What Do Good Travellers Do

I’m currently on a trip again because we’re on a school break! And I think this time’s relevant to share some tips on travelling again. Most of us have experienced travelling or simply going out of town, right? But if you didn’t have a smooth journey or you encountered a lot of problems and errands while you’re on your vacay, then you can’t be called a good traveller. In order to be qualified as a good traveller, you must possess, know or follow the following guidelines.

1. Read your destination’s language and etiquette. It’s wise to know the places’ dos and don’ts, not only to avoid offending locals, but also to know what to expect. It’s not right to shake a Cherry Blossom Tree in Japan just like what Daniel Padilla. I think he had the consent of the Japanese that time, but as much as possible, avoid doing such things.

2. Travel light and easy. This means no huffing and puffing. Having a hard time carrying your luggage is a big no. You’ve read the Life Hacks for Travellers I posted last time, right? Then read it and apply it to your journey. In those ways, you can make your bag as small as possible and at the same time, maximize its space.

3. In relation to the tip above, you should know the luggage weight limitation of the airline, or for our case, the ferry. You can rack up a hefty fee if your baggage is overweight. If going over the limit can’t be helped, pack an expandable bag in your carry-on. You can put the extra items in it to tighten your suitcase load.

4. Check the weather of your destination before leaving for the trip. Doing so would clue you in on what to expect and what kind of clothes and other essentials to bring. Moreover, bad weather can struck. You don’t want to be stuck in traffic or stranded in piers and ports, right? You should better be ready.

5. Have a checklist! In this digital age, there’s no need to make a checklist from scratch. Go online and check out travelsense.org/packing. Depending on your company or iterinary, it generates a personalized list that ranges from trip documents to even the type of footwear you should bring. Pretty cool, huh?

6. If you’re having a vacation in a place you haven’t visited, you should prepare a planned route of your journey. Before leaving, search for the best spots to visit in that place and organize them in your itinerary. Know your schedule at all times. But it won’t hurt to keep a printed copy of it, either.

7. Also, you pack a complete outfit, including your undergarments, in your carry-on bag and not just in your luggage. Just in case you spill something in the clothes you are wearing and you need to change into something dry or when your luggage gets delayed or worse, the airline loses your bag, at least you have a single OOTD with you.

8. A true traveller arrives on time at the appointed meeting place, especially when you are in a group. You can’t keep others waiting because this will disrupt the schedule for the entire day. And for sure, they will absolutely be annoyed. It’s better to do that if you’re travelling alone because all you can blame is yourself.

9. Don’t forget to bring printed copies of your electronic tickets or a photocopy of your passport. A flick of your phone on it isn’t enough. It’s always better to have a printed proof. Plus, you wouldn’t whip out your gadget anymore, leaving it safe and secure in your bag. Maybe, I’m saying this because I’m from the Philippines.

10. Bring the hotel’s calling card with wherever you go. This is very helpful, especially when you’re in a foreign country. If you get lost and know a little of the local language, all you need to do is to show the calling card and you’ll surely find your way back. There’s no need for those awkward hand gestures!