MY BIG THREE: MAXIMIZING YOUR OVERSEAS TRIP IN 2013

1/10/2013

I’ve only been to handful of countries but I have picked up quite a bit when it comes to building a trip itinerary and maximizing your options. Usually, I average about five locations per 2 weeks. That may not sound like much but it’s the consideration of variables you need to look at. My big three are cost vs. value, effort vs. fulfillment, and complexity vs. convenience. As a foundation, I found these to be sound and fitting. They serve as gauges to estimating the total experience you will be getting on your dollar and your time. Use these guidelines or don’t. Regardless, I guarantee it will spur questions you never knew you had and answer ones you have always been asking.

THE BIG THREE SYSTEM

Like I said before, this system may not be the "be all- end all" solution to your overseas trip but they are things to consider in order to get the most out of it. Believe me, without planning through some of these points you could end up like this guy. And nobody wants to be so disillusioned and confused about their travel goals to the point where they are taking pictures of garbage. Travel safe, travel smart, and please don't travel special. You are representing your country when you step off that plane. My God, the urge to tackle this guy is insatiable.

Can you say absolute BADASS in pictures.....I think you can.

COST vs. VALUE

The most resounding of the three and there is a good reason for it. Cost vs. Value is a principal etched in our modern financial DNA. When you were a kid you were taught this concept. But the price paid in a transaction is not only financial. It can involve other things that you may be giving up. For example, in addition to paying money you may have to spend time learning to use a product, pay to have an old product removed, and close down current operations while a product is installed or incur other expenses. Similarly value does not always mean monetary value. Is this something you always wanted?, something personally fulfilling?, will it yield future or long term benefit?, does it provide a return? In the military this can be associated with what is called 2nd and 3rd order effects. I knew a few commanders who used to preach it as they’re keystone. It got annoying but it’s true. Everything has a 2nd and 3rd order effect. When applying this principal to travel I always broke things down like this:

1.Time- You know the saying, “Time is money”. Nothing can prove that to you more than when you are traveling. Don’t try to squeeze too much in. You can prevent this by factoring in needed sleep and transit times so you don’t put too much on your schedule before you leave.

I break it down into “free time” (time spent at your destination, doing activities etc.) and “transit time” (time used during transit btw locations, time zone fluctuations, etc.) Remember, if you change time zones you may lose time or will need to factor in sleep/rest cycles.

2.Safety- Have you weighed any potential safety risks of this trip? Not to sound like nervous nelly over here (very far from it). At a minimum understand the potential injuries you might sustain for each activity you planned. Always take a small first aid kit with you. And please, see what’s inside of it before you leave. You would be surprised at how much useless crap they put in there. Replace things and customize for what you are doing. Usually I will end up taking away and adding a lot, especially things like moleskin for blisters and additional antibacterials for cuts. Just in case this shit happens...

3.Resources- If you think you will head off to an overseas destination and just “pay as you go” you will most likely find yourself wasting valuable time and money. BLUF: THIS IS A BAD IDEA. I’m not saying show up with a pallet of crap but you need to think about the essentials which I’ve covered in previous blogs. One of the biggest things people forget is international power converters. My first overseas trip to Italy almost ended with us burning down a hostel……… (bad news bears).

Now we’ve got a snapshot of cost. Value can also be broken down to help estimate things better. These are the benefits, and who doesn’t like reviewing the good stuff?

1.Satisfaction- This one may seem silly. I mean who would choose to go somewhere or do something that isn’t satisfying to them? That’s a good question and my answer is 1(laziness) or 2(for someone else). Before you go somewhere you should think long and hard about what really makes you feel fulfillment, (not just a spur of the moment 3 week hiking trip to Nepal). Personally, I like accomplishment; getting into an area, roving through the back streets (safety permitting) and finding that hidden something (singing w/ a band in Ireland) or (living in a shoe in New Zealand). Find one thing that would make the whole trip “worth it” for you. Secondly, if you are going with someone involve them in the planning process and come up with a plan together. It will help each person do or experience something they weren’t thinking about.

1.Longevity- Is there any permanent or long term benefit to this travel? Building or strengthening old family ties? Information gathering with people in an area that you want to live in the future? Or are you just trying to build your cultural consciousness and world knowledge? Maybe all three? There are a multitude of lasting benefits to travel contrary to the common notion I hear from non-travelers that you are spending money and receiving nothing for it. My long term benefit is the photography. Permanent images marking where you planted your feet all around the world is pretty cool. You can read more tips and thoughts on Photography in my previous blog entry.

1.Return- Sort of an odd concept but some of us out there are blood thirsty capitalists always "trying to beat the Jones" in the name of the almighty dollar. Personally, that’s not me. But I must say, overseas travel does afford you the unique opportunity for some major profit. Whether it’s buying Jade stone in New Zealand, Kangaroo skins in Australia, or Persian rugs in the United Arab Emirates, there is a profit potential there. Like any investment, or in this case, dare I say “gamble” you can lose money.For those dangerous people out there you may want to stock up and re-sell. Find out what the valued items of the country are and gauge the price point.

Me with my tanned Kangaroo skin in Australia. I was putting together my battle uniform. I just need to go find a sword now.

