This post was inspired during my recent 24 hour drive from Hamza’s home in Cardiff to my home in Hong Kong. Multiple connections combined with various modes of travel always result in exciting surprises. And then the movie ‘Up in the Air’ provided a little more impetus. Many frequent travelers learn a few “tricks of the trade” and develop certain attitudes that help them deal with the stress of traveling and stay sane. And I think some of these provide useful life lessons:
1. Travel light. It is perhaps the most important tip for traveling. Packing a smaller suitcase requires planning, discipline, and a focus on the essentials. Save time at check-in counters. It is easier to unpack. Less clutter means better focus and less chance of leaving something behind. It can also continue in the short term. Doesn’t that apply to life as well? Whether it’s your desk/desk, wallet/purse/purse, wardrobe or the house… less stuff means less clutter, less time wasted searching for things, less energy on maintenance. The same goes for having thousands of ‘friends’ on Facebook, receiving tons of spam, keeping dozens of credit cards…the list goes on. Less is more; lighter, better; quality over quantity.
2. Be prepared for surprises. You learn during the trip that not everything is under your control and that things don’t always go according to plan. Flights may be delayed or cancelled; their special food on board is often mixed; bags don’t always make the connection; hotels may be overbooked; The Internet doesn’t always work… And it’s not because the world is conspiring against you and everyone is after you. You can accept these situations calmly or you can fight and argue and get angry. I often remind my pesky fellow travelers: There are usually three reasons a flight is delayed: something is wrong with the plane, the pilot, or the weather. And I’m glad you found out while we’re still on the ground. The same applies to life. Despite great intentions and excellent planning, things go wrong. And we have to learn to distinguish between situations (which cannot be changed) and problems (which can be solved). Unfortunately, many people waste a lot of their time and energy struggling with situations.
3. Enjoy the moment. Just like unpleasant surprises, there are often unexpected pleasures in travel. It can be the most beautiful sunrise on the horizon from your window seat, a divine local meal, an unforgettable encounter with a stranger, and other unplanned memorable experiences. At such times, you don’t want to continue reading the book or checking your email on the iPhone or replying to an SMS. In an era in which electronic communications allow us to be permanently connected (and distracted) with the virtual world, it is exciting to be immersed in one place, in one moment. When you travel, you can embrace the privilege of witnessing life as it happens before your eyes. This attitude does not have to be limited to travel. For all the joys of the virtual world, there’s no substitute for real-life conversations and connections with the people and places around you. Even at home, there are good reasons to disconnect from the world and really connect with the people you love.
Do you have any interesting experiences from your travels? Or any advice for life? Please share through comments.
