At times it seems the world is conspiring to ruin even your best-laid adventure plans. Some things--like political turmoil, bad weather, and the Chinese government's Olympic paranoia--can't be helped. But the seasoned adventurer knows that adhering to a few simple rules can greatly enhance any journey, not to mention prevent some of those less pleasant experiences that have a bad habit of popping up along the way. Having said that, the unexpected is adventure, if embraced and prepared for. Oh yes: you can prepare for the unexpected. Not only that, you can put yourself in a position to squeeze the most out of your experiences. It's all up to you.
Thus, wandering wanderers, we give you the TOP 7 ADVENTURE MISTAKES...
PLANE FIXATION
{
WHY NOT TRY...
+ the bus
+ a shared jeep
+ a rental car
+ a motorbike
+ a bicycle
+ a train
+ a boat
}
At number seven: RELYING SOLELY ON THE AIRPLANE. When it comes to international travel, most adventurers appear to rely almost singularly on air travel. The convenience of the airplane is, of course, unmatched in terms of speed, but you may be surprised how often the journey from Point A to Point B can be accomplished using an alternative form of travel. Taking a bus can be a great experience as you cozy up with the locals and take in an on-the-ground view of the countryside. Buses also happen to be loads cheaper than a plane any day of the week. The same almost always goes for trains. Travelers are often surprised at how extensive many third-world countries' rail networks really are--use them! This is where adventure happens!
PUT IT AWAY
TOP RIP-OFF SCENARIOS
+ Your first night at a third-world hotel
+ Haggling in a crowded bazaar
+ Taxis, taxis, taxis
Next, one that any intrepid traveler finds annoying: GETTING RIPPED OFF. Ripping off foreigners is absolutely accepted practice in two-thirds of the world's countries. Find out how much things really cost before you get to wherever you're going. The big things to look up: accommodation, transportation, food, entrance fees, and typical souvenirs. Ask someone who's lived there or use the Internet--but find out. Too many would-be adventurers end up ripped off less than one hour into their journey. A note: while it's honorable to "not care" about this sort of thing, encouraging a system of dishonesty is probably not the best idea. Stick to your guns and demand fairness--for the sake of those who do operate honestly!
NOT GETTING OUT OF THE CITIES earns our fifth slot. How many times do travelers seeking adventure end up staying almost entirely in some big city? Balance your trip with long forays into more rural settings. It's outside of the noise and smog where that Journey element really comes to life. You'll see: the people are different, the sky is different, the wind is different. No, really--it is. How did the band Live put it? "In the country, stars shine bright." There's a whole new attitude out where Time has had less of an impact on things. Indeed, we always feel sorry for the people who say, "Yeah, I've been to Thailand," and we ask, "Where did you go?" and they answer, "Bangkok." The Thai countryside, like countrysides the world over, has so much to offer! Give it a chance! You won't be disappointed. In fact, you'll probably remember it more longingly than any other part of your adventure. At least, that's been our experience.
IN THE COUNTRY
Here's a biggie: NOT LEARNING A FEW PHRASES IN THE LOCAL LANGUAGE. Better yet, take the time to learn the real basics in the language of your adventure destination of choice; a whole new layer of meaning will be immediately added to the journey. Speaking the language--even in simple, rudimentary fashion--means you can mix with the locals much more freely, which brings a unique set of rewards that are completely missed by those who insist on only using hand-signs or conversing solely with fellow English-speakers.
NOT READING HISTORY has staked out our number three spot. To some, history is a bore. That's because it's usually presented in the form of dryly written prose and printed in some shoddy book. But great history writing is out there--and almost nothing will enhance your adventure more than knowing the history along your chosen journey's path. How many people visit Burma's Bagan without any historical knowledge of Theravada Buddhism? How many people visit Ethiopia but have never heard of the Derg? How many people enjoy the view from Tibet but have never heard of the infamous Seventeen-Point Agreement? How many people walk the streets of Gdansk but know nothing of the Teutonic Knights?
HISTORY BINDS
Here's one that can ruin a trip for some while opening up new avenues of adventure for others. It's a common mistake that can be prevented by changing one very important thing: attitude. So, at number two: NOT EXPECTING DELAYS, CANCELLATIONS, LOST BAGGAGE, AND OTHER INCONVENIENCES AND MISHAPS.
