the lazy travelers’ 63 laws to travel by

Once upon a time, we had a semi-regular feature full of our very best travel wisdom. We called it Laws to Travel By, and it was a mix of our own grievances, common sense, and social norms.

Nearly every week, we’d post a new and snappy little quip, encouraging people to travel better, smarter, and more self-aware.

As we clean up our site a bit, we thought it best to compile these all in one place. Read on, take notes, and hopefully nod along, fellow travelers.

laws to travel by #1 // walk the way you drive.

We’re not saying wear a blinker and carry a horn. We’re saying that there is never a reason for the awkward which-way-do-i-go sidewalk dance. And there’s never ever a reason to go booking it down the sidewalk with nary a care as you slam into unsuspecting pedestrians on your way to the most important place on earth. Would you do that with your car? Then don’t do it with ya legs, thanks.

laws to travel by #2 // keep it down!

No matter where you are, there should be an international law regulating public transportation etiquette. Whether train, plane, or automobile, the people next to you (or ten rows away from you for that matter) don’t want to hear your phone conversation with your bff. There’s nothing worse than settling down with your Kindle for a long journey and having to re-read the same page five times because the people behind you are deliberating the meaning of life.

laws to travel by #3 // enter and exit with purpose!

Be it escalators, elevators, subway cars, or airport people movers, please, we beg of you: enter and exit with gusto. If entering, move immediately to the side to allow others to do the same. If exiting, decisively pick a direction. Alternatively! Step to the side while you pick your nose and stare into the abyss. Just please, please, please get out of the way of everyone else who knows how to function in society. If you stop in front of us because you don’t know which way you should go, then we’ll show you. Spoiler Alert: it will be down onto the floor via two handed shove (in our passive aggressive daydreams, at least).

laws to travel by #4 // stop and smell the roses.

It’s your first time in a foreign city and you feel totally obligated to go to that museum and see that one statue. You gotta visit that old church. Obviously, you just HAVE to take a picture with that famous thing that everyone talks about! We’re here to tell you that you don’t. You really, really don’t. Sure, there are tourist attractions everyone must see — you wouldn’t go to Paris without laying eyes on the Eiffel Tower, mais oui. But for the most part? We advise you to slow down, take a breather, and just enjoy the scenery. Make a list of everything you should see and do on your trip, then cross out about 50% of it. The extra time you gain will allow you to really savor everything you DO see.

laws to travel by #5 // try everything.

There is nothing worse than traveling with someone who refuses give things a try. We’re not saying you have to go bungee jumping if you have a debilitating fear of heights! But here’s our real pet peeve: people who say “ugh I hate that” but have never ever actually tried whatever “that” is. Your mission for the weekend? Go to a restaurant, and sidle up for a few hours. Then sit back, and order the most random assortment of things on the menu. You may hate 50% of the things you order, true. But that means you found a bunch of new things you love, too.

laws to travel by #6 // make a few friends.

One of the major perks of traveling is the exposure to people of all different walks of life. Trust in us when we say: befriend them. Seriously, as many as you can. Whether they’re locals, expats, or traveling fanatics just like you, they are invaluable sources of information and insight. They might be able to guide you to that hole-in-the-wall pub that most tourists don’t know about. Or they may be able to tell you the best place to chow down on all the local cuisine. More than providing advice, meeting new people will enhance your trip tenfold. Some of our very best friends are people we’ve met while traveling and living abroad.

laws to travel by #7 // enjoy the moment.

As a supplement to #4: Stop and Smell the Roses, we’re offering a few more important words of advice: the grass is not always greener.

We’ve been guilty of this in the past, so we don’t blame you — a lot of the time it’s easy to look towards the future instead of savoring what’s going on right now. But when you’re traveling, its best to stay rooted in the present. Enjoy everything life has to offer you right then and there. Take a break from thinking about what’s next on your travel itinerary. Instead, try soaking up whatever that moment has to offer. In our world, this normally means we feel guiltless about finishing the entire baguette and wheel of brie.

We’ll let you decide what it means in your world… though we urge you to try the bread and cheese thing.

laws to travel by #8 // get a little uncomfortable.

