# 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.
Not found
This page does not exist