IT HAPPENS
There are two things you can do when faced with a particularly inconvenient flight cancellation: (1) fly into a rage, or (2) take the opportunity to take in more of the place. Or read a good book. Or chat with your newfound friend. Or eat one last vegetable jalfrezi. If the inconvenience means you have to delay your departure for more than a day, don't sit around the hotel--do something incredible (see #1 on the list). The secret is to expect this type of thing and roll with it. It's going to happen--count on it. Roads will close. Flights will be canceled. Hotels will lose reservations. This is life on the road. Welcome to the journey!
{
"OPEN DAY" ACTIVITIES:
+ A day-trek somewhere off the beaten path
+ Rent a bike and go anywhere
+ Walk...and keep walking
+ Do two or three locally-suggested activities
}
OFF THE BEATEN PATH
And the number one adventure mistake? NOT PLANNING FOR "OPEN DAYS". What's an "open day?" It's a day, or string of days, that you've left wide open. This is the day you go find a bicycle and start riding. Where? Doesn't matter, just keep going. This is the stuff adventure is made of. Head into the desert. Head into the ocean. Head into the mountains. Head into the country. Walk around the city. Proper precautions should be taken, of course, but leave what happens up to fate--just for the day. What one stumbles upon haphazardly often turns out to be the most meaningful part of one's adventure.
At number seven: RELYING SOLELY ON THE AIRPLANE. When it comes to international travel, most adventurers appear to rely almost singularly on air travel. The convenience of the airplane is, of course, unmatched in terms of speed, but you may be surprised how often the journey from Point A to Point B can be accomplished using an alternative form of travel. Taking a bus can be a great experience as you cozy up with the locals and take in an on-the-ground view of the countryside. Buses also happen to be loads cheaper than a plane any day of the week. The same almost always goes for trains. Travelers are often surprised at how extensive many third-world countries' rail networks really are--use them! This is where adventure happens!
Next, one that any intrepid traveler finds annoying: GETTING RIPPED OFF. Ripping off foreigners is absolutely accepted practice in two-thirds of the world's countries. Find out how much things really cost before you get to wherever you're going. The big things to look up: accommodation, transportation, food, entrance fees, and typical souvenirs. Ask someone who's lived there or use the Internet--but find out. Too many would-be adventurers end up ripped off less than one hour into their journey. A note: while it's honorable to "not care" about this sort of thing, encouraging a system of dishonesty is probably not the best idea. Stick to your guns and demand fairness--for the sake of those who do operate honestly! 
NOT GETTING OUT OF THE CITIES earns our fifth slot. How many times do travelers seeking adventure end up staying almost entirely in some big city? Balance your trip with long forays into more rural settings. It's outside of the noise and smog where that Journey element really comes to life. You'll see: the people are different, the sky is different, the wind is different. No, really--it is. How did the band Live put it? "In the country, stars shine bright." There's a whole new attitude out where Time has had less of an impact on things. Indeed, we always feel sorry for the people who say, "Yeah, I've been to Thailand," and we ask, "Where did you go?" and they answer, "Bangkok." The Thai countryside, like countrysides the world over, has so much to offer! Give it a chance! You won't be disappointed. In fact, you'll probably remember it more longingly than any other part of your adventure. At least, that's been our experience.
Here's a biggie: NOT LEARNING A FEW PHRASES IN THE LOCAL LANGUAGE. Better yet, take the time to learn the real basics in the language of your adventure destination of choice; a whole new layer of meaning will be immediately added to the journey. Speaking the language--even in simple, rudimentary fashion--means you can mix with the locals much more freely, which brings a unique set of rewards that are completely missed by those who insist on only using hand-signs or conversing solely with fellow English-speakers.
NOT READING HISTORY has staked out our number three spot. To some, history is a bore. That's because it's usually presented in the form of dryly written prose and printed in some shoddy book. But great history writing is out there--and almost nothing will enhance your adventure more than knowing the history along your chosen journey's path. How many people visit Burma's Bagan without any historical knowledge of Theravada Buddhism? How many people visit Ethiopia but have never heard of the Derg? How many people enjoy the view from Tibet but have never heard of the infamous Seventeen-Point Agreement? How many people walk the streets of Gdansk but know nothing of the Teutonic Knights?
And the number one adventure mistake? NOT PLANNING FOR "OPEN DAYS". What's an "open day?" It's a day, or string of days, that you've left wide open. This is the day you go find a bicycle and start riding. Where? Doesn't matter, just keep going. This is the stuff adventure is made of. Head into the desert. Head into the ocean. Head into the mountains. Head into the country. Walk around the city. Proper precautions should be taken, of course, but leave what happens up to fate--just for the day. What one stumbles upon haphazardly often turns out to be the most meaningful part of one's adventure.