Monday Musings: Three Things to Avoid as a Traveler

Hello, friends! As you read this, I’m likely staring at my suitcase, mentally packing and repacking for the fifteenth time. I’m off to Tokyo tomorrow, my favorite city in the world, and while I’ve traveled quite a bit over the years, packing always reminds me of my rookie days. Oh, the mistakes I made!

Travel is such a privilege, but let’s not sugarcoat it: it’s also stressful. To save you from some of the chaos, here are three things I’ve learned not to do when traveling. I hope my advice helps you have a smoother, more enjoyable trip!

Don’t Wear Brand-New Clothes or Shoes

Oh, the optimism of a freshly packed suitcase full of never-worn outfits. It’s cute, really. But here’s the truth: new clothes and shoes will betray you. That adorable dress? The armpits will rub you raw by Hour Two. Those trendy sneakers? They’ll morph into medieval torture devices once you hit your third kilometer of walking.

If you’re absolutely set on debuting something new (trips are exciting, and we all want to look great in photos after all), break it in first. Wear it to the grocery. Take it on a walk. Sit in it for an hour and see if it still feels good. The last thing you want is to spend precious luggage space on something you won’t touch after Day One. Oh, and don’t forget blister plasters. My favorite is the big waterproof bandaids that are Watsons brand. Just, you’ll thank me later.

Don’t Pack Your Entire Closet

Here’s a rule I live by: only fill half your luggage. Yes, half. Will it feel extreme? Absolutely. But let me explain why this is genius. First, it forces you to get serious about what you’re bringing. No more “but what if I suddenly need a sequin jumpsuit?” moments. (You won’t.) Everything you pack should work well together and actually get worn.

Second, and more importantly, it leaves room for the inevitable shopping. You and I know that you're not going to resist buying a few things. Whether it’s skincare, snacks, or that random mug you don’t need but somehow must have, you’re bringing something home. So save yourself the nightmare of sitting on your suitcase, crying while you try to zip it shut. Leave space. Future You will be so smug about this.

Don’t Forget to Be Present

Here’s a spicy take: stop trying to “win” at travel. We’ve all seen lists like “10 Things You Have to Do in Paris,” “Best Instagram Spots in Bali,” etc. And sure, it’s great to have plans. But if you spend all your time racing from one must-see to the next, are you really there?

Whatever your travel style is, whether you love ticking off every tourist spot or prefer a slower pace, make time to just exist. Put your phone away for a bit. Stop obsessing over the perfect shot. Watch the world move around you. Take mental notes of the little things: the way the air smells, the rhythm of the city, the quirks of its people. Those moments might not make it to Instagram, but they’ll stick with you longer than any photo.

Travel is a privilege and a joy, but it doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful. So, wear your broken-in shoes, pack light, and take a deep breath. Wherever you’re going, make sure you see it.

And if you have any travel tips of your own, or just want to share a mistake you’ve learned from, I’d love to hear them. Let’s swap stories in the comments. Until next time!