Travel

#5 Things I Am Happy I Have Already Done - 5 Things I Wish I Had Done Earlier - Rebecca - Round the World

EXACTLY ONE MONTH UNTIL MY TRIP BEGINS.

On that note, I made a list of the top 5 things I am happy I have already done, and the top 5 things I wish I had done earlier.

One month to go the countdown really begins.

ONE MONTH UNTIL DEPARTURE!

5 Things I Am Happy I Have Already Done:

1. Started a travel blog a Twitter account

It took me a really long time to get my travel blog started, and to be happy with how it looks (see my post about travel blogging ).  Not to mention, actually writing blog posts! I am glad I didn t start it right before leaving.  I am also hopeful that my Twitter account will help me meet other travellers!  It is never too early to start networking.

Also, it is really important to see if you actually like blogging.  Blogging takes a lot more time than people think, so might as well see if you like it before committing to it while you travel.

2. Made a packing list

I did so much research to figure out what I wanted/needed to bring with me.  I made an extensive list, and I slowly bought the items I was missing.  This allowed me to be selective and look for sales. Some items were quick buys (one-stop shop at MEC), while other items took longer (see below for shoes). I included vaccinations, medical insurance, etc on this list, as they are all necessary purchases before getting on a plane.

3. Bought new shoes!

There is nothing worse than trying to break in a new pair of shoes while you are traveling.  I did that once, and after 3 weeks, I had a permanent pain in my left foot that took another month to heal.  This time, I did things differently, and I gave myself the goal of finding shoes ahead of time to spend at least one month walking around Montreal in them.  There will be no surprise-blisters for me! I bought a pair of walking/running shoes and I bought a pair of Birkenstocks (but only because I was peer pressured by one of my friends – she didn’t think my $2 old navy flip flops would do the trick).

Buying shoes my size actually took a really long time in Montreal, so I can only imagine trying to find shoes my size in SE Asia! Haha

I hunted all over for these. They are pink.

Number 4 5 are for the ladies out there.

4. I cut my hair!

Okay, so this wasn’t 100% for my trip, but it was definitely part of the decision-making process back in March when I first cut it.  Showering in hostels will be much easier and much faster with short hair.  I now absolutely love short hair – although I’m a bit nervous about my future haircuts in SE Asia.

5. Talked to my doctor about birth control bought a Diva Cup

Every female travel blogger has a Diva Cup on her packing list, because who really wants to find tampons in a foreign city? Not me. Before committing to the Diva Cup for your trip, make sure you try it first.

I have yet to find a blogger who mentions birth control.  So I spoke to my gyno, and I decided that staying on the pill was my best option.  I think it is important to talk to a doctor about this decision – and to also get a prescription ahead of time.  The pharmacy might need to order more stock, so better to be prepared in advance.

A photo of Barbados, just because it is beautiful.

5 Things I Wish I Had Done Earlier:

1. Actually deciding to travel

There is a long story behind my reason for delaying this decision – all job related.  I actually love my current job, which made it all the more difficult to pack a bag and get on a plane.  I officially decided the first week of September, and only bought my plane ticket to Beijing on September 8 th .  That was only 21 days ago, not even two months before I actually leave.  A little bit more time would have been beneficial :)

2. Starting my travel blog

Yes, I am happy I started it before the one-month pre-departure date, but I wish I had started it earlier, so I had more time to network.  As you already know, I only decided to travel a few weeks ago, but the moment I bought that plane ticket, I started my blog. A few more months building contacts and practicing my writing would have helped me out.

3. Getting into shape

I used to go to the gym quite a bit, and then I got sick and stopped going.  That was 5 weeks ago…

In one month, I am going to be carrying my belongings around with me, walking for hours, and hiking up many stairs. I do wish I had stayed on-track at the gym so my cardio wouldn’t limit me.  At least I have one month left to get in shape before departure.

Me in Hong Kong in 2012.

431 steps to get to the top of the Ten Thousand Buddha Monastery. Worth it? Yes.

4. Saving money

Ah – this one will be on everyone’s list.

I did save money on big expenses when I moved back home in June: rent, groceries, bills, etc. However, I didn’t slow down my spending on social events.  While I am really glad that I continued to have a social life, I definitely could have saved a lot more by cooking with friends instead of eating at restaurants, etc.  There is no need to be a hermit before long-term travel, but there are cheaper ways to be social.

I have to admit I do not know much about the history or even culture of the countries I am traveling to.  I wish I had spent some more time reading up on these countries.  Traveling is always a HUGE learning experience – I just wish I had started to educate myself earlier.

Anyone have some great travel books to suggest?