Not all those who wander are lost. - J. R. R. Tolkien
There is a difference between a traveler and a tourist. Traveler is someone who wants to immerse with a new found place using all his senses. That is, to see, to hear, to smell, to taste, and to feel everything in such place. On the other hand, a person becomes a tourist when his main purpose to wander is to break monotony in his life, or just to have a bonding moment, either with his friends or his family.
Being a tourist is a lot easier than to become a traveler. So as a self-proclaimed traveler, I just want to share tips, which I, myself, use and practice when I am out there, wandering around.
DISCLAIMER:
The following are just blogger's own practices and guidelines that she uses when traveling. Some of them may be applicable to some, and maybe, some of them will be put into contradiction. But one thing is for certainty. All of them have been personally experienced by the blogger, and that in her judgement, the following are the most sane things to do.
(Isla Reta, Talicud Island)
A. No road is long with good company.
Only ONE good company. In traveling, I do not agree in the saying "The More The Merrier". The more you are in a group, the more time can be wasted in decision-making(where to go, or where not to go). Chances are, majority of the group will not make their research on the targeted destination. They will just become like an imbecile congressman who will just vote without knowing anything when two opposing suggestions arise. And sometimes, not all who suggest knows what he is suggesting. Like for example, while on a boat, island-hopping, your group find an island not too appealing. But you, as a traveler who have done all the research, know that the beauty lies underwater. But since, at first sight, it looks so ordinary, someone too brave suggested to skip the island, majority just seconded the suggestion. Experience missed.
When traveling, ideally, I want to go by two's. Find a travel buddy who is:
1. Brave - so he will not be afraid to try things.
2. Not a kill joy. (I do not need to explain further)
3. A risk taker. - not afraid to lose anything and he is willing to take chances.
4. Food lover. - To travel is to taste.
5. Who can be with you through thick and thin. - you don't want to be with
someone who will leave you in times of need.
6. A good swimmer.- Majority of wonderful places lie underwater.
7. Physically fit. - Traveling needs lot of vigor. Plus, time is the essence. You
don't want to waste time in waiting for your buddy to
recharge every five minutes.
8. Financially stable. - If you are that rich, you may ignore this. But since, you
are a budget traveler, you do not want to pay for all the
expenses every time you will go out and travel.
9. With sense of humor - Having a good laugh on a beautiful place, that is
heavenly.
10. Compatibility - the travel must be a wonderful experience for both of you. Make sure that the things you enjoy are also the things he enjoys.
(My official travel buddy ^_^ )
B. Have a travel fund.
As per economists, there is no free lunch. Being a BUDGET traveler also needs money. It's just that budget means to efficiently use all your resources. There are two things to learn here:
1. Save and be funded.
Google is you friend. Read other traveler's blog on how they fund their travels. And even better, know their secrets on how they get a free plane fares/accommodations, etc. Invest. Keep your day jobs and perform well to earn well. Coffee and doughnuts just add to your weight. Divisioria offers more fashionable clothes and shoes to wear than those expensive pieces in the malls. Avoid malls during sale. Know your priorities. Live with them. You only need a camera, memory cards, and a laptop to be a traveler. Maybe a smart phone for e-maps and external hard drives for back up may be necessary. Do not invest in electronic gadgets. All others stuffs will become like typewriters and floppy disks.
2. Use your resources efficiently.
Budgeting is important. Research. Read forums to know where is the cheapest restaurant, inns, places, techniques, routes (of course, read also the their comments, their own experiences and choose the best which can suit your preference). In choosing a place to eat, I'd rather go for a cheap, local restaurant. In choosing a place to stay overnight, cheap, clean and safe inn/hostel will do. Remember, you are there to travel, not to enjoy the ambiance of an expensive hotel. Just be sure the bed is cozy enough to have a good sleep. I am a fan of promo fares. They are safe. Although you will wait too long for the travel period, but hey, who cares? At least you have enough time to save. What I do, I save and wait for promo fares (Cebu Pacific, airphil, Air Asia, Zest Air) and buy as many plane fares as I can afford. Then save again so I may be ready for the travel.
C. Be safe, feel safe.
We know that when we travel, it is ourselves we are giving pleasure to. But don't be too selfish. Traveling requires risks. So while we're out, why don't we give our family and loved ones a peace of mind. Be insured. There are many insurance policies to choose from. I suggest those which have investment side. Try to inquire from RESPECTED insurance companies. I personally prefer Manulife since they have been there for a century and have already endured many economic downfall.
Most importantly, be spiritually ensured. Pray and maintain a good relationship with God. Through this, you will never feel any danger when wandering and you will feel His presence all through out your trip.
D. Time management is the key.
Every war needs a strategy. And like in a war, you will not know if the strategy works not until you get in there. That is the challenge and wonder of traveling. You need a well-researched itinerary so, at least, you have something to hold on, like where and how to start your travel. If you have day jobs, save your leaves, and use them wisely.
E. When traveling, use you five senses.
God has given us those five senses to use. Do not be afraid to try, to wander, and most especially, to get lost. Besides, in traveling, you will never ever get lost. Maybe, you will be gone to places you have never planned to go. But then, only when you open your five senses, you will learn that, such same place is worth traveling to. And the most important tip I can give is to allow yourself to get lost. For being lost is still the best technique to TRAVEL.
HAPPY TRAVELING!
A traveler without observation is a bird without wings.” – Moslih Eddin Saadi
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