My travel style revolves around five core behaviors: adaptability, flexibility, patience, humbleness, & gratitude. Without these traits, travel can become tedious, tiring, and even seem like an obligation – something you have to do because...well...you are already there.

 

Owing to those traits, strict lists of things to do and see when traveling kind of bother me. Though I often have a basic itinerary sketched out, it usually get modified many times because, once on the ground, things change. Sometimes really fast. Adaptability. Flexibility. Patience.

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While I enjoy staying in posh places and high-class flying, for me, staying close-to-the-ground remains key to my travel philosophy. For example, although I would never sacrifice health or safety while doing it, sleeping under the stars, in a car, staying in hostels, or sharing a Bedouin tent is not a big deal. Those experiences serve to enhance my gratitude for the privilege of travel, allowing me to truly appreciate times of extravagance. Humbleness.

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As a Traveler and topophil who likes to just see what they see, I relish any chance to wander and explore. Whether that means driving through the Arabian desert, hopping a train, climbing ruins, canoeing a river, sitting at a cafe, riding a camel, or hiking through a jungle, I believe being with/in a landscape remains the key to truly understanding it. Humbleness. Patience. Gratitude.

 

My travel style also includes finding an effective yet “light” packing strategy, like what I usually pack for most any excursion. Once you begin packing less/lighter, you’ll be surprised how little you actually need, even for longer trips. Adaptability. Humbleness. Flexibility.

 

Finally, take a gander at some of my general travel tips. Remember that travel centers on arranging priorities and the most important souvenir might not always be what you think. But also talk to other people. Learn from their experiences. Gratitude. Humbleness. Patience.