Travel Advice
The first thing to learn when you arrive anywhere in the world: how to say “Thank You.”
Smile . . . often . . . it’s the universal language.
Be kind.
Tip generously; you have more than most people in the world can even dream of.
Pay attention to kids - they are endlessly curious and have the added advantage of being not yet civilized.
If you’re able, try to squat as much as you can. Much of the routine business of the world is done at that level, and most of the world’s furniture is minimal and uncomfortable. It will come in handy.
Watch birds. We take them for granted but they are beautiful and interesting creatures and break the silence with music.
Don’t fuss too much about bugs. They’re everywhere and the ones you fret about are just the ones you can see!
Ask for help. People love to connect with strangers in a way that makes them feel generous.
Pack light and don’t carry a lot when you’re out on the streets.
Wear comfortable shoes . . . always. Don’t, and it will ruin your trip.
Dress in layers . . . especially after menopause. Be modest (mostly) in public.
Try to be polite when taking photographs. Ask permission when you can. Don’t raise your selfie stick up into the middle of someone else’s view.
Bring gifts. Give some thought to little items that will bring a smile to someone’s face and carry them with you.
Always have water available. Bring it everywhere.
Carry a little ginger for motion sickness; remember, you’re on the move.
Bring pictures of your family and your home and your holidays to help connect with others if they ask, or to shuffle through when you’re homesick.
Have access to music: Bring it. Find it. Make it.
Always carry a book; traveling means waiting time.
Don’t encourage begging. If you see something that makes you angry or sad, find an organization dedicated to solving the problem. Build a school; dig a well….
Get change. Keep change. Always have a little bit if you can.
Give yourself a break. You’ll make mistakes, get lost, probably make a fool of yourself. It goes with the territory. Laugh a lot. Start with yourself, then your situation, and move on from there. If you must always be right, and always be cool, then stay home.
“Traveling is a brutality. It forces you to trust strangers and to lose sight of all the familiar comfort of home and friends. You are constantly off balance. Nothing is yours except the essential things - air, sleep, dreams, the sea, the sky - all things tending towards the eternal or what we imagine of it.”