Taking an Extended Trip: What I Did Right
Posted on 26. Jun, 2011 by Steph in Advice, On the Road
I’ve been home for a couple of weeks now and I’ve had some time to reflect on this big giant trip that just happened. I have a feeling I won’t be able to fully wrap my head around it until I get a little more distance from it.
Now everywhere I go, excited old friends are asking where I went, what I saw, what my favorite place was. I won’t bore you with all that (plus, favorite place? Out of like a bajillion?). Instead I thought I’d help out everyone else who is considering a big trip by telling you the best (and later, the worst) decisions I made to make this trip a success.
I left my plans flexible
Just a couple of minutes ago I found the itinerary I mapped out for myself around this time last year. Apparently I’m supposed to be somewhere in Romania or Bulgaria right now. Oops.
My itinerary started changing before I even left the country, so I had to learn to roll with the punches and re-adjust my plans fast. If I’d bought a round-the-world ticket or committed myself more I would have had a lot of headaches to deal with. I’m really satisfied with where I ended up (and where I’m still going), even though I do want to make it to Romania someday.
I packed clothes I’d actually wear (yes, I mean jeans)
I’ve made this mistake in the past: bringing clothes that sounded good in theory, but in person just weren’t me. They end up shoved at the bottom of your pack, wasting space until one day you give up and shove them in a donation box somewhere.
When I posted about the hell that is deciding what to pack I got a ton of unsolicited advice from YOU GUYS. Including a lot of people telling me I was going to regret packing that pair of jeans. Those jeans ended up coming in really handy during the strangely damp and chilly Australian summer, in wintery Hanoi, and just any time I needed to look marginally dressed up.
I’m not saying everyone should pack some jeans, just that you should think about your own style and what you’re really going to wear.
I talked to lots of people
One of the BEST parts of backpacking is all of the interesting people you get to meet- as long as you are open to it. In addition to lots of cool travelers I made a special effort to talk to locals all around me and to get to know their stories. From architects/guest-house owners to beach based pedicurists to clumsy con-artists I met some fascinating people- and ended up with some good stories!
I tried to keep an open mind
A lot of people don’t like Vietnam. Before I went I heard that it would be crowded, frenetic and unfriendly. Well I freaking loved my time there- in fact it was probably my favorite country of the entire trip. It was so vibrant, the people were so interesting and the food, oh my god the food. Even just typing about it now I’m getting nostalgic for the place.
Will YOU like Vietnam? I don’t know, you’ll have to go find out for yourself.
I gave myself plenty of downtime
In the past I have found myself rushing around on trips, attempting to see everything. After one really stressful weekend in Tokyo I quickly realized I was not going to be able to sustain that kind of pace for very long. For the rest of my trip I tried to move at a more leisurely place, taking time off to relax and to get work done. When I found a city or beach I particularly liked I stayed that extra couple day to really enjoy it. Maybe I didn’t see as much but I also didn’t die- so good job me.
I didn’t play in the jump rope of fire
Or do any number of other things that were just too dumb to justify. Which isn’t to say I didn’t take risks; I just thought before I jumped. That spinning fire trap looked tempting, but travel is more fun without third degree burns.
I Didn’t Wait for Anyone
Okay maybe I didn’t end up traveling alone SO much, but I was willing to do it by myself. If I had waited for someone to come along with me… I might have waited forever. Instead I took the reins and decided I was going no matter what. I went ahead and made my plans and sure the universe laughed at them, but you never know if you never try.
I Brought My Laptop
Even if you aren’t running a business where you need to be connected everywhere, a $300 netbook is a handy little investment. Most of the guesthouses in Asia did not offer computers for guests but did have free wifi, so I could catch up with friends and family in comfort instead of running around trying to find an internet cafe full of boxy old machines. Being able to watch movies was also a godsend during those long rainy campervan nights in Oz.
I Actually Went!
I’ve long believed that the hardest part of taking an extended trip is actually making the decision to DO IT. People struggle long and hard with this, but the honest truth is I’ve never met anyone who has regretted their decision to get out into the world. Even on the worst night buses and most horrible food poisoned days I still had faith in what I was doing and I really can’t wait to keep doing it!
All in all, the biggest thing I did that made this trip a success was to listen to myself, and not all the swirling voices around me. Rich advice I know, coming from a travel blogger. You can read all the tips and opinions in the world, and take it all into account, but in the end you have to trust yourself to know what’s right for you.
Funnily enough, Kate over at Adventurous Kate just published a similar post on The Things I Did Right in South East Asia. Be sure to check it out for more tips!
What are some of the best travel decisions you’ve made?
Tuesday: What I did WRONG
47 Responses to “Taking an Extended Trip: What I Did Right”
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- - June 27, 2011
[...] http://twenty-somethingtravel.com/2011/06/extended-trip/ archive: Twenty Something Travel, rtw & extended travel ← 5 Surprising Sides To York Minster – York’s gothic style cathedral Official Launch Date: July 1, 2011 How do I get an article listed on TravelBark? "Interesting + Significant = Link Worthy" 1. Write great content that will be useful to travelers. 2. Send me the URL through Twitter. Follow @DavidRobertHogg 3. Repeat. There's no limit to how many quality links we'll add for any one site. Once a page is added it's accessible forever in our searchable archives. Destinations [...]
