Someone Wants To Know, “What Is Your Most Obscure Yet Vital Travel Tip?” And 30 People Chip In

Bored Panda got in touch with veteran traveler Jon Miksis, from the Global Viewpoint travel blog and we were gracious enough to answer some of our questions. We wanted to know what would be your number one tip or resource for a novice traveler looking for advice? "Nowadays, there's an app for everything, so it's never been easier to research, plan, and book vacations. So instead of recommending specific tips or resources, here is some general advice that is no less impactful..."

My single greatest piece of advice is to stay open-minded and flexible when you travel. Having this mindset will make your travel experiences that much more enriching. Here's why: When you step foot in a foreign place, you are immersing yourself in a different culture, with its own customs and way of life. Embrace the opportunity to learn and understand these differences. Immerse yourself in local life by trying their cuisine, chatting with locals, and participating in cultural activities."

"For instance, if you find yourself in Morocco, dive into the world of its souks and haggling culture. Wander through the bustling markets of Marrakech or Fes, where vibrant textiles, intricate ceramics, and aromatic spices awaken your senses. Engage with local artisans and shopkeepers, learning the art of bargaining and gaining insights into their crafts. These interactions will not only enrich your understanding of Moroccan craftsmanship but also create a deeper connection with the locals, leaving you with lasting memories of Moroccan culture."

"Be open to whatever comes up. And when you see things that don't align with your preconceived ideas or expectations, or otherwise make you feel uncomfortable, take a step back and try to understand the context behind them. This will help you broaden your horizons and gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity in the world. Flexibility is another key aspect of a successful travel experience. No matter how meticulously you plan, there will always be unforeseen circumstances that can alter your itinerary. Flights get delayed, transportation systems may be unreliable, or weather conditions may force you to change your plans."

"Rather than letting these obstacles dampen your spirits, view them as opportunities for unexpected adventures. Embrace the detours and explore alternative routes or activities. Sometimes, these unexpected turns lead you to hidden gems that aren't found in guidebooks or travel blogs. Serendipity often rewards the flexible traveler."

We also wanted to know if the idea of “travel tips” is overrated and if people should just learn from experience, or if is it best to go prepared. "I think that like anything else in life, balance is key. While it's helpful to have a rough guide of what the trip will look like, being overly prepared is not the answer. It's a good idea to equip yourself with some tips that will make traveling easier and more convenient, but do not go overboard with this. Ultimately, the best way to learn and grow through travel isn't by reading, but by doing. Though researching in advance will help you save money and avoid some mistakes."

Lastly, we also wanted to hear if Jon had any horror stories or expectedly positive stories. "Thankfully, I don't have any horror stories from traveling, though I do have my fair share of challenging moments. When I was in Bali earlier this year, I crashed into a ditch on the side of the road while riding a moped. I ended up with some ugly scrapes and bruises, and was totally shaken up by the experience. But I was also blown away by the kindness of the locals, who pulled over to help me out of the ditch and help me look for my phone.".

"One guy spent 15 minutes alone searching through brush and shallow water with his bare hands to help me find it. Afterward, when I was walking the bike back to my accommodation (it was unusable), two more locals pulled over and helped escort me to a nearby mechanic shop down the road. Up until this moment, I knew the Balinese locals were kind and friendly, but this experience really showed me just how warm and caring they are." You can find more information on the Global Viewpoint travel blog, Jon's Instagram, and TikTok.