Adventure Travel

Instead of planning, prepare. Be a minimalist. Proceed without expectation. Delight in the mundane. Learn to be alone. Enjoy time with strangers. Stay flexible and adapt. Take action. Rest and reflect. Remember that comfort is an enemy. Maintain your routines and take care of your health the way you already know how. The sentiment, 'when in Rome do as they do', is limited (unless you find yourself becoming Roman). This isn't a vacation but a way of life. Be open to being changed. You will be.

I have for many years traveled the world solo; not continuously, but all added up. It is a feeling of liberation and peace that comes with having no need to interact with nor answer to anyone. It frees me to "follow my nose", be creative in my approach, act spontaneously, dwell, contemplate, remain in tranquility and silence, etc. You get the picture. I'm good at being alone. Perhaps this capacity was honed in the wilds of Alaska where the reality was dictated. Nah, I think it's just my personality. But I do need socialization, like everybody else. Though always surrounded by strangers, I find endless opportunities to connect and play with others. Likely I've developed an art form in doing so.

There seem to be a few who I have encouraged. I sense a genuinely curious subset of the population wondering if they can do it too. This is for them; a "how to". It is mere entertainment for the rest.

Let's start again, with an empowering poem that illuminates ultimate responsibility to self. I like Bukowski for such things.

No Leaders, Please

 by Charles Bukowski

invent yourself and then reinvent yourself,

 don't swim in the same slough.

 invent yourself and then reinvent yourself

 and

 stay out of the clutches of mediocrity.

invent yourself and then reinvent yourself,

 change your tone and shape so often that they can

 never

 categorize you.

reinvigorate yourself and

 accept what is

 but only on the terms that you have invented

 and reinvented.

be self-taught.

and reinvent your life because you must;

 it is your life and

 its history

 and the present

 belong only to

 you.

You may sense contradictions in sentiments; between themselves or as compared to your own views. Get use to that. We are a conflicted lot. Certainly do not let it be an impediment to proceeding.

***** DEFINITION *****

All this philosophy is great, but what is "Adventure Travel" anyway?

Adventure Travel: Experiencing a foreign culture and/or landscape while not knowing how each day will unfold/end. Proceeding into this unknown with a flexible self reliance and desire to explore. There is an element of "keep moving" because of a constant temptation to stay and relish comfort in the unknown that has become the known.

Adventure Travel could be uncomfortable, scary, and maybe even heaven forbid boring! It comes with the additional price of giving up "home" and the people in one's familiar life. So why do it? I leave that for you to answer for yourself. This is just a "how to" (wink). Future Inner Pilot blog posts may make (more) attempts at convincing through inspiration (and philosophy).

***** OUTFIT *****

(non-campsite)

General: - Limit your whole kit to 1 or 2 carry-ons. Don't over-pack! To encourage you to be minimal, I ALWAYS find that it is simply too much work to fuss about my wardrobe during travel. Even when I pack what I think is "just enough" starting out, whilst in play I simply use only a part of that "just enough". It becomes painfully obvious that I've brought some of my favorite items of clothing on a tour of the world only to remain in the bags for the whole time. - 2 wheeled roller bags are better than the 4 wheeled versions (e.g. for cobble stone) - See Pack Hacker website: https://packhacker.com Clothing: - Prepare for rain/wind, cold, and heat. You never know. - Long Gortex hooded shell top (my one must have) - Footwear for hours and hours of cobblestone, day after day (Painful potential here.) - 2 pair of travel underwear only (alternate: wash one/wear one daily) Electronics: - International power plug adapters. This can be complex, so I recommend lots of optionality, including basic US splitters that can act to create proper geometry. - Power cords (including for while in car and public transport) - Cell phone holder for navigating while in rental car (if applicable) Misc.: - Travel guide books (e.g. by Lonely Planet, Rick Steves, National Geographic) - Lock (for hostel lockers). I just heard about finterprint versions. Mini's might be best too, as often it's as much as will fit tiny clasps. - Passport and drivers license (have digital backups of these) - ATM card (for local currency) - Travel towel - Earbuds (chorded w/ mini jack) for airline entertainment systems - Eye mask and ear plugs - Plastic bags for footwear (cheap left over bags from the grocery shopping - simple) - Spork - Toothpicks (for conventional use) - Consider sleeping bag, pillow, and air mattress (if you are minimal enough and have the lightweight, small carry size tech equipment to borrow from). I think I'd prefer the first two over random hostel bedding arrangements, and if you're going to bring the first two, might as well throw in the third for ultimate optionality.