Travel is all about taking yourself out of your comfortable, everyday life and plopping down in a world that may be a little unfamiliar. We’re here to tell you: embrace it. There’s nothing worse than traveling with someone who refuses to do something because they’re scared of the unknown. We like to stretch ourselves beyond our limits (see: riding camels through various deserts, driving cross-country in Ireland, a possible zip-lining canopy tour in Costa Rica). We think everyone else should too. Get a little dirty, go somewhere different, maybe try a little absynthe. You just might like it.

laws to travel by #9 // wake up early.

We know, WE KNOW. This doesn’t seem like advice for the lazy traveler, right? But listen up: the best thing about not having a schedule while traveling is that naps are totally ok! Stop and relax after a long day of wandering the streets of your new favorite city. Put your feet up when you’re done hiking from beach to beach on your new favorite island. Rise with the sun (or just by, like, 8 AM), get out there, and explore! You’ll be glad you made the extra time for yourself. Plus, after your mid-day nap, you’ll be ready to go for a late night of wining and dining.

laws to travel by #10 // trust your gut.

When it comes to travel advice, this one is pretty common. We find, though, that when people remind you to trust your instincts, they usually mean in terms of safety. Maybe this is our inner city girl talking but we feel like that’s a little “duh,” you know? Don’t stay anywhere you don’t feel safe, don’t go near anyone you think might be a creep, and don’t hang out in seedy neighborhoods at night. But we also pay attention to what our gut is telling us when it comes to making plans. You scheduled a day at the museum but would rather eat gelato and stroll along the Arno? Do it. Don’t force yourself to go see something that you’re not feeling. If it’s a flop, you’ll just regret the wasted day, and who knows where you’ll find yourself with a new free day ahead of you?

laws to travel by #11 // power through!

Everyone is fully aware that when traveling, there are things that are out of your control. The weather can turn at any second. Food poisoning can be lurking in any meal. If you don’t give yourself some rest time in between your daydrinking, sightseeing, and city-hopping, your health could turn on you.

DON’T PANIC.

A brief anecdote from the romantic: the hubs and I had to deal with food poisoning in Egypt, monsoon-like rain in Cinque Terre, and a serious head cold in Rome. All on our honeymoon. This could have easily turned into the worst trip ever, but we made adjustments.  We opted for room service and a movie on our last night in Rome instead of a fancy night out, for one. Now, after everything, we look back on our honeymoon as one of the best–and most us–trips we’ve ever taken.

So, travelers. Power through and adapt to changes as quickly as possible. Nothing is worse than traveling with a crankpants who can’t stop whining about how everything is going awry. We unfortunately also know that from experience, but that’s another story for another day.

laws to travel by #12 // be polite!

 In honor of yesterday’s Mother’s Day celebrations (we love you, moms!), we encourage you to get back down to the basics and remember your manners. Most important one while traveling? Excuse me. Excusez-moi, mi scussi, perdón. Doesn’t matter how you say it, just say it with a smile. Unless you’re being ironic and saying it as a necessary retort to someone who does NOT remember their manners.

Then we’re ok with a “well, EXCUSE me” snarl and sneer sort of situation.

laws to travel by #13 // learn how to hold your newspaper in public.

We’re kindle girls, but we can appreciate anyone who still reads an actual hard copy of the newspaper. What we can’t appreciate is that guy who stands in the middle of the train car with his arms held three people wide while he juggles his early morning edition of the Wall Street Journal.

But what’s the solution?

It turns out, newspaper folding is a lost art form, and we (plus the New York Times) are here to help. The romantic spotted a woman using this exact method the other day and was in serious awe. When she pointed it out to the hubs, he said he learned how to do the same thing at his freshman orientation. GENIUS. In case your own college didn’t think of these things, then you can check this out:

NYC; How to Hold, How to Fold: A Lost Art

You can thank us later. Or, you know, now. Whatever works.

laws to travel by #14 // reapply your sunscreen.

Yeah, we probably need to learn how to practice what we preach, but a weekend in Mexico for the romantic & LBI for the wino means we are both a little rosy this Tuesday morning. Every year it’s the same old story, and this summer we’re making a public declaration here and now: we vow to be better when it comes to getting burnt this summer.

laws to travel by #15 // be patient.