- - June 27, 2011
[...] Note: By sheer coincidence, yesterday, my friend Stephanie at Twenty-Something Travel posted her own list of things she did right on her trip! Check out her post here. [...]
- - June 28, 2011
[...] WP Greet Box WordPress PluginI recently wrote a series of posts on Twenty-Something Travel about the things I did right and wrong on my latest Australasia trip. I didn’t even realize until I was writing, but one [...]
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Adam @ SitDownDisco
26. Jun, 2011
I’ve become quite good at striking up conversations with random people over the past number of years. Some people I click with and others I don’t. It’s with the ones I click with that I often try and hang out with to make the travel experience more fun!
Steph
26. Jun, 2011
I totally agree. I figure it’s good practice to try to chat with everyone.
Steph
26. Jun, 2011
I totally agree. I figure it’s good practice to try to chat with everyone.
Liam
27. Jun, 2011
I could compete for the title of shyest human being ever, but since travelling I’ve chatted to so many strangers and it makes the trip so worthwhile. I think it’s easier to talk to strangers when travelling.
Steph
28. Jun, 2011
Travel had made me a lot more outgoing as well…for some reason it IS easier when you’re away.
Erik
26. Jun, 2011
Great reflection like this are such a benefit to soon to be travelers. I can’t wait to read Tuesday’s article.
Kelsey
26. Jun, 2011
Great post! I love these, as they are really the most useful for potential travelers.
Megan
26. Jun, 2011
Great idea for a post – these all sound very sensible and definitely things I’ve done too – apart from talking to people, looking back I wished I’d talked to more than I did. Looking forward to hearing about what you did wrong
I didn’t take jeans on my RTW – big mistake. Ended up buying some two months before the end and basically lived in them. Learned my lesson for my trip to Latin America – sitting here in Antigua wearing my jeans, typing on my laptop
Steph
26. Jun, 2011
I’m so glad I brought mine as it would have been hell trying to find jeans that fit in Asia!
Emily
26. Jun, 2011
I loved reading this–sounds like you learned so much. Downtime when traveling really is important–I’ve gotten burned out from just over two weeks of non-stop traveling (4 countries) and it is SO exhausting…I need to learn to accept that countries aren’t going anywhere and that I don’t have to cram in everything possible at one time. That’s great that you realized that and learned to go more slowly to savor the experience. My husband and I are going on a delayed honeymoon in a month–we are going to Seattle and Vancouver for the first time over a period of a week + 2 days, and plan to take it nice and slow. I’m excited about that
Steph
26. Jun, 2011
Oooh lucky you- 2 weeks in a really beautiful region!
Abbie
26. Jun, 2011
I usually pack in a pair of jeans, too, so I’m with you – don’t worry about the anti-jean naysayers!
Camels & Chocolate
26. Jun, 2011
I HATE jeans, and I wound up packing two pairs for our six-week road trip and wearing them EVERY DAY thanks to our terrible weather. Things I’m glad I packed for my trip: my puffy coat, my galoshes!
Steph
26. Jun, 2011
Seriously, I wore my jacket so much in Australia- you can never know what kind of weather you’ll end up with.
twoOregonians
26. Jun, 2011
Seems the jeans consensus here is right-on!
Out of curiosity, did you take the kind with or without the extra spandex/whatever to give them the stretchiness? I live in jeans at home…but I’m trying to decide which one pair will serve me best on the road.
Good for you – giving yourself plans enough to get the show on the road, but flexibility enough to listen to yourself and change your mind as needed along the way.
Steph
26. Jun, 2011
I just took my trusty old Gap jeans w/o stretchiness, But I am a BIG fan of the stretchy kind! I think whatever is most comfortable for you.
Claire
26. Jun, 2011
No-one’s ever going to talk me out of taking jeans with me. I usually take cheapo H&M or Gap jeans, but they always come! In fact I wore out my pair from wearing them so much, had to go buy some new ones!
Steph
28. Jun, 2011
I love Gap jeans- they are surprisingly sturdy! I’ve been wearing a pair for the past 9 months and they are still going strong.
Kieron
26. Jun, 2011
All very helpful advice for someone about to embark on long-term travel for the first time (like we are).
We’ve already made a pact to become “yes” people and keep an open mind to new things. We’re keeping our plans as flexible as possible (although we’re finding that difficult at first!) and jeans/laptop were always a non-negotiable on our packing list.
Looking forward to Tuesday’s post!
Steph
28. Jun, 2011
That’s excellent- so much of your experience depends on your attitude.
Amanda
27. Jun, 2011
Some very wise advice, disguised as a personal (and witty) post. Love it!
It’s good to learn about the things you thought you did right. Can’t wait to read about the things you thought you did wrong!
That’s one of the best things about travel – you can do it forever, yet still learn things from it.
