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Step 14Dustin's Tips
Being in a foreign country makes you acutely aware of the fact that
you can do anything because you will never see any of these people
again. You can make a total fool of yourself because it doesn't
matter. Guess what, that's true everywhere! Making a fool of
yourself is about your perception of how other people perceive you.
It is not about objective behavior.
Don't buy return tickets
yes it costs a little more but it significantly widens the
possibilities for adventure. You're going to feel like a total nitwit
when those really hot swedish girls invite you to those cool islands
no one has heard of. Sadly you have to refuse because you can't back
out of a plane ticket. Travel is about letting opportunities come to
you, you just have to be ready to take them.
Travel alone.
it forces you to actually experience the local culture and people.
you have to cultivate a sense of awareness rather than building a
bubble out of what's familiar. Plus it builds character. Girls this
applies to you too. I know several petite girls that have traveled in
sketchy-ass countries all by themselves. 1 or 2 other people max.
make sure to spend a day or so apart here and there.
Keep a daily journal
at least bullet point the things you did everyday. years later you'll
find that it jogs very pleasant memories. You'll also find that it
forces you to experience a bit more. reflection is good for enriching
experience.
Write bulk emails to your friends back home.
goddamn they are curious what it's like out there in this great vast
world! and they miss you. it also encourages them to have adventures
of their own. also, fuck people who get all bent out of shape because
they are getting a bulk email.
Cultivate an attitude of acceptance.
Even though situation x seems like a total fucking disaster...it's
cool, roll with it. seriously, abandon your unrealistic expectations
and revel in the pleasures of what is happening now. say yes to
random adventures.
you can do anything because you will never see any of these people
again. You can make a total fool of yourself because it doesn't
matter. Guess what, that's true everywhere! Making a fool of
yourself is about your perception of how other people perceive you.
It is not about objective behavior.
Don't buy return tickets
yes it costs a little more but it significantly widens the
possibilities for adventure. You're going to feel like a total nitwit
when those really hot swedish girls invite you to those cool islands
no one has heard of. Sadly you have to refuse because you can't back
out of a plane ticket. Travel is about letting opportunities come to
you, you just have to be ready to take them.
Travel alone.
it forces you to actually experience the local culture and people.
you have to cultivate a sense of awareness rather than building a
bubble out of what's familiar. Plus it builds character. Girls this
applies to you too. I know several petite girls that have traveled in
sketchy-ass countries all by themselves. 1 or 2 other people max.
make sure to spend a day or so apart here and there.
Keep a daily journal
at least bullet point the things you did everyday. years later you'll
find that it jogs very pleasant memories. You'll also find that it
forces you to experience a bit more. reflection is good for enriching
experience.
Write bulk emails to your friends back home.
goddamn they are curious what it's like out there in this great vast
world! and they miss you. it also encourages them to have adventures
of their own. also, fuck people who get all bent out of shape because
they are getting a bulk email.
Cultivate an attitude of acceptance.
Even though situation x seems like a total fucking disaster...it's
cool, roll with it. seriously, abandon your unrealistic expectations
and revel in the pleasures of what is happening now. say yes to
random adventures.
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-I don't let people know I'm alone.
-I *always* try to avoid walking around after dark.
-If I'm out after dark, I tend to walk with groups of people (or look like I'm walking with them) and/or stay in well-lit areas.
-If I'm staying the night somewhere, I always lock ALL the locks on the door.