***** ACCOMMODATION *****

(non-campsite)

Hotels I loath. (There are exceptions.) And resorts? Look - if you are even thinking about resorts the concept of "adventure travel" is not for you. Maybe go to Disneyland. Or on a cruise. Ciao! And for the rest, let's continue:

If it is to be hiking, bush flying, river float, or car tripping into nature, make it by campsite. This will be the subject of other posts more related to Expedition; especially expeditions into The Northland using the airplane to access true wilderness for days to weeks at a time. (There are also the examples of hiking The Chilkoot Trail taking 5 days and Camino de Santiago taking 5 weeks.) Needless to say, you can't take everything including the kitchen sink on such adventures. There just isn't room, plus the energy involved in managing "stuff" necessitates minimalism. I have a "kit" for airplane camping that I've also adapted to car camping. But let's get back to the refined and sophisticated version of (European-esque) travel that would appeal 'even to the French!' (That's my one snarky comment.)

More conventionally, in society I use the apps for Airbnb, Booking.com, and Hostelworld. I like the professionalism of the hostels as compared to private homes. Hostels are often diverse experiences from one another. For example, I was at a repurposed palace the other day and today I'm at a converted residence. Both are extremely charming, and I don't feel I'm intruding. Usually the ability to socialize with other travelers is a plus for hostels too. However, staying in private homes can give one valuable access to locals. Sometimes it just comes down to price and availability, so shop around. Always read the reviews. Only a few days advance reservation seems fine, but in peak season perhaps longer lead times are justified. $25 to $50 per night for shared dorms (and sometimes even for private rooms) ought to cover it.

If you're moving fast, I'd still try to stay 2 nights minimum by default to take advantage of the respite a full day without the need to be on the move can provide. If you really like a place and don't feel in a hurry to move on, stay a week. By the way, proprietors will usually give you the same price they pay the app companies, so negotiate directly with them if deciding to stay longer.

***** PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES *****

First you have to get there; wherever your "there" is. Search technologies have changed a lot recently, especially with the advent of usable AI; for whatever that term means. Suggest asking ChatGPT something like, "Which U.S. cities have direct flights to Rome?" Then follow-up with something like, "Can you get me current pricing from [X city] to Rome?" You'll quickly have a list of hyperlinked websites with a summary of their price ranges. With your work easily done, the hard part becomes your commitment.

Even today I find the process of leaving the security of international airports to be somewhat intimidating. It's like being pushed out of the nest and told to, 'fly little birdie, fly!' It's actually a very standard process though. Make sure to use the airport's WiFi to get information if your cell service isn't set up (more on that later) and ATM for some local currency (more also on that later).

If you're going by rental car, simply head to the company's storefront nearby. Otherwise the train is usually the method for finding your way. Bus service may also be a standard option. For some reason public transportation legs between airport and city center are special, commanding higher pricing and often special ticketing versus the rest of the system. No matter. Go with the flow; following signs and asking along the way. You're not alone so it shouldn't be hard to get assistance here.

In non-English speaking countries you will not understand all of the road signs (and they will not be in English). However, like most interactions in these countries, context is king. You'll understand enough intuitively. Plus your Google Maps app will supplement with some English, and I've found it does a very good job. When I first started traveling with a rental car, there was no such thing as a smart phone (let alone Google Maps). I would carry a road atlas and study it. Worked great then but sounds crazy now. I'm sure I've lost that skillset.

Local bus and train schedules are reliably represented in Google Maps, BTW. Enter your destination, hit "Directions", select public mode of transportation (little tram symbol), select option (usually there are many, including times required), and walk to the starting point.

How are your manual transmission driving skills? Likely automatics are available, but I've never encountered one in all the driving I've done abroad. Also, driving on the left side of the road from the right side of the car (e.g. in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa) is a "trip". Just follow other traffic at first. You'll get over flipping on the windshield wipers instead of the turn signal after a few weeks. A very big warning: ALWAYS look both ways. There is a real potential to look left to clear and then turn right (out of habit) into oncoming traffic FROM THE RIGHT. This sets a normally right side driver up for a head on collision with an unsuspecting always left side driver. It is a mistake I used to dread after realizing my luck in making it.

We should touch on methods for making reservations. I have no exhaustive lists for you. My examples should suffice, and you'll have the idea. Teach a man to fish. In Italy I use the app "Trenitalia" for all trains. It's super easy, intuitive, and also in English. I search my routes, dates, and times, and it gives me my options. I simply select as a guest and pay through the app. I get a QR code and email which act as my confirmation, receipt, and ticket. Simple. The app "Trainline" has been recommended generally in Europe, and I've had similar success outside of Italy using it. There are always ticket machines at train stations, but I like the peace of mind showing up with that bit sorted.

