Lady´s Lessons for Life on the Road |
Hotel - Don´t open food or beverages in your hotel room unless you like sleeping with roaches. - Always look at 2 hotel rooms before picking one (price and quality are not relative). - When looking for hotels in your guide book always choose clean over cheap, homey, or a ¨backpacker´s favorite. - It is not a good sign of the quality of the establishment when all the other guests are checking in without luggage. (In addition, you will normally have noisy neighbors.) |
Packing - Pack less. We carry less than most and we still have too much. - But, pack a sarong (even if you are a man). We have used ours as a short skirt, a long skirt, a pillowcase, a beach blanket, a towel, a sheet to protect against bed bugs, and in hotels with communal bathrooms they are perfect for walking to the shower. - Don´t leave wet clothes in a plastic bag for more than 24 hours. - Always carry extra water. - Always carry food with you (peanut butter, crackers, cookies). You never know when you will miss a meal. - Take a sewing kit. You might have to repair your backpack. - Never carry more than a few dollars in your pocket. |
Misc. - In large cities or risky areas, carry your backpack on your chest. - Check out cultural events at the local theatre and ask about upcoming festivals and parades. - Always accept gifts of fruit. It shows honor abd respect when a foreigner dines with a local. - Make friends with other travellers. - Be prepared for your personal space to be invaded (especially on buses). - Museums are usually worth the cost. - Fast food (McDonald´s, Wendy´s) does not mean cheap food. - Having a car is more responsibility than we can handle. - Drink local drinks - especially the Nica rum. - Always try the fruit (no matter what it looks like). - Bargain shop for internet. The touristy areas normally have the highest prices. - Buy cokes and pre-packaged goods from street vendors. They work very hard. - Always confirm directions with 2 people. - Don´t take yourself too seriously. - Have fun. - Don´t forget to call home once in a while. - Ice cream always makes you feel better. |