28 things worth knowing before you start traveling

Chris Guillebeau published some interesting thoughts on 28 things I wish I’d known before I started traveling on Anderson Cooper’s 360 Blog. Some of them are informative, some are common sense, and some will make you laugh even if this was not the author’s intent. For example:

26. Be prepared to represent your country, whether you care about politics or not. For better or worse, many people will expect you to know a lot about politics in your home country and how governmental decisions in one country affect the lives of people thousands of miles away. Don’t say you’re from Canada unless you really are.

If conversation gets so contentious that you feel compelled to lie about your nationality, Guillebeau offers some better advice: “Always point out that a government’s actions and the beliefs of an individual (e.g., yourself) are not always the same”. You can also do like I do, walk a few feet away from the conversation and find some art or merchandise to look at, stare out the window at a scenic view, discover an important email or text on your phone or computer (if you have one on you) – or if possible tactfully change the subject to something neutral like cuisine or the weather. I will say having to spend a few minutes in a cab with some anti-health care reform types during my latest trip to the USVI was singularly unpleasant but I didn’t dialogue with them and focused on the scenery instead. In a few minutes our shared ride was over and my vacation calm was restored. Click here to read the rest of Chris Guillebeau’s tips. You’ll learn a lot.