We’ll admit it: patience is not necessarily our forté. However, when it comes to traveling, sometimes you’re forced to just take a deep breath and count to ten. Travel plans rarely play out without a hiccup, so when something goes wrong, try your hardest to harvest your inner chi and remain calm. The last thing you want to do on your hard earned vacation is a let a little fit of impatience put you in the wrong kind of mood. And, when we find its hard to practice what we preach, we’ve found a glass of wine or a cold pint makes patience a whole lot easier to come by.

laws to travel by #16 // always have something to read.

In terms of travel, reading material is often regarded exclusively as a beach necessity, but we’re here to assure you that a book or magazine should be on hand at all times while on the road. More often than not, travel is a waiting game. Planes, trains, and automobiles can all take longer than expected, and there is nothing that passes the time quite like having something to read. A few of our travel-related favorites that have stuck with us? The Paris Wife (paired with A Moveable Feast, of course), The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, The Rules of Civility, and The Forgotten Garden. OH, and The Hunger Games. (duh).

But our biggest book-related advice? Buy an e-reader. Welcome to the 21st Century.

laws to travel by #17 // two wheels are better than none. (sometimes.)

It’s no secret that our preferred method of exploring is on foot. We love walking from neighborhood to neighborhood, finding new places as we please. But sometimes, like when you’re in a tiny town or on a remote island, walking isn’t the best way to explore, and being cooped up in a car isn’t the answer either.

So…rent a bike!

Pros? You’ll get to explore your surroundings in a different way, you’ll cover more ground, and it won’t take much convincing to reward yourself with extra wine (and cheese) (and dessert) at the end of a long day of biking.

ALSO. Bonus points: if you’re not a regular biker (aka haven’t done it since you were eight), there is a 100% chance that you will come away with a story. We certainly don’t believe “just like riding a bike!” to be true. On our most recent attempts, the romantic hit a parked car in Nantucket and fell in a ditch in Lucca, and the wino was blown over at the Jersey Shore. No, not during a hurricane.

But you know what? We DID pick ourselves up, brush ourselves off, and realize that we’re coming away with stories we wouldn’t be able to laugh about later had we not hopped on a bike. (Later clearly meaning over that well-earned bottle of wine).

laws to travel by #18. // learn to say “hello.”

Yes, learning the key words of the local language is important, but that’s not our main point, here. As two city girls, we’re not big into engaging strangers. And making polite conversation with anyone on public transportation is decidedly a no-no. BUT. When traveling in a new place, we need to push our usual reservations out of the way and open up a little bit. We may still keep to ourselves on mass transit, but when sitting at a local pub or stopping at a cafe for a mid-day cup of coffee (or, let’s be honest, glass of wine), turn to your neighbors, smile, and say hello.

laws to travel by #19 // challenge yourself.

Traveling is the perfect time to channel your inner daredevil. And we don’t just mean physically. Chances are, you are stronger and more capable than you probably think. We’re big proponents of getting out of our comfort zones and pushing ourselves to limits we never knew possible. Whether that’s shoving aside your fear of heights in order to climb to the top of a monument or overcoming your food anxiety by ordering the scariest thing on the menu: go for it. We dare you.

laws to travel by #20 // make it work.

So you’re out of vacation days, your bank account is negative more often than not, and the reality of taking any sort of trip is getting bleaker by the moment. We get it. We’ve both been there. Fortunately for us (and unfortunately for our bank accounts), traveling is in our bones, which means we’ll do pretty much anything to make it work. Now we’re not advising to throw all caution to the wind (though we won’t judge if you do), but we’re saying that if travel is as important to you as it is to us, there’s always a way to make it happen. You know, when there’s a will, there’s a way and all that jazz. Be on the constant look out for deals, try as hard as you might to pinch pennies where you can, and never ever ever let anyone tell you no.

laws to travel by #21 // live outside your traveler type box. 

Ok yes, we are big proponents of the “types of travelers.” And we stand by our type-casting! But lately, we’ve been feeling adventuresome. The wino has been biking all around the greater Washingon, DC area and has a black & blue finger from a recent boating excursion. Meanwhile, the romantic just spent a week with the hubs kayaking, ziplining, surfing, and hiking. It’s almost like we don’t even know our lazy, lazy selves.