EFFORT vs. FULFILLMENT

What I’m talking about are the sometimes inconvenient costs of travel vs. the total satisfaction you’re getting out of the event, activity, or location. A good example of this for me was going to Pisa to see the leaning tower. It took an overnight train ride, a 2am stop at Bologna, and a 4 mile walk (with packs). in the rain, through the city. Not to mention the dozens of aggressive North African street salesmen pushing crappy bootleg items in your face. We had yell at them in English and Italian to back off every time. If you ask me to do a effort vs. fulfillment comparison I think you know where I’m going. The way I do this is not perfect since the “effort” piece can involve a bunch of unanticipated factors/events.

1.Transit/Connections- A true traveler always recognizes that the trip is half the journey. You should take it all in while en route. In the end you want to get to your destination and explore though. If my transit time to get to a location is more than 1/4 of the time I’m spending there I may need to reconsider how crucial or valuable that location is.

2.Cost- How much money is it costing you to get to this place? Consider transit, food, drink, and other services such as guides or equipment rental. If you are getting a ferry or bus pass consider how much you will be moving around the area and opt for a multiple day pass.

3.Homework- Have you done your homework about what this place has to offer? Think about how much you’ve done on this specific place or event. If it’s costing considerable about of time and money then you should have done substantial research. This is the best way to avoid “tourist traps”. Use local blogs and review sites (Tripadvisor) to figure this out. What the people say is the truth, not what commercial websites are telling you. See my links page for some reliable sources.

COMPLEXITY vs. CONVENIENCE

I think when people hear the word complexity they treat it negatively but that isn’t the case. By answering the following questions you can get an idea of which way to lean on this comparison.

Q. Are you trying to learn anything from this trip? Learn about the culture?, the language?, the people?

Arnaldo Pomodoro (born 23 June 1926) is an renowned Italian sculptor. He currently works in Milan, Italy. This is the globe in the Vatican Museum, Italy, 2009.

This globe can be found in the Vatican Museum, Trinity College, Dublin, the United Nations Headquarters in New York, and the Tel Aviv University, Israel. It is also at a handful of American Universities.

A. If this is the case, write and log your travels. If you are curious about something take a picture of it. You can research it later. This may seem boring but it has its rewards. In Italy I came across this "Globe" sculpture and it fascinated me so I took a pic of it. A year later, I stumbled upon the same exact sculpture..... in Ireland.

Globe at the Trinity College, Dublin in 2010.

Q. Are you trying to globally network, create standing friendships and links with others?

Some sites to look at are right here. They can range from arranging places to stay, to group events, to mystery dinners, to farming around the world for the truly adventurous. .

A. Many people truly cherish the ability to meet the people of the place where they are going. Interacting with the local culture and actively participating in can be an invaluable experience. It doesn't happen as spontaneously as people think though.

To check out more global networking try WWOOFING. What the heck is that? Read my blog about it here.

Q. Do you want to relax in one place or do you want to move? How many places would you like to see in the country? What does each have to offer you?

I have traveled to 3 different countries for just over 2 weeks each. I averaged 3-4 total location changes during my travels. Big cities (4-5 days) towns (2-3 days). That is my general rule. Of course, sometimes you have to make adjustments (i.e. Christchurch, NZ all but destroyed by earthquakes pictured above. Only spent one night here.

A. This can be a big fiction point. Personally I recommend staying away from one nighters in different locations. You will feel like your always in transit instead of enjoying where you are. It over complicates lodging and exhausts you.

See what the business hrs are on any given day and when you will be arriving. Many European countries are as accustomed to "late night" everything like we have in the States. Especially in small towns or outside of major urban districts. This was the case in the Republic of Ireland as well as New Zealand.

Q.How isolated will this trip be, cities or country? Will you be interacting with wildlife or hiking through the woods?

My wife suiting up in the pontoon boat just off the coast of Kaikoura, NZ.

Swimming with wild Fur Seals off the coast of New Zealand,amazing yes. Dangerous definitely; not the seals, the sharks that eat them. I failed to consider these things. Like anything great, it comes with assumed risk. Just do what you can to mitigate (i.e. gloves, repellents, protective clothing) or in this case saying a few prayers = )

A. This one is just pure planning. Scope out what adventure activities you may be considering, especially something with wildlife. Most of the time you will need to book in advance. Throw a day pack together with what you need. Gloves, repellent, sunglasses, and a knife are usually what I need. For packing information see my previous blog about packs and prep.

Rule #1 don't leave your shit on the roof and drive through open zoo enclosures. In fact don't use your car either.

START SAVING...

Make a fun new years resolution to yourself this year and start saving for your overseas trip. Indonesia, South Africa, Croatia, Morocco, Thailand, Turkey, Spain, Tasmania, the choices are endless. There's a lot of stuff out there people; 2013 is your year. I start socking away a bit every month in favor of other stuff (movies, coffees, clothes, electronics, etc.) When I think I'm about to falter its as easy as getting on Google images and typing in where you want to be. Even better, start getting your plan together. It will make you realize that this is going to actually happen, it just takes discipline and choices. You will get there sooner or later. Don't give up before you ever start. Good luck and as always, Great Travels!