🗺️ 5 Travel Rules I Always Regret Breaking
Don’t make my mistakes.
Hey friends, today’s newsletter is written hoping I (and you) will learn from my mistakes. Down below you’ll find the five travel rules I try to abide by when planning trips and when I don’t’… I’m bummed, lol. Enjoy!
After nearly a decade of consistent travel as an adult, I finally have developed my own personal rulebook. It’s been shaped by a year of working remotely while traveling to a new country each month, traveling for work, and rarely living in the same state as family. I often find myself on a plane at least once a month and have recently become a travel advisor with FORA to help friends and family plan memorable trips.
As I’m back in the travel saddle for this little personal sabbatical, I’m reminded of these rules, especially when I break them on accident. So hopefully putting them in writing cements them in my mind and helps you in the process.
Rule #1: 3 Night Minimum
Personally, I’m a fan of slower travel. Becoming a regular at a local coffee shop is my version of a great trip. With that said, I believe you need three nights somewhere in order to make that even partially a reality. I’d always prefer to be somewhere for a month than a week, even if it means I’ll be working.
Whether I’m home visiting family, at a wedding, or doing a solo trip, I try to give myself three nights in a place in order to warrant unpacking and the space to settle into a mini routine. Whenever I break this rule, I often don’t unpack or meditate, two things that ground me when I’m on the go and feel more supportive of a great trip.
Rule #2: Get Out Early
Understanding my surroundings helps me feel empowered and more curious about wherever I am. For me, it’s key to get out about early in my trip and early in the morning.
Heading out for an early morning walk usually ensures that there will be less traffic and/or crowds and to me, it’s always beautiful to see a city as it’s waking up. (Spoiler: It’s one of the things that makes me feel like me.)
Whenever I break this rule, I feel like I’ve wasted time and am almost always likely to find my favorite spot on the last day, which feels like a sucker punch at the end of a trip.
Rule #3: Book the Better Seat
In the last 10 years I’ve gone from booking the cheapest flight to being a bit more picky about my time in the sky. I’ve come to realize that flight times and leg room make my overall trip experience feel better and more relaxing, seeing as your trip really starts once you leave the house!
Spending the extra ~$50 (or whatever it is) to prebook my seat or get extra legroom is always a saving grace once I board and I’ve honestly never regretted it. I have often regretted not booking an aisle seat or extra leg room, especially if the flight is 4+ hours.
Rule #4: The Extra Travel Time is Always Worth It
In my book, the more remote, the better. Taking an extra car, ferry, or flight always results in an experience that is quieter, less crowded, and (hopefully) a bit more authentic. Getting away from the airport is often the best idea.
Places that are worth the extra time vs. a closer alternative, in my opinion:
Isla Holbox, Mexico vs. Cancun or Tulum
Koh Yao Yai/Noi, Thailand vs. Phuket
Key West, FL vs. Key Largo
Blancaneaux, Belize vs. San Pedro
I’m writing this as I’m kicking myself for staying a few nights in Kuta, Bali instead of Uluwatu (a ~1 hour drive) because I was afraid of Bali traffic. 🙃
Rule #5: Set An Intention For Your Trip
This is a new one for me and I have to say, it’s made such a huge difference. On my trip to Greece last year, I wrote myself a little note before the trip and when I came back I was like — “Yeah, my trip was amazing!”
I’ve expanded this to be full-on letters to self before takeoff and I find that it helps guide my experience a bit more than just winging it and hoping for the best. I’ve also been starting most days on my current Asia trip with a mini visualization of how I want the day to go. When I do it, my days have a sense of ease and are quite fulfilling. Some call it manifestation, I say call it whatever you want.
Now these are my rules, obviously not yours, nor everyone’s. I’d be curious — which ones do you use? Which ones do you want to steal? Any you’d dispute me on? Drop a comment, let me know. I’m always game to break the rules. 😝
Omg the 3 day rule I completely live by now. I packed a million places into my 1 month summer Europe trip in 2022 where I was somewhere on average for 2 days. I had the “we’re finally out of covid and can travel again” bug and couldn’t help myself but oh man that was a big stressful and expensive mistake SIGH
Totally agree on the minimum nights! And alsooooo on upgrades. Over here now with CLEAR, global entry pre tsa, and airline credit cards and and venture X capital one. My 20s I booked cheapest imaginable everything. 30s — it ain’t worth the 11 hour layover with a massive bag (and I’ll probs just end up spending $50 on airport shenanigans) 😅