Here’s the thing, though. While we’ve loved our recent flirtation with adventure, we know our heart sits at a cafe with a bottle of wine and a baguette with camembert. We just don’t want to miss out on what everyone else keeps recommending (…namely, all those #4’s & 5’s of the world). You shouldn’t, either.

laws to travel by #22 // eat local.

We don’t necessarily mean in the homegrown, CSA, farm-to-table sort of way (though that’s good, too). Instead, pick at least one meal where you hit up a local market, shop outside of the box, and make a meal out of your findings. Cozy up in a nearby park or on your hotel room balcony and dedicate some time to serious people watching. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a busy day of sight seeing and exponentially better if there’s some local wine thrown in the mix, too.

laws to travel #23 // take a walk.

When you first check-in to your hotel and drop off your luggage in your room, it can be overwhelming. What to do first?! Shower off the airplane skin? Raid the mini bar? Hop in the pool?

Though all of those options will do, we take a different approach. Rather than throwing on the room’s robe & slippers, we head right back out the door and go for a walk. Staying at a resort? Go for a little self-guided tour. Swing by all the restaurants, take a peek in the ballroom, and stop by the pool to scout out the best seats for maximum sun exposure. Visiting a new city? Exit the hotel and take a stroll around your new ‘hood.

This is the best way to get excited about your temporary digs and get a feel for the life outside your hotel room’s walls. Bonus points if you nail down the perfect breakfast spot and stop for a nightcap: both important to have just around the corner.

laws to travel by #24 // be aware of your surroundings.

Namely: always know where you are and who’s around you. This is probably good life advice, but it’s especially important when traveling. On a crowded subway with a giant backpack? Do everything you can to wedge yourself into a corner and not slam into fellow passengers. On a completely full bus? Hang up your cell phone and tell your inappropriate hilarious stories via text.

This one is less for you and more for the people around you, but we can tell you this: if you’re always concerned with how your behavior is affecting those around you, you’re far more likely to have an enjoyable trip experience. Life is just better if you’re not pissing off everyone around you.

laws to travel by #25 // prioritize.

Just face it now: you can’t do it all. If you’re heading off to a new destination for the first time with the expectation of seeing everything on your list, you’re doing it wrong.

It’s about the journey, not the destination, friends. Savor the time you have in this new place and don’t try and pack it all in. Instead, recognize before you go which places you’d be sad to miss and build your itinerary around these. We’re not bummed about missing Rome’s infamous Spanish Steps because, honestly? They weren’t high on our lists in the first place.

We, however, would be seriously bummed about missing the ridiculous Italian meals we opted for instead (or, in the wino’s case, the endless flow of vodka ananas).

laws to travel by #26 // don’t over think it. 

We speak from experience, travelers.

When we woke up last Thursday, it was a just normal day. We were nursing our hangovers, sending sassy e-mails. We had no idea that in a matter of hours we would be a little over two months away from five days in Switzerland. Sure, things magically fell into place in this case, but also: we weren’t quick to overanalyze, list all the reasons why we shouldn’t go, or spend 24 hours thinking things through.

We’re not saying don’t seriously think about your travel decisions, but seriously… don’t over think it either.

laws to travel by #27 // know how you want to spend your money.

It was a cruel day when we realized that we weren’t secretly born to wealthy aristocrats waiting to reveal themselves as our benefactors on our eighteenth birthday.

This really messed with a lot of our life plans (will we seriously never own our own islands?!), but it did teach us one thing: budgets are, unfortunately, kind of necessary.

Before you call bullshit on our whole anti-planning way of life, we’re not talking strict Excel-sheet budgets (despite the hubs’s best efforts to instill this in both of our lives). Instead, we like to have a general idea of how much we want to spend per day and then decide how much of that we want to spend on accommodations, excursions, and alcohol.

Because even worse than coming back from vacation? Coming back from vacation and realizing you spent three months worth of rent and will be sharing food with your cat (or pug!) for the next twelve weeks.

laws to travel by #28 // have a back-up travel plan.

