Ten (not so) surprising things about travel
This is not mine, I have shamelessly copied it from the Sydney Morning Herald the author's name is Ben Groundwater. It's titled as the 10 most surprising things about travel but I agree with everything wholeheartly so I don't think they're all that suprising (although the article is aimed at new travellers). My comments are in blue
1. Aeroplane food isn't that bad It's an old cliché, but really, unless you're flying with an American carrier, aeroplane food isn't that bad. I've had a great meal on AirAsia - I had to pay for it, but it was legitimately decent food. Beef rendang - get in. And the noodle dishes on Singapore Airlines could be served in restaurants. I've flown some pretty dodgy airlines in my time and still the worst food I've ever had has been on United Airlines
2. Starbucks is your friend I once saw a bumper sticker in San Francisco: "Friends don't let friends go to Starbucks". And that might be good advice at home, but when you're travelling, Starbucks... isn't that bad. For starters, if you're in the States, you'll get a decent espresso coffee rather than the filter crud that the cafes all serve. Plus you get free Wi-Fi to check your emails, and a free newspaper. There are worse ways to start the day. I would never step foot in a Starbucks in Wellington but as I understand it, it may be my best choice when I'm in London (bad good coffee). At least I've got a little time in Italy - I will probably be buzzing aroung Rome.
3. The "@" key is painfully hard to find on foreign keyboards It's like a game of Sudoku, only more annoying. The keyboard is taunting you - there's the "@" symbol, right there in front of you, but how... the... hell... do you make it appear?! Ctrl + Alt + Shift 2? No, wait, Shift + Caps lock + Alt + F5. Wait, wait... Del + Down arrow + Shift 5 + Enter? You'll forget who you were trying to email by the time you've figured it out. Yup - had that problem
4. Stereotypes mean nothing Every time you think you've got a certain nationality sussed, you'll find an exception to the rule. You'll meet inefficient but jovial Germans; laidback Israelis; gruff Canadians; sober Englishmen; quiet Americans. And even cultured Australians. Seriously.
5. That good advice you got is bad "Make sure you go to 'x'," your friend will say, "it's amazing." Except, it isn't. Not to you, anyway. Take people's advice on board, but all means, but remember - it's your holiday. Do what you want.
6. Street food is safe. Well, relatively safe. You always hear horror stories, but street food is generally safer than the stuff you get from restaurants, mainly because you can watch it being cooked in front of you. And an added bonus is that it tastes better. Just look for the stand with the longest queue, and go nuts. THIS so much. Street food in Asia is amazing, cheaper and tastier than what you would get a big hotel. As with anything in life - just use a bit of common sense when making your choice.
7. Squat toilets aren't that bad First time I walked into a toilet cubicle and saw a hole in the floor I turned around and walked straight out. I am not doing my thing in there. But after a bit of practice, getting the hang of holding your balance and making sure your aim is right, squats are actually pretty comfortable to use. Sitting's better though. They're really not - better than hovering over a dirty looking toilet seat.
8. Travellers' cheques are pointless About 15 years ago they were a must, but with the massive proliferation of ATMs around there world, there's really no need to carry travellers' cheques unless you're going far, far off the beaten track. These days cashing a TC is like trying to deposit a box of gold doubloons at most banks.
9. Everything costs more than you think it should But, but... TripAdvisor said my cab should only cost 30 euros! Why is it 40 euros? And surely beers don't cost this much. And Lonely Planet said I should budget for $60 a day, but I'm way over that! Sigh. Travel always costs far more than you think it will. Do your research, work out a pre-trip budget, then double it. I've just paid for everything for my upcoming holiday and I went over budget. Just need my spending money!
10. No one cares what happened while you were overseas This is a little surprise waiting for you when you come home. All those amazing experiences you had on the road? No one wants to hear about them. No one wants to look at your photos. No one wants to see your souvenirs. You'll just have to start a blog... So true
Argh - stupid formatting - I don't know why you're doing this
1. Aeroplane food isn't that bad It's an old cliché, but really, unless you're flying with an American carrier, aeroplane food isn't that bad. I've had a great meal on AirAsia - I had to pay for it, but it was legitimately decent food. Beef rendang - get in. And the noodle dishes on Singapore Airlines could be served in restaurants. I've flown some pretty dodgy airlines in my time and still the worst food I've ever had has been on United Airlines
2. Starbucks is your friend I once saw a bumper sticker in San Francisco: "Friends don't let friends go to Starbucks". And that might be good advice at home, but when you're travelling, Starbucks... isn't that bad. For starters, if you're in the States, you'll get a decent espresso coffee rather than the filter crud that the cafes all serve. Plus you get free Wi-Fi to check your emails, and a free newspaper. There are worse ways to start the day. I would never step foot in a Starbucks in Wellington but as I understand it, it may be my best choice when I'm in London (bad good coffee). At least I've got a little time in Italy - I will probably be buzzing aroung Rome.
3. The "@" key is painfully hard to find on foreign keyboards It's like a game of Sudoku, only more annoying. The keyboard is taunting you - there's the "@" symbol, right there in front of you, but how... the... hell... do you make it appear?! Ctrl + Alt + Shift 2? No, wait, Shift + Caps lock + Alt + F5. Wait, wait... Del + Down arrow + Shift 5 + Enter? You'll forget who you were trying to email by the time you've figured it out. Yup - had that problem
4. Stereotypes mean nothing Every time you think you've got a certain nationality sussed, you'll find an exception to the rule. You'll meet inefficient but jovial Germans; laidback Israelis; gruff Canadians; sober Englishmen; quiet Americans. And even cultured Australians. Seriously.
5. That good advice you got is bad "Make sure you go to 'x'," your friend will say, "it's amazing." Except, it isn't. Not to you, anyway. Take people's advice on board, but all means, but remember - it's your holiday. Do what you want.
6. Street food is safe. Well, relatively safe. You always hear horror stories, but street food is generally safer than the stuff you get from restaurants, mainly because you can watch it being cooked in front of you. And an added bonus is that it tastes better. Just look for the stand with the longest queue, and go nuts. THIS so much. Street food in Asia is amazing, cheaper and tastier than what you would get a big hotel. As with anything in life - just use a bit of common sense when making your choice.
7. Squat toilets aren't that bad First time I walked into a toilet cubicle and saw a hole in the floor I turned around and walked straight out. I am not doing my thing in there. But after a bit of practice, getting the hang of holding your balance and making sure your aim is right, squats are actually pretty comfortable to use. Sitting's better though. They're really not - better than hovering over a dirty looking toilet seat.
8. Travellers' cheques are pointless About 15 years ago they were a must, but with the massive proliferation of ATMs around there world, there's really no need to carry travellers' cheques unless you're going far, far off the beaten track. These days cashing a TC is like trying to deposit a box of gold doubloons at most banks.
9. Everything costs more than you think it should But, but... TripAdvisor said my cab should only cost 30 euros! Why is it 40 euros? And surely beers don't cost this much. And Lonely Planet said I should budget for $60 a day, but I'm way over that! Sigh. Travel always costs far more than you think it will. Do your research, work out a pre-trip budget, then double it. I've just paid for everything for my upcoming holiday and I went over budget. Just need my spending money!
10. No one cares what happened while you were overseas This is a little surprise waiting for you when you come home. All those amazing experiences you had on the road? No one wants to hear about them. No one wants to look at your photos. No one wants to see your souvenirs. You'll just have to start a blog... So true
Argh - stupid formatting - I don't know why you're doing this