Q – I think we are a bit obsessive when we travel. My wife and I, both college professors, one a robotics scientist the other a psychologist, start a handwritten three-ring binder in preparation for every trip we take. The obsessive part, I suppose, is that we start our binder exactly two years to the day prior to our anticipated departure. It has worked well as a system for us although it is clearly not for everyone. Your site is among our favorites as much for the “attitude” as the honesty. Our next trip is going to involve 17 days on our own. (We know you suggest guides in Japan) and we have it fairly well mapped out. We were wondering if there was one major piece of advice you might want to share that might not be in our notes. Not so much looking for places as we are for approach. Anything we should do differently traveling in Japan we might not have done in our previous travels to Nicaragua, Jordan, or Sri Lanka?
A – You know, there is something poetic we love about your approach. You sound fearless – an important characteristic of the best exploration travelers. Allow us two recommendations: As you wander, many of those you encounter will not speak English. Carry a phrase sheet with you so you can can point to what you need. Include emergency assistance. Our primary recommendation is that you schedule specific days to simply get lost. Don’t carry your phone on those days – leave it all to chance and the kindness of those you will meet along the way. If you find your way back to your lodgings in time for dinner – fine. But if you’re late that is OK as well. Go off the tourist track with the express purpose of getting lost and the most amazing things will happen. But do hide some serious cash inside your socks. Getting lost is the secret sauce in truly memorable travels.