Though the thought of getting stranded in a far off land might sound romantic. We’re not gonna lie, we were the teensiest bit jealous of the travelers stuck abroad during the Great Icelandic Volcano of 2010 debacle. But Sandy is making us realize: it can be seriously annoying.

We came across this post today, and it really drove home the point that if you’re traveling during potential bad weather, have a general idea of what you’re going to do if your travel plans go horribly awry. Because that post says it better than we can, we recommend you pop over, read up, and add #8: if all else fails, find a bar and drink your stranded sorrows away.

laws to travel by #29 // try to avoid traveling while hungover.

Yeah, we haven’t mastered this one, yet. But we CAN tell you that trains, planes, and automobiles are significantly less amusing when you feel on the verge of vomiting and have a killer headache.

Do as we say, not as we do.

laws to travel by #30 // treat yourself.

This just may be our theme for 2013, travelers, but it’s something we always make sure to do when traveling. Be it an afternoon tea break (with the champagne upgrade because, otherwise… hello? what is the point?) or a shnazzy new outfit to help you snap out of your funk after a week of wearing flats and jeans, just do it. Treat yourself! Chances are, you’ve been planning this trip for awhile. There is no reason you shouldn’t splurge on yourself at least once.

But, like, don’t over do it. Moderation, guys. Come on.

laws to travel by #31 // be excited.

Do you hear us?! BE EXCITED! Travel should be something to look forward to. Sure, there is the occasional obligatory trip, but we’re not talking about those. Sit down, plan a trip, and pick out what you’re going to wear each and every day. Now: feel the excitement. Why pretend you’re too cool for school? We don’t care how old you are: calendar countdowns and breaks to daydream at work are not only acceptable… we encourage it.

And furthermore, once you’re actually on the trip? Act like a little kid at Disney World! Never let yourself tire of seeing castles in Europe or snow in the Rockies. Fall in love with eating new food every single time, even if the food itself isn’t your taste. Ask questions!

Jaded is boring! But you, our little travelers, are anything but boring.

laws to travel by #32 // talk like a local 
(In New-York speak: t-aw-k like a low-cool… duh)

We’re sure we’ve stressed (read: complained about) this before, but nothing irritates us more than being in a foreign country and overhearing fellow Americans acting aghast when someone does not speak English. We’re preaching to the choir, but: if you’re in a non-anglophone country, why would you assume that everyone you come across should speak English? And even if you’re in an anglophone country… why would it enrage you if someone doesn’t?

When we travel, we always make an effort to learn the language basics we’ll need when abroad. Truthfully, sometimes we don’t get much further than the hello, please, and more wine (aka: the necessities) but the point is: we try. And you should too!

Also note: this rule doesn’t just apply to international travel. Even in the United States, our vernacular varies from place to place. Have you ever heard of a hoagie? You’d better, if you plan on visiting Philadelphia. Do you want to order soda in the Midwest? You must mean pop.

And lastly, as New Yorkers, we take the pronunciation of  “bagel” very seriously.

This may be the pot calling the kettle black, but stop being so lazy, you travelers! If we can muster up the energy to do a little pre-trip language research, so can you.

laws to travel by #33 // don’t jump the gun.

Sometimes, it’s hard for us to practice what we preach. This is one of those times.

When we’re planning our travels, its hard not to get caught up in the excitement and make decisions before we’ve evaluated all of our options. We’re guilty of buying flights and booking hotel rooms before we prooobably should. We’ve planned vacations that don’t always pan out, and we’ve paid the price. As much as we love impulsive decisions and spur of the moment plans, it’s important to keep yourself in check.

Even though we have rooms booked and excursions planned for our upcoming Eastern European summer tour, we’ve been (painfully) holding out on purchasing our airfare, because we know that we’re still over five months out and there’s a chance we could miss out on upcoming sales or deals. It’s been difficult, but we’re trying not to jump the gun.

And hey, if we slip up occasionally, we know you won’t tell anyone.

laws to travel by #34 // travel to the beat of your own drum.

Getting recommendations from others is our #1 way to plan. Tried and true restaurants and advice on which tourist attractions we can afford to miss?

I mean, it’s kind of why we started this blog in the first place.

