# Lessons on: Traveling As I prepare for a trip to my old home state of California over Memorial Day weekend, I find myself reflecting on the lessons I learned during my first major trip earlier this year. Every trip teaches you how to become a better and more efficient traveler. So, I figured, why not share this in a public space? Over time, these lessons may help someone else. _**Entries will be sorted by newest to oldest**_. ## Palm Springs, 2025 **Purpose**: Work **Method**: Air Travel This is in the preparation phase of planning. **Considerations** We will be staying in the Yucca Valley region of the Palm Desert, in February. The desert can get deceptively cold at the night, and windy. We should bring a wind breaker/rain jacket in addition to our normal outfits. Our [Unbound Merino](https://unboundmerino.com) gear we have been very slowly accruing will do us well there. There are plenty of grocery stores nearby, but getting quality items like good [[Match is just very tasty|Matcha]] on the way in may be hard, so may need to bring some with us. **Lessons** - Don't assume the AirBnB has the things you need. - If you have laundry facilities, you absolutely are packing too much. - Lugging around a 15" macbook is a PITA. ## Los Angelas, 2024 **Purpose**: Fun **Method**: Air Travel For this trip, based on what I learned from the Hawaii trip, I will be traveling with only a personal item bag. Despite my research, I still haven't bought a camera. I also am not using noise-canceling headphones. **Lessons** - Bring your own shampoo and conditioner; don't assume it's available. - Bring lotion, for same as above. - We still packed too much clothes. - But we did need a long sleeve, which we did not pack. - When possible, talk to the locals. :) - LAX is a bad working airport once past security. - Don't assume showers will be halfway decent. - We still overpacked and every ounce counts after 20,000 steps. - My backpack was too big for this trip. I could have done with a 15-20L. - Minimise electronics, phone and iPad only next time unless it is for work. - Bring small, creative things to do. - Figure out the bathroom situation **Gear purchase or change** - Merino wool clothes - Moisture wicking underclothes; ex-officio? ## Hawaii, 2024 **Purpose**: Work **Method**: Air Travel **Lessons** - Unexpected things will happen. - Boeing planes are really uncomfortable. - The exit aisle is great for legroom on Airbus planes, 99% of the time. - I need an aisle seat because window seats make me nauseous. - Avoid the low-quality snacks provided with your ticket; plan to bring your own snacks. - Eat breakfast, even if it's small. - Don't let the tour people give you a map. - Cold showers and no microwaves are more likely to happen; embrace it! **Gear Purchase or Change** - Get a travel-friendly camera that does the job but adds minimal weight. - Pack a single bag; this would have made the unexpected layover in Honolulu more enjoyable without extra luggage. - Invest in lightweight corded noise-canceling headphones.