Travel tips you don't always have to follow according to frequent travelers
Whenever we plan for a trip, we'd always come across travel tips about what and what not to do in our destination. While these have been proven to be effective, some do not apply to all travelers for certain reasons.
We rounded up a few of these universally accepted travel advice that are completely okay not to follow.
Quit your job and travel the world.
A lot of full-time travelers left their desk jobs to pursue their dream of traveling the world. While these worked for them, it may not work for all.
"We started blogging in 2010, but our first international travel happened in 2013. We frequently see inspirational quotes on social media like 'Don't wait. Just go and travel.' We don't believe in that, that's coming from a very privileged place," shares Yosh Dimen of the travel blog The Poor Traveler during their Tipid Travel Talks event.
"We don't advocate that you're not living your life if you don't travel. Travel when you can, when you have the means."
Angel Juarez of The Lakwatsero agrees. "Not that it is a myth and I do not discourage it but think twice before doing so. Yeah, it works or may work for some but it is not for everyone. For the latter, I say 'Work hard, travel harder.' Or better yet, find a job that will let you travel for free."
Real travelers don't plan their trip
Another myth that Yosh wants to debunk is that planning your trip makes you less of a traveler.
"If you're a foreigner, then maybe this will work for you. But if you're a Filipino that has to go through visa application, we need to plan our trips, especially the budget. Plan your trip well. Do research because mistakes cost money. Allow yourself to get lost, but not to the point that your plans are ruined."
Don't convert or else you'd end up not buying anything
When traveling abroad, we are frequently told to not convert the prices because we might not buy the item once we realize how much it costs in Philippine peso.
Yosh suggests otherwise. "Convert! I saw this melon being sold for 4,000yen in Japan. If I didn't convert, I would've bought it for PHP2,000, which was out of my budget."
His advice? "When we go to a destination, the first thing that we do is hit the grocery. You get a sense of how expensive or affordable a place is based on the prices of their grocery items."
Cheapest vs value for money
Low cost carriers and seat sales have undeniably helped in increasing the number of travelers. Airfare tickets at rock-bottom prices are very attractive, and have been the deciding factor on where we'll go next.
But if you're booking a flight at regular price, travel blogger Ryazan Duray-Tristram recommends to assess if buying the cheapest ticket is worth it.
"In selecting a flight, the cheapest option might not always be your best option, most especially if you have a limited number of days on your vacation. I always check how long is the stopover and how many flight changes.
"On top of that, I also take into account how far is the airport from my home or point of origin. This will also add up on travel cost to get there as if I'm paying the same price of the expensive flight."
This also applies when looking for accommodation. An affordable hostel located in the outskirts of the city will end up becoming more expensive compared to one that is pricier but located near the transport system and within walking distance to tourist spots.
DIY travel is cheaper than tours
Do-it-yourself tours aren't always cheaper than the organized ones, plus you get new knowledge about the place when there's a tour guide.
"When visiting a new destination, I prefer joining a local guided tour would make you appreciate the place more. You will also support the locals on their tourism related livelihood," tells Ryazan.
JP Licudan of The Rustic Nomad recalls his trip to Mexico. "I did a DIY trip to visit Chichen Itza. Overall, the cost of my DIY trip is just the same with the tours offered from Cancun, Tulum or Playa Del Carmen. In fact, I missed some highlights of the tour including a chance to swim in Ik Kil cenote and a buffet lunch.
"With my DIY trip, I did not have a chance to visit other places though the whole Mayan ruin complex can be visited in just under three hours."
Fill up your itinerary to maximize your time
"If we're spending five days in a destination, we will only book tours for two days. The extra three days are open, we'll plan when we arrive. The least that we want to happen is finding something that we want to do but won't be able to because we have booked everything already. So allow yourself to be spontaneous even just for a day," says Yosh.
Entrepreneur Kitin Cariaga, who has gone on vacation locally and abroad, also has the same sentiment. "Spending leisurely walks around the town or getting lost in their shops are much more rewarding and enriching experiences. Plus, it's better to have some bonding time with your travel mates than having to rush from one place to another.
Don't talk to strangers
This rule may be followed in other circumstance, but when on the road, Celine Murillo of Celineism.com encourages travelers to converse with people they don't know.
"Traveling is supposed to help us connect, so this rule should be broken generously. Be cautious but trust that people are good because they almost always are. A fellow from Yorkshire said it best -- bad guys are in the minority even though they seem to get all the publicity. People love to help out if you just ask nicely, and strangers have the best stories!"