However, we’re firm believers in the idea that there’s no wrong way to travel. If you’re getting out there and you’re exploring, then you’re doing it right. Don’t listen to people who tell you you can’t really get to know your country of choice in under 30 days or foodies who insist you won’t have the real experience unless you break your code of veganism or anyone who insists you’re not a real traveler because you prefer a comfy bed to the top bunk in a dorm hostel.

Just because it’s right for them doesn’t mean it’s right for you, and that is 100% ok.

laws to travel by #35 // prepare for downtime.

Pre-trip, we’re generally the most concerned with how we’re getting there, what to wear, and what we’ll be eating.

While in the planning phase, it’s so easy to envision ourselves frolicking around a city or sipping wine with new friends that we often forget that in between, there’s plenty of time spent on trains, planes, and sitting up late with jetlag. We’ve learned our lesson more than a few times, and now we always make sure our Kindles are fully stocked, our iPhone playlists are up to date, and, for especially travel-heavy trips, new shows are stockpiled on our laptops for viewing private viewing parties in the sky.

laws to travel by #36 // dream big.

When we started this little blog almost two years go, we were trapped at our desks for twelve hours a day for jobs we that we… well, detested, for lack of a better word. Flash forward to this evening as the romantic & the hubs packed up the last of their belongings and said their final goodbyes to their New York lives (and their New York sisterwife) for the adventure of a lifetime. On Friday, they’ll be wheels up to Hawaii, and afterwards, they’ll spend five months traveling the world.

If you would have told us two years ago that the romantic’s dreams of taking a five month hiatus from New York to travel would actually come to fruition, we would have laughed in your face (and most likely, consumed a good amount of wine afterwards to console ourselves). But its happening! It’s really happening. All because the romantic refused to stop at weekend trips and seemingly too-short vacations abroad. As corny as it sounds, she dreamed of bigger and better. Let us reassure you: no one judges you for being corny when you’re big dream happens to be a round the world trip and your round the world trip happens to become reality.

Dream big. It may just come true.

laws to travel by #37 // once the new year starts, it’s never too early to
start planning for the summer.

Let’s be honest: the winter sucks after Christmas is over. Maybe a freak snowstorm will change up the monotony, but otherwise? It’s all cold and windy and there’s that weird staticky hair issue where it’s either all over the place or confusingly flat. Then, spring hits for all of five seconds before a slew of random rainstorms and bright colors invade everyone’s lives.

Ok, this might be New York specific, but we can all agree: June-August is better than January, February, and most of March combined. Everyone knows this, and that’s why everyone and their mother takes time off in the summer to prance around their favorite beach destination and get all tan (or freckley, WHATEVER). We all do it, and it’s glorious.

Less glorious? The prices of summer travel. Airfare in peak season is just ridiculous, and forget trying to book a hotel once Memorial Day hits. This is why, if you’re planning to travel in the summer–especially to anywhere in the US or Europe, you had best start planning now.

Prices are about to skyrocket and shit is about to get real. Consider yourself warned.

laws to travel by #38 // longer isn’t always better.

With the romantic & the hubs officially on their round the world journey, we got thinking about the benefits of long-term travel. In an ideal world, we’d be traveling non-stop forever and always and we’d have ample time in every place we visit. But let’s be real: most people our age have full-time jobs and lives outside of our love for travel that often take priority over long vacations and extended travel plans.

When it comes down to it, longer isn’t always better. A weekend getaway, no matter how short or how far, can fulfill our sense of wanderlust just as well as a week abroad.  That’s why it’s so important to us to make time for traveling on the weekends as much as we can.

And, if weekend travel isn’t enough, no matter how many trips you plan, there’s always the option of planning and saving like the romantic & the hubs to make your long-term travel plans a reality.

laws to travel by #39 // it’s ok if everything goes wrong.

Last week, the romantic broke her second camera lens cover in two weeks. She snapped her favorite sunglasses completely in half. Oh, and minutes after that happen? She found out her new MacBook Air is a complete and total lemon with a useless hard drive. Don’t worry, this all led to lost photos from the first two weeks of their RTW.

Clearly, any one of these things causes stress. But while you’re traveling? Well, having them happen all at once (LITERALLY) could lead to a full blown meltdown. And, to be honest? It maybe did.

