Don T's "7 Rules of Retired Traveling"
Why 7?
I thought hard about this. One could add literally "hundreds of tidbits" to this list. But, since the reader of this blog is most likely a fellow seasoned Nomad & Wanderer, I didn't think it was necessary to add mundane concepts like "make sure you have local currency" or "bring a electric adapter with you". No. This list was winnowed to capture the core concepts of how to maximize your experience as you take afield..... and 7 seemed the right number
Again, "Why 7?"..... The Number "7" has been in use often and widely:
- The number seven has many symbolic meanings in numerology, spirituality, mythology, psychology, and astrology.
- There are seven colors of the rainbow, seven chakras, seven days of the week, and seven continents.
- There are the Seven Wonders of the World.
- The number seven is featured extensively in Christianity, Judais, Hindi and other religions.
- The number seven forms the basis of Western musical scales.
- In Roman numerals, vii is the number 7, and the Roman numeral system is comprised of seven letters
- African Big Game hunters pursue the "Dangerous Seven" (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, crocodile & hippo)
- Been to Las Vegas? In dice, a "coming out roll" of 7 is a winner.... unless you have a point, then it becomes a loser. Rolling a "7" with 2 dice is a 16.7% probability ... but it is the HIGHEST probability!
- Now.... onto Don T's "7 Rules of Retired Traveling"
Rule 1: Extend The Stay
Go Early.... Stay Later.... You've already spent the time. money and effort to get to your destination. Why not go a day - or three - early "just in case" there are logistical issues? Take the stress out of Travel and rest up for the Adventure.
Rule 2: Take it "to the Top"
If your destination has a "cable car" - or Gondola, Tram, Funicular or Trolley, or any other way to get you "to the top" - take it. Yes, it will cost a few extra dollars, but you've just made a HUGE investment in cost & time. Just spend the few bucks more and see where it will take you.
I promise. It will not disappoint.
Rule 3: Get out at Night
Travel destinations take on a new look, feel and vibe at night. Get out of the hotel.... Find a place to go! Ask your Tour Manager - or the Front Desk - for a happening location. FaceBook is a great resource.
You can sleep on the bus... "Live!" ..... and get out there.
Rule 4: Take the Water Cruise
When in doubt, just do it. A city or destination will look differently from the water.
If you can water tour at night or during sunset, that is even better, such as Venice's Rialto Bridge by water bus - at night - above.
Rule 5: Explore Out Areas
Use a multi-day stay in one location/hotel to strike out and explore another area. As an example, during our stay in Dubrovnik, we took a day trip to Kotor, Montenegro. Different Country. Different Economy. Different Feel.
Rule 6: Organized Tours are a Great Way to Go!
Yes. I've done many self-guided tours. For these trips, I've arranged the logistics, hotels and flights - reading up on facts and figures of the destination.
This said, I REALLY enjoy organized travel. A professional Tour Manager will make arrangements and open your eyes to things you would never have known. PLUS there is the Safety Factor of having a local professional looking out for the pitfalls and danger spots. Give it a try!
Rule 7: To Fly First - or Economy?
This will be controversial, and there is no right .... or wrong answer. I have friends who will not fly unless there is a First Class seat attached.
While I will not turn down Business or First Class upgrades, when I book trips, I generally book Economy.
Why? Quite simply: the price point. When traveling internationally, a Business Class ticket often will cost more than the entire trip. Personally, I'd rather take the extra $$$ and book another 1 (or 2) trips. Besides, embracing Rule #1, I'm usually there 1-3 days early to unwind. Chalo!