Key Takeaways
- When I was a kid, I was a Boy Scout. I made it pretty far too, but then I became a teenager, decided it was “lame,” and quit. As a Boy Scout, I learne
- One of the most important things you learn as a Boy Scout is their motto to always “be prepared,” and as I’ve grown up and traveled the world, I’ve fo
- Stepping out your door into the unknown is what makes travel so exciting. Each day brings endless possibility, but that possibility is for both good a
Last Updated: 6/22/23 | June 22nd, 2023
When I was a kid, I was a Boy Scout. I made it pretty far too, but then I became a teenager, decided it was “lame,” and quit. As a Boy Scout, I learned how to tie knots, camp outdoors, be a good citizen, play with knives, and got to have cool sleepovers.
One of the most important things you learn as a Boy Scout is their motto to always “be prepared,” and as I’ve grown up and traveled the world, I’ve found this to also be a travel truism.
You never know what might happen on the road.
Stepping out your door into the unknown is what makes travel so exciting. Each day brings endless possibility, but that possibility is for both good and bad. You may end up enjoying a day sightseeing in Paris — or getting robbed in Berlin. You may spend an amazing day on the beaches of Thailand — or suffer food poisoning in Costa Rica.
But if you’re prepared, you’ll be able to face whatever happens to you on the road:
1. Take Multipurpose Gear
Packing multi-use gear ensures you can easily adjust to changing conditions and helps reduce the amount of clothing you need to take. For example, I like pants that zip off into shorts, walking shoes that look nice enough for an evening out, and using my swim trunks as a pair of shorts. This saves both room in my bag as well as money since I don’t need to buy as much stuff. This always ensures you are dressed for any occasion (after all, who knows when you’ll suddenly find yourself invited to party?!).
Here are some posts on gear that can help you:
2. Carry a Small First Aid Kit
While you can find modern medicine anywhere in the world, I always carry a small first aid kit with a few essential items to be safe. I take Tylenol, stomach illness medicine, eyedrops, Band-Aids, scissors, hydrocortisone cream, antibacterial ointment, and a small supply of doctor-approved antibiotics. I’m usually able to find a pharmacy when I need one, but in case of an emergency, it’s good to have these items handy.
Here’s a detailed guide on putting together a first aid kit.
(And, on a similar note, here are 10 ways to avoid getting sick on the road.)
3. Pack a Small Flashlight
You’d be surprised how many travelers don’t carry one, but a flashlight or headlamp will prove to be invaluable when you suddenly decide to go caving in Panama, when your hike lasts longer than expected and nightfall sets in, or when the electricity goes out unexpectedly, which is not uncommon in a lot of places.
4. Carry a Reusable Water Bottle (with a Filter)
Carrying a reusable water bottle and filter not only saves you money as a traveler, but it also prevents tons of single-use plastic from ending up in landfills or the ocean. And yes, should an emergency arise, you’ll be prepared. Most people can survive for 3 weeks without food — but you’ll only make it 3 days without water. Never leave home without a reusable bottle and filter, so that even you’ll have access to drinkable water if you’re in places where drinking the tap water isn’t recommended. SteriPen and LifeStraw are both great options.
5. Learn Basic Phrases
Locals don’t expect you to be an expert in their language, but knowing how to say “hello,” “goodbye,” and “thank you” goes a long way. After all, wouldn’t you be annoyed if someone came to your home and expected you to know their language?
Knowing a few key phrases will not only make interactions easier, but it will also help you when you bargain for goods, order food, get lost, or need help.
Lonely Planet makes excellent pocket language guides for just about every language spoken, and Benny Lewis wrote this excellent guide on learning languages.
6. Study Nonverbal Communication
Most people interact using both verbal and nonverbal communication, so paying attention to facial expressions can help you appropriately read a situation, even if you don’t understand the verbal part. When you don’t know the language, keep calm and take a moment to read the feelings of the person. This has helped me defuse tense situations with taxi drivers, vendors, and hotel owners. Understanding nonverbal communication doesn’t happen overnight and it does take practice. Here are some helpful guides for getting started:
