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And here you were thinking that packing light and drinking bottled water were all you needed to get by! While those skills are not to be underestimated, I have learned the hard way that there are a few other skills to add to one´s repertoire before skipping around the globe.
Furtive Map Reading
Now I know that you´re not one of those travelers shuffling slowly around the plaza, with your 4´x 4´ map unfurled in all its glory, tracing your route with a highlighter. Right? Riiiiight?! Because not only is this painfully embarrassing, it´s also an open invitation to have your fanny pack rifled through. Before you head out for the day, fold your map into a little square that showcases only the part that you need, and if you really have to engage in some Joey caliber map reading, save it for a cafe. If you´re really clever, you´ll photocopy all the maps in your trusty Lonely Planet so you only need one wee piece of paper for your big day out!
Squat Peeing
What?! Yes, dudes. I know. But squat peeing isn´t just for camping. Millions of people around the world exclusively use squat toilets and if you´re heading to Asia, India or the Middle East (or even parts of Europe) I´m afraid you´ll have to learn how. When I was living in Taiwan, using the squat toilet correctly (without taking your pants off or getting anything wet) was a much lauded right of passage. It seriously took me a good month to master. But I´m sure you´re much smarter than I am! Here´s a tutorial if you are, in fact, as inept as I.
Haggling
Most Westerners, myself very much included, turn inside out with embarrassment at the thought of haggling over prices. But it´s an unavoidable part of travel in most countries, and you´ll get stuck with crazy inflated prices if you don´t hone your bargaining skills. To get the best prices shop around a bit (you´ll find heaps of shops selling the same things) and if you see a local buying something you like, evesdrop to see how much they´re paying. Don´t be afraid to walk away if you feel you´re being taken, and bring a calculator with you to the shop if you don´t know your numbers in the other language. There´s a good tutorial here.
Furtive Map Reading
Now I know that you´re not one of those travelers shuffling slowly around the plaza, with your 4´x 4´ map unfurled in all its glory, tracing your route with a highlighter. Right? Riiiiight?! Because not only is this painfully embarrassing, it´s also an open invitation to have your fanny pack rifled through. Before you head out for the day, fold your map into a little square that showcases only the part that you need, and if you really have to engage in some Joey caliber map reading, save it for a cafe. If you´re really clever, you´ll photocopy all the maps in your trusty Lonely Planet so you only need one wee piece of paper for your big day out!
Squat Peeing
What?! Yes, dudes. I know. But squat peeing isn´t just for camping. Millions of people around the world exclusively use squat toilets and if you´re heading to Asia, India or the Middle East (or even parts of Europe) I´m afraid you´ll have to learn how. When I was living in Taiwan, using the squat toilet correctly (without taking your pants off or getting anything wet) was a much lauded right of passage. It seriously took me a good month to master. But I´m sure you´re much smarter than I am! Here´s a tutorial if you are, in fact, as inept as I.
Haggling
Most Westerners, myself very much included, turn inside out with embarrassment at the thought of haggling over prices. But it´s an unavoidable part of travel in most countries, and you´ll get stuck with crazy inflated prices if you don´t hone your bargaining skills. To get the best prices shop around a bit (you´ll find heaps of shops selling the same things) and if you see a local buying something you like, evesdrop to see how much they´re paying. Don´t be afraid to walk away if you feel you´re being taken, and bring a calculator with you to the shop if you don´t know your numbers in the other language. There´s a good tutorial here.
Sleeping on Transportion
And if you figure out how, will you teach me? I suspect inflatable neck pillows and eyes masks help. As does an absence of drunk silver miners.
And if you figure out how, will you teach me? I suspect inflatable neck pillows and eyes masks help. As does an absence of drunk silver miners.
The "Don´t Mess With Me" Walk
Okay, so all those other skills? They pale in importance compared to this one, friends. Acting like you know where you´re going, what you´re doing and generally behaving like a force to be reckoned with will save your cute little bum just about anywhere in the world. There will be no peering up unsurely at street signs, skittering away from people or mumbled requests for directions! There will be only walking like you own this cobblestoned street! In all of my travels, I have never been mugged, groped or seriously hassled and I credit my walking skills. When I´m not feeling up to strutting, I put on my sunglasses and try to channel Madonna.
What skills have helped you as you globe trot?
Got the travel bug? Check out my ebooks and podcasts on making long-term travel a reality! Only $15 forpetessake!