But try your hardest to get over it as quickly as you can. It’s a total cliche, but instead, look at the bright side. Frustrating things are going to happen wherever you are in the world, right? And a bad day while traveling is still better than an ok day at work… right?

It may feel like nothing else could be worse, but face it. That’s rarely true, so instead, focus on the best parts. Being in a new place, exploring a new destination. Chances are: you have plenty more to be happy about.

laws to travel by #40 // get to know the locals.

Yes, yes, we know. “Live like a local” seems to be every traveler’s mantra these days. We fully cop to it being ours! But sometimes, we’ve noticed that people miss the most important step of living like a local. That, of course, means actually meeting some.

Saying hi is a great start. Getting drinks is even better. But the real kicker? Stay with them!

One of our favorite travel memories? Staying at a tiny B&B on the coast of Dingle, Ireland. Along with making us a breakfast that was to DIE for (we still dream of their homemade Irish soda bread and jam), our host was able to give us valuable insight into the town. After sitting down with her over a map of the peninsula, we got to chatting. After living in an offshoot of her home for a few days, we… hey! Got to know the locals!

Sure, hotel concierges will tell you all the top places to wine and dine, but only a local will point you toward the best secret beaches. Only a local will highlight the shops that are actually worth visiting along the way!

This theory has held up on the romantic & hubs’s current RTW, with additional highlights including: a village visit with their “Fijian Mommy” during a homestay on the Coral Coast of Fiji, a day of sailing through the Bay of Islands with their hosts in Russell, NZ, and, most recently, a night of crepes and the finale of “My Kitchen Rules” with their adorable host in Warrnambool, Australia after a long day of driving the Great Ocean Road.

laws to travel by #41 // push yourself.

Ok, maybe this one doesn’t sound particularly lazy of us, but hear us out.

We don’t mean you should push yourself physically. If that’s your thing, sure. And we don’t mean that if you’re scared of heights, you should go bungee jumping. Facing your fears is one thing, sure. But even on a much smaller scale, travel should always involve pushing yourself in at least one way.

Push yourself! Try a new food, explore a new ‘hood, leave your super comfy hotel room and catch the sunrise.

Want to know a little secret?

The romantic really was not so sure about city hopping through Southeast Asia. Major crowds generally equals major anxiety, if we’re being totally honest. And up until she stepped off the plane in Vietnam, she was nervous. But, three days in and we can officially report back. There was NO reason to be nervous.

Take it from us. Pushing herself to explore this new-to-her region is one of the best decisions of their RTW. Just like the wino pushing herself to move to, Dublin, a city she’s never visited before for grad school was one of the best decisions she’s ever made.

SO do it! Do something new today, travelers!

laws to travel by #42 // always bring water.

As this weekend signifies the official beginning of summer for the Northern Hemisphere, it’s important to stay hydrated, friends.

No, we don’t mind with wine. Although, actually, if you’re imbibing… you should bring DOUBLE the water.

Fine. We know. We’re aware this sounds like kind of a silly rule. But take note! Hopping on a bus to get you from point A to point B? Bring water. Lounging poolside for the day? Bring water. Urban hiking? Bring water. Actual hiking? Bring extra water. And your patience. And sunblock.

You know what, don’t go actual hiking. If the weather is nice, find an outdoor spot to enjoy a nice lunch and a pint. PLUS WATER.

Perhaps this is only on our minds because the romantic is currently exploring cities where a water fountain isn’t really an option. As a result, she’s being extra mindful of the tap water & ice cube, because avoiding tap water is of the utmost importance. But either way: it’s a good thing to keep in mind. At the very least (and where feasible), fill up a reusable bottle before heading out for the day to help the environment and save yourself a few bucks.

To help give others the same luxury, consider making a donation to charity: water.

laws to travel by #43 // don’t let it rain on your parade.

Whenever you’re gearing up for a trip, it’s natural to compulsively check the 10-day forecast. And unfortunately, rainy days are practically synonymous with boring indoor activities like playing cards and museum hopping. But never fear, our friends! We’re here to let all our fun-loving, museum-fearing readers know one thing we’ve found to be true.

Inclement weather while traveling does not have to equal boredom.