And as for some of my best travel decisions? Well, recently, I’d say making the snap decision to go to NZ for 2 weeks in May! I had less than a month to plan for it, but it was probably one of my favorite adventures to date. Definitely a great decision, despite the fact that I’m super poor now…
Steph
28. Jun, 2011
Snap travel decisions are a good idea 99% of the time I think.
Alex
27. Jun, 2011
Great post! I’ve been eye rolled for bringing my laptop, enormous camera, and dive gear when I’m meant to be “backpacking” but they are not only my passions but my means of employment!
Steph
28. Jun, 2011
Hey man, you gotta travel how you want!
Adventurous Kate
27. Jun, 2011
It’s so funny how alike our lists are! I can’t wait tomorrow to see if those line up, too!
One thing you mentioned but I didn’t was the clothing — I totally agree. I actually packed clothes that flattered me (and all in black, hot pink, purple and bright blue) so that I’d look good in pictures. Definitely the right decision. I’ll be doing a post on that later.
And YES about the laptop! Most of my friends I met hadn’t brought theirs. My friend Darren actually bought a netbook in Chiang Mai. They are so helpful and nobody ever regrets bringing them!
Akila
27. Jun, 2011
Love that last tip! That’s the key – you have to actually GO!
Toni
27. Jun, 2011
Great little list you’ve got going on here Steph – so true! And I think ‘screw it’, if you want to take jeans, take them. At the end of the day you want to be able to look back at your photos and think ‘damn I look hot’ =)
The best thing I ever did was get on the plane when everything and everyone in life told me I shouldn’t…I’m about to get on another plane and head to Africa =D
Steph
28. Jun, 2011
Totally- you gotta do what makes you comfortable!
And good luck in Africa!
Kelly @LifeOptimist
27. Jun, 2011
If you don’t *have* to be anywhere, taking it slow is the best advice. I agree!
I had a great time in Morocco because I had a chance to spend more time in Essaouira instead of Marrakesh like I had originally planned. Way less stressful since life rarely goes as planned anyway!
Steph
28. Jun, 2011
The more I travel the less I want to plan… I think most people are that way.
Holly
27. Jun, 2011
While I traveled the world as a flight attendant in my 20′s and have gone on trips by myself, I’ve yet to do 6 mo’s in Asia or Africa OR the year around the world.
Now everyone tells me “save for retirement” – I’m in my 50′s.
But you know what? I’m going to figure out a way to do both.
See you all on the road! Cheers!
Steph
28. Jun, 2011
Good for you- life is too short!
Dave and Deb
28. Jun, 2011
Congratulations on a successful trip. What an amazing life changing moment in your life and you have gone on to inspire others to go for it! I love what you say at the end, You actually went. SO many people dream about it or say they are going to go, but fear keeps holding them back. Hearing that you went through with it and loved the experience is inspiring for others to see.
Steph
28. Jun, 2011
Thank you so much for the kind words! I really do believe that making the decision is the hardest step. After that it all just flows.
Alouise
28. Jun, 2011
Love this post, especially the last point. For all the good and bad you learn while travel, you actually have to travel to learn it.
Maggie
28. Jun, 2011
I think downtime is so important when traveling long term! I’m glad you took some time to relax on your trip. I’m starting to wonder if making sure one sees all the sights keeps one from actually seeing the country. Not that people should not see tourist attractions…I just think sometimes people can get caught up in seeing monuments and can miss the real life blood of a place. It seems that it’s often on the journey to the tourist attraction that the most learning is done, just by observing/talking to people or eating at local restaurants.
Leslie Forman
29. Jun, 2011
Yes! And I’m so happy our paths crossed in Beijing and I could bring you to the embassy Halloween party. Best holiday of the year. I agree with your tips here. Through talking to people (a monk in Laos, a girl in a dark hotel room in Vietnam who happened to go to my high school) I learned so much and it really added to my travel experience. I hope we can meet up again in South America. I’m headed to Chile to work on a big solar project.
cheers from san francisco!
leslie
Joya
30. Jun, 2011
I completely agree that not waiting for others to travel with you is a good thing. I traveled solo for the first time last month to Sweden and Denmark and I loved it. I was planning to go with someone but it just didn’t work out but I bought my ticket anyway because I knew I would never go if I waited for someone. Good for you!
Steph
12. Jul, 2011
Good for you as well- sometimes it’s the only way to get things done!
Eurotrip Tips
30. Jun, 2011
What I conclude from this post is that you mostly listened to your instincts – and I think that’s the most important part of travel. As long as you feel right with your decisions, it’s all that matters, like you said in another post.
And yes, jeans and laptop are essentials
Steph
12. Jul, 2011
Definitely. Listening to your instincts is a skill that can take some time to pick up.
Lorna - the roamantics
04. Jul, 2011
such an awesome post Stephanie! So many “yes!” moments, but think the very last is my biggest now…following my own intuition & taking my trip, not anyone elses. So amazing that you’ve already accomplished this. Fuck yeah!
Steph
12. Jul, 2011
fuck yeah!
erin
21. Oct, 2011
Loved Vietnam – even better with jeans!