Okay, so all those other skills? They pale in importance compared to this one, friends. Acting like you know where you´re going, what you´re doing and generally behaving like a force to be reckoned with will save your cute little bum just about anywhere in the world. There will be no peering up unsurely at street signs, skittering away from people or mumbled requests for directions! There will be only walking like you own this cobblestoned street! In all of my travels, I have never been mugged, groped or seriously hassled and I credit my walking skills. When I´m not feeling up to strutting, I put on my sunglasses and try to channel Madonna.
What skills have helped you as you globe trot?
Got the travel bug? Check out my ebooks and podcasts on making long-term travel a reality! Only $15 forpetessake!
20 comments:
Being able to walk into a bar on your own and enjoy a couple of beers. You wont meet anyone sitting in your hostel room (apart from the long term travellers who cant be bothered to meet anyone new anymore!)
Oh great tips! I don't have any to offer as of yet, but I definitely have the walk down, from when I didn't want to look like a tourist in SF or DC. I need to work on the map thing...
the only one i would add (and i love your tips) is that it is good to check out what the locals eat before you go. plus the best place to get it. it can really add a wonderful dimension to travel.
So true! Love these completely. I'd add that a willingness to at least TRY the native language is key to winning respect ... if you already look like a foreigner, you're not giving anything away by mangling a "coffee, please" or "where's the toilet?"
Ive got all those sort of down, except for the sleeping part, that is sooooo tough!!!
And lol re: Keanu, he is in it. but his acting is pretty terrible, not that I don't love him. awww.
I got your postcard yesterday! It was fantastic though sadly I think it lost it's llama smell in the mail... thanks for thinking of me! :)
Rachael! I´m so glad you got it! I was just beginning to send evil thoughts in the direction of the Bolivian postal system.
Great post, and all points are SO TRUE! Especially the part about squat toilets. I was in Vietnam last year and I tell you, you just don't realize how uncoordinated you are until you try to balance on a squat toilet. I would add that one should approach each new place with curiosity and compassion. And, always pack toilet paper, aspirin, and hand sanitizer. :)
i totally can't sleep on transportation either. it sucks. i have stayed up for over 48 hours straight because of this little problem i have.
the biggest skill that has helped me on my travels is not being afraid to do things by myself. some of the best restaurant experiences i have ever had have been by myself during some of my solitary travels. if i had been too apprehensive to go out alone, i totally would have missed out.
I wish I had read the squat-peeing tutorial earlier... especially before taking an overnight train in Thailand!
Earplugs are the key to sleeping on public transport, and eyemasks definitely help. Also, not fearing for your life is an important factor!
I always double check to make sure I have Blackberry connection, to be able to use Google Maps :)
Young and traveling the world--how exciting! I look forward to reading more!
Your squat-peeing tips and haggling tips are informative (although I don't really need the former because I'm a dude).
I've seen you several times commenting on Molly's blog and have wanted to drop by and visit for some time. Finally did.
Very intelligent blog.
Besitos
PS. I thought you had a pacifier in your mouth this whole time until I finally clicked and enlarged your profile pic.
LMAO
I'm a little grossed out by squat peeing.
My skill is to always be with someone who has a better sense of direction.
Mhmm, I look forward to 3 weeks of squatting, starting tonight in Beijing.
Also, sometimes ripping the map outta your lonely planet is a good way to avoid the "bookish tourist" look, if you don't mind destroying it.
Glad you're having a mighty adventure Sarah xx
Hi, I've just found your blog and love it! Since I'm stuck in one place right now it helps quiet the travel jones a bit...I agree with your skills post, but wanted to add something helpful for those who can't seem to master the squat-n-pee: http://www.kristascups.com/pstyle
Seriously, get a P-Style. It's a clever, shoe-horn looking device you can use to pee standing up without taking your pants completely off, and has saved me on numerous busrides. I bought my mom one for her trip down the Nile and she ended up converting all the tourists in Eqypt!
I probably have the "Don't Mess With Me" walk mastered because I've never been hassled travelling alone. Maybe it also helps that I never use maps (other than subway maps).
Ohhhhh I got my postcard as well! I was ecstatic! Be sure to check your mailbox upon your return to the US for a postcard from moi (Snail mail is by far the best kind of mail)....I am counting down for my trip, so these tips will definitely come in handy.
Happy Travels!!!!!
great list!
I agree, the 'don't mess with me walk' is key!!
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