1. Track down your PIN numbers.
Track down the PIN number for your bank or credit card. More and more places require it for payment.
2. Memorize your passport number.
Memorize your passport number if you can; the human brain is very well built to memorize a seven-digit number, which is why people could remember telephone numbers so well (at least back when our phones did not remember them for us). Most passport numbers run to 10 digits, but this can come in handy again and again on your trip, including when checking into your hotel, renting a car or doing any banking - but recall that your passport is jammed way in the back of the overhead bin, your descent has started and the seatbelt signs are on for good.
3. Keep from getting sick
Take some precautions along the way, especially in extremely high-traffic areas like airports, your airplane seat, fast-food restaurants and the like. Simply keeping your hands clean has been proven to make a significant positive difference in everything from kindergarten flu transmission to surgical outcomes.
4. Find your quiet place at the airport.
Use airline club lounges, whether to catch up on work, decompress, or even shower and sleep...
5. Learn about a new place, quickly and intimately.
The best way to get a quick feel of a place and get at least a basic understanding of the people is this: Go to their food markets and their local photography studios.
"What people eat -- how they butcher their meat, their fruit and vegetable options, what they insist should be purchased fresh and what's available frozen -- says a lot about a culture. Nothing is more elemental than what we eat. Everyone MUST do it and fewer and fewer societies are subsistence farmers, so they have to buy their food somewhere. You'll learn something if you cruise through the place where people shop for sustenance.
I love finding the local photographer on a city street. Every culture photographs itself and likes to present itself in its best light. Seeing these images -- and the photographer will always publicly display his best work -- really tells you something about a society.
6. Come bearing gifts.
Having some simple items that you might present to a helpful person, or merely to friendly locals, can really enhance your experience of a place.
If going abroad, take American candies or other food items with you -- sticks of gum, you name it. Don't set the bar too high -- you're not trying to buy folks off; you're just sharing something simple as a friendly gesture.
7. Use free mailing labels in lieu of a personal business card.
I have noticed lately that personal business cards have become much more popular because they simply your life. You don't mix business relationships with social relationships. Or take free mailing labels found in fundraising appeals and give people you meet your address to stay in touch or send you stuff.
8. Be prepared for anything, and adapt.
In many cities multi-day transit passes can be an incredible value. ... In developing countries, take a cab ... to the next city ... or farther if you like.
And remember that some things are better left unsaid. Don’t try to be clever. It may backfire.
The point here is that if you keep your eyes open and your mind sharp, your own hardcore nature will help you find the best travel shortcuts, right on the spot.
9. Pack duct tape.
Finally, take duct tape! It's a miracle fixer on the road. It can solve a lot of problems, including rips.
Track down the PIN number for your bank or credit card. More and more places require it for payment.
2. Memorize your passport number.
Memorize your passport number if you can; the human brain is very well built to memorize a seven-digit number, which is why people could remember telephone numbers so well (at least back when our phones did not remember them for us). Most passport numbers run to 10 digits, but this can come in handy again and again on your trip, including when checking into your hotel, renting a car or doing any banking - but recall that your passport is jammed way in the back of the overhead bin, your descent has started and the seatbelt signs are on for good.
3. Keep from getting sick
Take some precautions along the way, especially in extremely high-traffic areas like airports, your airplane seat, fast-food restaurants and the like. Simply keeping your hands clean has been proven to make a significant positive difference in everything from kindergarten flu transmission to surgical outcomes.
4. Find your quiet place at the airport.
Use airline club lounges, whether to catch up on work, decompress, or even shower and sleep...
5. Learn about a new place, quickly and intimately.
The best way to get a quick feel of a place and get at least a basic understanding of the people is this: Go to their food markets and their local photography studios.
"What people eat -- how they butcher their meat, their fruit and vegetable options, what they insist should be purchased fresh and what's available frozen -- says a lot about a culture. Nothing is more elemental than what we eat. Everyone MUST do it and fewer and fewer societies are subsistence farmers, so they have to buy their food somewhere. You'll learn something if you cruise through the place where people shop for sustenance.
I love finding the local photographer on a city street. Every culture photographs itself and likes to present itself in its best light. Seeing these images -- and the photographer will always publicly display his best work -- really tells you something about a society.
6. Come bearing gifts.
Having some simple items that you might present to a helpful person, or merely to friendly locals, can really enhance your experience of a place.
If going abroad, take American candies or other food items with you -- sticks of gum, you name it. Don't set the bar too high -- you're not trying to buy folks off; you're just sharing something simple as a friendly gesture.
7. Use free mailing labels in lieu of a personal business card.
I have noticed lately that personal business cards have become much more popular because they simply your life. You don't mix business relationships with social relationships. Or take free mailing labels found in fundraising appeals and give people you meet your address to stay in touch or send you stuff.
8. Be prepared for anything, and adapt.
In many cities multi-day transit passes can be an incredible value. ... In developing countries, take a cab ... to the next city ... or farther if you like.
And remember that some things are better left unsaid. Don’t try to be clever. It may backfire.
The point here is that if you keep your eyes open and your mind sharp, your own hardcore nature will help you find the best travel shortcuts, right on the spot.
9. Pack duct tape.
Finally, take duct tape! It's a miracle fixer on the road. It can solve a lot of problems, including rips.
