Stay Sane While Traveling With a Wanderer 

I'm in a coffee shop trying to write this article, but my Bluetooth headphones won't work.

I need my salsa music in order to get into the zone and write.

Luckily, I always keep wired headphones on me just in case.

This is just like traveling because sometimes, the simpler approach is better. Simpler solutions have less chance of going wrong.

Let's dive in.

This article is for my subscribers that like to wander when traveling.

Or for those that are traveling with a wanderer (to keep your sanity).

What are wanderers?

These are people who love exploring when traveling. Instead of having a structured plan, they prefer to explore a side street and see where it takes them. It may be cafés, restaurants, or interacting with the locals.

While some may criticize them for lack of preparation, wanderers prefer to live in the moment and see where life takes them. These travelers thrive on serendipity, discovering hidden gems they might never encounter on a structured trip.

Does this sound like you?

Honestly, this isn't my style, but I've traveled with wanderers and observed them closely. Even I enjoy slowing down occasionally and experiencing novel things I couldn't do at home.

I have a trick that can make these situations even more meaningful.

The best part is it's super easy.

• Pick certain areas to explore. Not all areas are created equal. There's a big difference in exploring a touristy area versus exploring a local market. The best part is that these areas are super easy to find. Just Google (or ChatGPT) something like "Popular streets in Berlin." You'll increase your chances of finding meaningful experiences just by wandering in the right places, and it's so simple to do!
   
• Plan for at least one nice thing to do that day. This could be a nice dinner or an excursion. This is something to fall back on just in case the day of wandering is uneventful and it will keep the Type-A people in your travel group from losing it.
   
• Take tours: Tours are great for learning about the area. They show you cool places you might want to check out later. If you see something interesting, ask the tour guide about it. I can't stress this enough: make friends with the tour guides. They know a lot about an area and can tell you cool spots to check out. And please be sure to tip your guide.

I still hate the tip culture in America btw. 😉 Link

Give this trick a try and let me know what you think.

Keep traveling,

Andrew

What type of traveler are you?

Cocktail of the Week

The Sidecar cocktail is believed to have been invented in France during World War I, with its origins linked to an American army captain who traveled in a motorcycle’s sidecar.
 

Recipe:

• 2 oz Cognac
• 1 oz Triple Sec
• 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
• Sugar (for rimming the glass)
• Lemon twist (for garnish)
   

Instructions:

• Rim the edge of a cocktail glass with sugar.
• Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
• Add the Cognac, Triple Sec, and Fresh Lemon Juice to the shaker.
• Shake well until chilled.
• Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
• Garnish with a twist of lemon peel.
   

Random Travel Thought

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The Plug

Cheap flights:

• Going.com: This might be the only discounted flights website you need. It’s a paid service that sends you notifications when deals become available, but they expire in a couple of days so Act Fast!! 
• Secret Flying 🤫: This website emails you about free flight opportunities and even better… it doesn’t cost a thing!!
• Skyscanner: An older, but still reliable website that’s also *FREE* so there’s no reason not to use it. Use the "Explore the World" feature and set your departure date to "Whole Month" to find the cheapest deals.

Insurance:

• Safety Wing: I use Safety Wing as my travel insurance because the plans are flexible. You can easily insure a 1-week trip for like $11 dollars which is less than the cost of a cocktail at the bar.

Travel Gear

• Compression socks: Sitting for extended periods of time is not good for the body, so keep yourself healthy enough to go on more trips. Link
• Apple AirTags: Consider getting Apple AirTags for the peace of mind of always knowing where your luggage is. Link
• Smart Phone holder: It's a foldable sheet that can be used as a stand for your iPhone or iPad.Link
• Packing cubes: Having a separate container works wonders for keeping clothes wrinkle-free. It also makes packing/unpacking much easier.Link
• Donut Power Strip: Power outlets are always in demand, but sometimes they're in weird spots. I use this bagel because it's lightweight, and I don't have to think about it. Link
• Travel Case Organizer: Cable organizers can be a pain, but this is what I use to keep my cables organized. Link
• Backup batteries: I like these backup batteries because they have three important components for me: 1. They have enough power to recharge my phone multiple times at once, 2. Are small enough to put in my pocket, and 3. Are sturdy enough to survive a fall. Link
• Yoga Mat: I use this thin mat to get my stretching in even when I'm traveling. Link
• Jump Rope: It's so easy to bring a jump rope with you for exercise because it weighs almost nothing and takes up no space. Link
• Liquid IV: Great for hydration to keep you from dying. When you're traveling, it's time to live it up!  Link
  
  *Above are Affiliate links at no additional cost to you.

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