Pack light or suck it up. You’ll appreciate (or not) the natural Body Pump-ness of being stressed out, in a rush, picking up or pulling HEAVY luggage and getting around in a metro or tube. With multiple changes. And endless stairs. Or cobblestone. And lots. And lots. Of people. That, and material things don’t mean THAT much anyway.

Get lost. You learn your surroundings that way… you also learn a lot about yourself. You CAN do it. And you also burn more calories.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help or directions when you really need it. Swallow that pride.

Make an attempt to speak the language or apply the culture. Duh, you don’t have to change everything you are… just make an attempt to empathize. Locals appreciate the respect and the effort.

Don’t complain. PARTY POOPERRR. Doesn’t fix the situation.

Expect the unexpected. Shiz happens. Sometimes, things will go wrong. Don’t panic. You’ll walk the wrong way. You’ll take the wrong train. You’ll choose a bad hostel -_-. You’ll lose something important. The worst thing to do is to stress… just relax and be smart. You’re alive and breathing… it will be okay.

Spend smart. Money seems to slip right through your fingers if you’re not careful. Yeah, you’re on vacation. But don’t let the tourist traps get the best of you… it’s hardly where the good stuff is, anyway.

Smile often. Maybe not to the sketch guy on the corner or the gypsy who is trying to pickpocket you… but some common courtesy and genuine kindness go a long long looooong way. Sometimes you might FEEL like you’re being nice, but that stank face of yours is telling a completely different story.

Find what YOU like. You’ll get recommendations, tips, advice… take ALL of that, and be thankful for it. But at the end of the day, their cup of tea might not be yours. Find yours! Everything that makes you YOU, and what comprises what tickles your fancy is completely unique to someone else. The coffee shop that your friend hates might be your FAVORITE. The art that your aunt or uncle appreciate might mean jaaackk shieettt to you. Banksy created great art, but so did a thousand other people. Your gems are waiting to be found, but only by you.

Soak it in. Don’t take TOO many pictures to where you can’t just sit, observe, and enjoy yourself. Take in the sights, the sounds, the feeling… because you only get that moment ONCE. Then take a quick picture, and remember how you felt. Not that you just got a great picture.

Be nice to everyone you meet. Trust me… you might need them at one point.

Stay hydrated. Stay healthy. Soooo easy to forget that you are human and you need food, water, and SLEEP. And a comfy place to pee and poop. I’m just being real.

Be thankful everyday. You’re not here on some random strike of luck. You may think you are “Miss” or “Mister” Independent, but you didn’t get there on your own. Whether it be verbalized support, financial backing, company, thoughts, prayers, or straight up GOD… someone somewhere helped YOU. Acknowledge the big things, the little things, everything and everyone in between. Your journey will be waaayyy sweeter and much appreciated.

THEN I REALIZE… that these lessons don’t just apply to being abroad or traveling. Everyday, y’all. Everyday. Adding to this later, obviously…

<3