The Overhead Bin
Loose thoughts. Light baggage. Nothing liquid over 100ml.
Travel gives you plenty of downtime and just as many strange thoughts to fill it. These are quick observations, half-truths, and travel realizations that tend to strike me while I’m on the road. I usually post them as Substack Notes, but those don’t always show up unless you’re in the app (or blessed by the algorithm). So, for a Friday, I thought I’d share a roundup from the last two months. Hopefully, you’ll find a few insights worth carrying with you or at least something that makes you smile.
On Planning & Packing
People often ask me, how should I budget for a trip. It’s simple, really: 10% accommodations, 15% transport, 75% snacks.
If it all went to plan, you probably planned too much.
Every packing cube is just a smaller version of your original problem.
At the Airport
I love walking through airport duty-free because it lets me imagine who I’d be if I bought a 24-karat gold facial serum at 6:33 a.m.
On the Plane
The window makes me feel like I’m in control of my journey. The aisle makes me feel like I’m in control of my bladder. I haven’t yet figured out how to do both.
The most exciting part of flying is when the stranger diagonally in front finally picks what we’ll be watching.
On the Go
Every city walking tour comes with a free expert who isn’t the guide.
One child’s meltdown in public can explain a culture better than most guidebooks.
Never trust a 4.9-star restaurant with 2,000 reviews.
The phrase “just a short walk” has destroyed more relationships than jet lag.
Nothing makes you feel like a local faster than complaining about other tourists.
On Comfort & Amenities
The robe in the hotel closet is there to tempt you into becoming someone decadent and unrelatable.
The more “authentic” the experience, the worse the bathroom.
On Reflection & Return
At some point, it’s less about doing more and more about making sense of what you’ve already done.
I’m planning to make this a recurring series, so if anything here struck a chord (or made you laugh), I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
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Thanks for the chuckle this morning!