As far as rental cars are concerned, I've had no problems with apps such as Booking.com and KAYAK. This has been true whether selecting the well known brands (like Avis and Budget) or more obscure local companies (such as Autovia and Volotea - ever heard of these?). Currently on a 3 week rental car reservation out of Barcelona for 330 Euro. Not a bad way to access the Iberian Peninsula.

Sometimes I'll check the CarTrawler website link from airline promotional emails I've received. This site, like the apps, search all the rental car companies so you can compare between them. I don't know if there is an advantage to using CarTrawler in association with it's partner airlines, but I proceed assuming that there is.

Mode of transportation can sound trivial. I assure you that it is not. How one choses to get around dictates one's options, or lack thereof. It affects who one meets, where one goes, how much time one spends, how creative one can be. It's all good. Just mix it up every once in a while.

There are exceptions to the above, and for that matter to this whole post. An example is that in India one will hire a car and driver who will stay with them for the whole day, acting as guide and security on top of transportation. Westerners have no business driving in Indian cities. (India would actually receive its own adventure travel write-up by me.) Another example is that hostels aren't really used in the U.S., nor for that matter does the U.S. (or Australia/New Zealand) have significant train infrastructure; not when compared to Europe.

***** ENGLISH *****

I assume you are a native English speaker. You're fortunate to be an expert in the world's bridge language. Congratulations. A lot of the non-English speaking world outside of tourist-dense zones are still going to be a challenge though. I recommend the app Google Translate and downloading the target language(s).

A couple of pointers on using the Google Translate app. First, it allows for a conversation between parties that do not speak the same language. Take turns switching on the mic of the app and speaking into it, and your phone becomes a great translator. It's an entertaining process. Second is for translation of writing. While in the app, point the camera lens (now being utilized by the app as its way to see) at the target and "poof!"; your translated language will superimpose itself through your phone's display.

If all else fails, point and grunt. Harness your inner caveman. Think of it as Charades. Confidence, creativity, and (again) context are king. All concerned seem to have fun and feel a sense of accomplisment.

***** VPN *****

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, and one should buy a subscription from a reputable provider for both your phone and your laptop. I use Nord. The point is for your devices to appear to be in the selected country instead of in the actual country. There are valid reasons for this. Many. One example is that if I "Google" something while in Italy without a VPN set to the United States, I get search results in the Italian language. I typically want my search results to be in English. Also my financial institutions don't like me logging in to my accounts when they don't see my devices as being in a domestic location. The work around is the VPN.

Remember that you are using (or are not using) your VPN, and turn it on or off as appropriate. The reason I say this is because a VPN can cause your devices to act strangly while performing certain tasks. I've learned to immediately check my VPN setting as a first step in trouble shooting, and that's usually the fix.

***** CELL PHONE SERVICE *****

International add-ons (to your domestic service) are usually relatively expensive. However it may be justified for your initial foray into a new country. I would skip it if possible (though this is brave, for one could heaven forbid be stranded information-less!) and simply add service in the region arriving. Most newer phones have room for two physical SIM cards allowing for two phone numbers/carriers in the same device. The eSIM featured phones allow for more. The storefront of the carrier for your new country will either be at the airport, and/or more likely at the central train station of the city. Key stop for you. Cheap packages with tons of data are easily arranged this way. They will want your passport and sell you a tourist service, which is fine. You'll need to have a strategy for checking on service period and data usage along with means to extend/add credit. This can be tricky, so ask.

This is how complicated the matter can be: At time of writing, I had set up a tourist account with Vodafone in Italy. I have to do this over and over again when entering Italy after an absence (setting up a new Italian account/number) because of what will be clear next. I have no ability to add credit to my Italian Vodafone account when outside of Italy due to the fact that they only accept online payments via Italian financial instruments (e.g. bank account, credit card). I just received the Vodafone text message I knew was coming; that my plan required additional funding. I'm in Spain. Fortunately I was able to reach out to an Italian friend who interceded on my behalf. All good now. I will continue with my Italian service, allowing economical access to massive amounts of data.

A take away for the above paragraph is that you may just want to acquire new service(s) as you go, instead of figuring out how to continue. This will apply based on your situation(s), obviously. Instead of "phoning a friend" back in Italy, I could have simply abandoned my Italian account in favor of new Spanish service. I also always have the option to set-up (relatively much more expensive and limited) international add-ons to my domestic ATT account I maintain while traveling.

