Travel, 10 things i have learned so far..

1. Travel light. It saves a lot of time and money, without check-in bag

All this for 12 days, Europe and Africa

I managed to packed my stuff into one carry on luggage bag. Yes it's small, but i made it through. On top of it, since it winter,  I have to carry one heavy winter jacket, one lighter waterproof jacket and long john (since I don't know how cold it will be). As much as we want to look good while traveling, I learned that jeans is not my best friend. Its heavy and consume space. I'm able to pack 4 pants inside the bag but not jeans. Some of the t-shirt plus towel were those that I want to throw away. So, I create some space for souvenirs :) Learn not to be attached with your belonging.

2. Bring your must have item

my morning coffee

I always carry my red flask. No matter where I go, even when I may not use it. This flask is my savior, especially when you travel to non-Asian country where tea making facility is hard to find. So, all I need to do before I snooze off, I asked for hot water. The next morning, I can have my maggi mee or Brahim packed rice before I leave the hotel. On the street, I will ask for hot water (or agua) in the cafe and made my 3in1 nescafe to lift up my day.

3. Always ask for direction and Be okay to get lost

Street in Kyoto

When travel, everyday almost the same routine. I have to ask for direction - to the hotel, to the station, to the point of interest, to almost anywhere and they speak French, Spanish, Italianese, Arab, Japanese, Korean and more!. Some of them will give the right direction, some of them just say don't know, some of them will bring you to somewhere else and most of the time you did not get it.. hahaha. One thing I learned while traveling solo is to be okay to get lost. Even you have map in hand or using google map, don't be afraid. Continue to walk and wandered around. Ask strangers. You may found interesting things or new friends along the way. So, chill....

4. Utilise the traveling time

Morocco train

I'm a light sleeper but I have to beat the jet lag. So I sleep anywhere possible - in the plane, train, bus, ferry and car. I might not sleep, but i will try to sleep or maybe most of the time, pretend to sleep. If it's not working, i will watch downloaded drama series or movie on my phone. If that's bored me, I will organise all my photo (delete, edit and save). At times, I clean up my email too.

5. Always expect the unexpected

Blanket of Snow, Mount Cook

Being stranded in Tian Jin, China or Te Anau, NZ were not in the plan, but like i said, expect the unexpected. While in Ho Chi Minh, in just few second someone pick pocket my mobile phone. As much as we try our best to be safe, unexpected things do happen. Travel insurance is a must.

6. We will meet nice people and not so nice people 

Huda, our host in Fes

Along the way, some people will go an extra miles to help you. Believe me. There are still a lot of good people in the world. Like when I was in Japan. People are extremely nice and I felt extremely safe. Then, there are also people will take advantage of you like the taxi driver, the tour guide, the shop owner or people on the street. Just be extra careful.

7. Do at least one memorable stuff

Colourful sulfer, NZ

Always create memorable things to do. At least one. So you have at least one significant memory for each trip. When I was in NZ, I did glacier walk and volcano, eat most expensive but delicious pan cake in Sydney, ride on Gondola in Venice, ski in Mount Buller, a night in Sahara and more.

8. Control your emotions

Hello. Hi there.. cats in Greece is triple XL

When travel, our emotion may change easily as we always on the move. Don't be selfish. Think about your travel companion. Don't let your emotion effect the the whole trip. When things goes not as plan, we do get angry, sad, disappointed, stress and all but don't let it out to your group or partner. This trip is not only about you. She, he, they deserved their happy holiday. They paid their own holiday expenses. Don't dictate the holiday trip based on how you feel and what you want. Be patience.

9. Respect everyone Time

River cruise, Luzern

Time management is important. Nobody want to miss the plane, train or bus or tour. If you late, you might cause the whole planned trip kucar kacir. Choose to be early. Swiss time not Malaysian time.

10. Have fun, embrace the difference :)

Kimci anyone?

When traveling, things are different from home. It designs to make the local comfortable, not you. So, you need to be able to adapt and layaaan je. Don't get frustrated and upset over petty things (the weather, the food, the language, the hotel, people and surrounding). You will miss all the good things.

 Till then. Write soon.