Rule #1 (Chris’ rule): Pack light
1kg doesn’t feel heavy now, but hold for an hour. Only take the bare essentials. Do you really need all those guide books? Remember you can ask locals (see rule #2). Think whether you REALLY need it, no like essential..really.
3x underwear (1 to wear, 1 to wash, 1 in your bag)
2x shorts (warm climate, otherwise do you only need 1?)
1x trousers (if any. but x2 in a warm climate) Not yeans! they are too heavy & take looooonnnnggg to dry.
3x T-shirts or equivalent
This is actually my dad’s rule for clothes. So we can call it Chris’ rule.
Rule #2: Learn the local language
Not being able to ask for directions is disastrous! Not being able to chat about what you’re doing in the country, what you do back home, whether you are married (jip a girl asked me :) ) or that it is your round, is problematic. As I am a nice guy & very friendly, I have a way of charming people to get my way (some local advice, a bed to crash on, quickly slip into an exhibit without paying, etc.). Can be VERY handy!
Rule #3: Get there early
When going to a new town/city, make sure you get there early! Preferably just after lunch. I could get away with this in Germany for two reasons: I could communicate & there were many affordable hostels. Not the case where I am now. I am on my way back to Petropolis for this precise reason! Don’t be a victim
Rule #4: Keep your tank full
When you get hungry, you stop thinking…only after you get tired. The worst feeling in the world, especially when you are in a strange place (and in my case, are along). I’ve heard people mention this about vehicles travelling through places where fuel is scares. Even more true for the human body. If you’re hungry, you can’t enjoy anything. Eat regularly and keep some form of a snack handy!
Rule #5: Remember, you are on holiday
Many times you get caught up in the planning for your next destination, this could be as simple as finding the street that a restaurant is in, and then forget that the reason you are here is to relax and enjoy.
Rule #6: Fatigue is the enemy
When you are tired your awareness of what is going on around you, is diminished. This is the time when things start going awfully wrong. You get lost, pay too much for something you didn’t really need and you get robbed! No matter how good the party is, make sure you rest enough.
