For better or worse, we all have our quirks. But on the roads our more, um, unique habits can pay off by keeping us safe, comfortable and aware. We caught up with a few travel bloggers who shared some of their more unconventional tendencies, and explained why they’re actually quite practical.
Patricia Serrano of Fresh Traveler: I bring along photocopies of my passport, any accompanying visas and at least one credit card and put them in different bags, just in case. I also take a photo of the picture page of my passport and any accompanying visas and attach them into one email along with my flight itinerary and hotels to email to my sister and significant other. Having different places that you can find this important information really helps just in case something happens.
Photo: Drew Binsky in Beijing
Drew Binsky of The Hungry Partier. One of the biggest problems that can happen to any traveler is running out of money, so you need to make sure to carry lots of cash. U.S. cash is best. I stack bills in about three different parts of my backpack, and I wear a belt with a small zipper inside, where I throw a few $20s. You never know what may happen to you, and money can help you escape almost any situation.
Photo: Liz Dahl
Liz Dahl of Boomer Travel Patrol: When I fly overseas and face the dreaded time difference, I set my watch on the time of my destination as soon as I board my flight. Now, every time I check my watch, it tricks my brain into thinking in that time zone.
Photo: Ariana Arghandewal
Ariana Arghandewal of Pointchaser: When flying, I check my bag, get a seat in the back of the plane and board last. Why do I do it this way? Checking my bag means I don’t have to haul into the overhead and risk an injury, or block the aisle while other passengers are boarding. Selecting a seat towards the back means I’ll be in the last boarding group and by the time I make it off the plane, my bag is already spinning on the carousel. While I do often have priority boarding privileges when traveling, I board the plane last because the aisles won’t be blocked. Also, the seats by the gate tend to be more comfortable than the cramped seats in economy class, so I’d rather spend 20+ minutes sitting by the gate in relative comfort than rush to board a cramped aircraft.
Photo: Kristen Sarah
Kristen Sarah of Hopscotch The Globe: Whenever I get to a new hotel, hostel or guest house, I try and break into the room. I will literally lock the doors and close the windows and then from the outside, try and get in. Unfortunately, I’ve been robbed before in my own hotel room in the middle of the night, and it was because people from the outside were able to unlock my door from the broken window. Fortunately, this experience made me a smarter traveler.
Jessica Festa is the founder on the solo and offbeat travel blog, Jessie on a Journey, and the online responsible tourism and culture magazine, Epicure & Culture. She’s constantly searching for local experiences beyond the guidebook. You can follow her travels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
