yes they are all true and happened to me.
Whats with the one about the Russian tourist in dubai?! Curious about that story!
A friend and I were having drinks at a place that was full of tourists or people waiting to catch a flight near the airport and this pretty lady kept smiling at him. I told him she was, shall we say, “working”. He replied I was a fool and was convinced she was genuinely interested in him. He went to talk to her and they left. About 30 minutes later he returned, sat down and neither of us said a word. A few minutes passed, he looked at me and said “You were right, as soon as we left she said she wanted $200, I just thought we were going to spend the day and have fun”. I bought him a drink so he wouldn’t feel so bad.
I was a late comer to it but I love number 15!
A lesson I leant is that people are brilliant – locals, fellow backpackers, whoever. Talk to them. Talk to everyone.
I agree talking to everyone, whether it be a waiter, taxi driver or whoever can be enlightening. You never know who will meet or what stories they have to tell.
Love this!! I totally agree with #9 and #17, just coming back from Thailand and I’m not much for spicy. Another ‘rule’ I live by is simple….a smile goes a long way, no matter where you are in the world.
So true Laurie. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Austrian passport control officers in Vienna have absolutely no sense of humor.
If you are an Asian female, make SURE your paperwork / visa is in order when you try to enter Vienna or that long flight you just took will be the least of your problems.
Do not trust the visa requirements that a shengan country gives you about not needing a visa when only in transit especially if you transit Vienna. Just go get the visa.
Good points
I’d like to know the story behind number 19… there’s got to be quite a story with that one 🙂
Good little lessons man. What street food is there in Frankfurt train station? Coz I don’t call Ditsch or Asia Wok street food.
Last time I was there I remember having a beer and a brat at this little bratwurst stand inside the station. When I am in Germany I seem to have a radar that points me to the nearest bratwurst stand.
Ha ha ha love it! I would agree with most of it. I would love to read about the girl at Picadilly in London 😉
Might have to write about that one day.
I love your post! because some of it I can feel also.
I am glad I am not the only one these things happened to. 🙂
I love number 10. I am aloof toward others. I think you are right. I should get out of my shell and meet other people.
It’s the best way to connect with a place.
Some humorous and a few helpful points as well Bob. Isn’t traveling fun? It so much easier when you always expect the unexpected!
Agree Robert
great points!!! specially the point #6.. I have gone through all this and know how it feels..