I find it best to use data calling (e.g. FaceTime voice, WhatsApp) and cellular calling back to the U.S. from my international number. It may be more difficult for those in the U.S. to make cellular calls to me, but that's a case by case/coordination issue. Do people like to make voice calls anymore anyway?

***** FOOD *****

I am not a "foodie". I don't travel to experience culture through cuisine. That's called gastronomy. I'll try a few things here and there, but almost always it serves to drive me back to my basic dietary choices formulated over a lifetime. So, as unromantic and unfortunate as this may seem to some readers, I almost always find a local supermarket or farmers market and purchase (usually single ingredient) foods; just like back home or anyplace else on the planet.

Be aware of tourist menus (likely inferior and "Americanized") and prices (too high). Simply do a wider lap outside of the crowded zones for establishments primarily focused on locals. Usually even a few city blocks is enough distance. You'll also be greeted more genuinely and warmly. If in doubt, ask for the price before asking for the coffee. I've been identified as an outsider (i.e. "easy target") in neighborhoods due to my accent and charged double on that basis. This isn't necessarily the norm, but stack the deck in your favor whenever you can.

I often pop into bakeries and gelaterias and other storefront businesses that pride themselves in displaying beautiful creations. I pace and inspect conspicuously, drawing the attention of the attendant eager to meet my requests. On occasion I'll shamelessly snap a photo. My usual response now is, "sto solo guardando" (if in Italy; otherwise, "I'm only looking"). If I'm being playful I'll explain, "sto mangiando con gli occhi" ("I'm eating with my eyes"). Storekeepers seem less disappointed with the latter remark. Anyway, I can't eat it all (with my stomach); my true desire. So why even start?

***** MONEY *****

I've never had my cards stolen or financial accounts compromised. It would be particularly disastrous while traveling, and I often think of the consequences. Whether it is to guard against the worst that could happen or just for the peace of mind (one and the same), I recommend keeping a source of funding in your bags left in accommodation while out on day trips in the city, etc. Also recommend alternate sources of funding "back home" with means to access them. I'll let you be creative on how to do this.

I feel particularly vulnerable taking my phone out with Apple Pay (my usual method of payment) inside and attached wallet with credit card outside. It would be easy to have the whole thing snatched while focusing on taking a photo, and just as easy/more likely to be dropped into the unretrievable.

***** DATING *****

We can talk about this if you want. PM me. (Often relates to MONEY. See above.)

***** OTHER TIPS *****

If you plan on staying for a while, I've found language schools for foreigners to be a huge win. You will likely want to learn the language to some degree anyway (highly recommend). I have made many friends this way and been thrust into my host country's culture in unexpectedly robust ways. It's also a place to meet other travelers with similar values and interests. I'm talking about finding community in a foreign land, and that's a big deal.

Visa requirements: Check for them. It seems to be surprisingly easy when bouncing around countries that don't have requirements to sort of get caught with your pants down trying to enter one that unknowingly (to you) does. Airlines should help you catch this, but the time I entered Turkey from Greece they did not! (In that situation, I fortunately had the cash and a kind agent who let me fill out the form at customs.)

When rolling into an unfamiliar place, especially a new country, think of your accommodation provider as a local resource. Message ahead with questions. As their new client, they already have a vested interest in your success. I'm popping into Morocco for the first time tomorrow. I've gotten hints that it's a place where one haggles about price and pays in cash (Moroccan Dirhams). So I sent my first host a message with three questions: Recommendations for establishing new phone service (for data; preferably prior to leaving the airport), options for obtaining local currency (default usually an airport ATM, but maybe is better to bring US Dollars or Euros for physical exchange?), and what's a fair price for the taxi I might have to negotiate for with a bearded, robe wearing, and likely non-English speaking driver late at night along the curb after my already long and tedious day?

See post Wedding in India - Day 8: Welcome to New Delhi for the subject of bargaining. With big ticket items, start at 1/3 the initial price and expect to settle at 1/2. For warnings on fleecing schemes, see anecdotes throughout series Wedding in India. Attempts will be made to befriend you in order to extract your money from a sense of obligation. Subjects of this paragraph are essentially only applicable to Second and Third World.

Speaking of tips, one normally doesn't outside of the U.S. One might round up. Tips seem to be mostly an American thing. Philosophically, I have a lot to say on this subject, but I'll just leave it at that.

***** IF YOU'RE GOING TO TRY *****

All The Way - A Charles Bukowski Poem

Adventure Travel

How You Too Can Do It

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