When we visited Vienna last month, it rained five out of the seven days we were there. FIVE. OUT OF SEVEN. DAYS. This is no joke. So we had to get creative!

One day, we traveled just out of the city and learned how to make traditional apple strudel. We were hosted by a local culture expert, Marieta from ToursByLocals, in her apartment. When the rain spoiled yet another day of plans to walk through Vienna’s vineyards, we hunkered down in one of the city’s best known heurigers, Maly’s. This day turned out to be one of, if not the, most memorable days of our trip.

So the next time you’re traveling and the gray clouds roll in, don’t panic. Just get creative.

laws to travel by #44 // let your mind wander.

Your flight has landed. Your bags are unpacked. Maybe you’ve even thrown in a load of laundry or two? You’ve definitely settled back into your routine. The only thing you have left of the vacation you just took are some Instagram photos. Maybe a souvenir or two.

You want to cry, right? It’s ok, go ahead.

 We’ve been in this position way, WAY too many times to count. We scrimp and we save all year long to travel! And then, in what seems like an instant, it’s over. Suddenly, the depression sets in, also known as what we like to call the dreaded post-vacation blues. Luckily for you (and mostly for us), we’ve found a way to conquer it!

ARE YOU READY?

The minute we’re back in the real world, we’re looking towards our next adventure. Realistically, we may not be able to afford another trip right away, or secure the time off from work. But that doesn’t stop us from thinking about it. We’re daydreamers—and that’s ok.

So! The next time the post-vacation blues have you feeling down, pour yourself a glass of wine. Crack open the laptop,  and google some of your dream travel destinations. You never know.

What you wish for may come true after all.

laws to travel by #45 // ignore the rules.*

If there’s one thing we’ve learned in our twenty-something years on this planet, it’s this: everyone loves to give advice. This applies tenfold when it comes to talking with people about their travels.

 “You haven’t been to Rome unless you’ve seen the Spanish Steps.” “Don’t go to Thailand unless you can devote at least two weeks.” “Plan everything in advance so that you never waste a minute!”

Gag us.

We have seen the Spanish Steps exactly zero times but we assure you, we have been to Rome. No country should be skipped just because you’re short on time because–chello–you can always go back for more, and planning everything in advance is for losers! Losers with no creativity!

Also, rules are meant to be broken.

* Please note that ignoring the rules is different than ignoring laws. Don’t ignore those, even the lame ones like “don’t drink openly on the sidewalk.” Foreign prisons seem scary.

laws to travel by #46 // embrace the season. 

In our years of traveling, we’ve battled every season there is. We weathered the blistering cold of Switzerland’s winter, suffered through the sweltering heat of Australia’s summer, and experienced every season in between. When you love to travel, it doesn’t matter what time of the year you end up somewhere, only that you take advantage of it once you’re there.

If you visit Germany in December, make sure to visit a local Christmas market. Heading to Ireland in the spring? Take a drive through the countryside to see all the newborn sheep. Budapest in the dead heat of summer? Test out the public baths.

And of course, if you visit the United States in autumn, consume as many pumpkin products as possible.

laws to travel by #47 // always leave room in your suitcase.

Though we are strong supporters of spending our travel funds on delicious dinners and nights out on the town, we’re also realistic. Even on the tightest of budgets, we like to come home with a little reminder of our recent adventures–and it’s always a bummer when the only reason we’re passing on something is because it’d be a real b to lug back home.

This is why, as former chronic overpackers, we have slowly but surely learned to try to leave just a little spare room at the bottom of our bags. We’re not saying it totally rules out the possibility of sitting atop our suitcases just to get them closed, but it certainly helps matters.

laws to travel by #48 // re-explore your favorite places, over and over again.

Take it from two girls whose bucket lists include too many places to count: it’s understandable that when choosing between somewhere new and a place you’ve already been, you’re more likely to gravitate towards the new and unexplored. And that’s ok!

But you know what’s also ok? Revisiting the same place — your favorite place — over and over again because each time you visit you fall more in love. For us, that place is Paris, and it never gets old. Sure, we’ve both been there many times (and we’ve even both lived there at one point or another), but it doesn’t stop us from returning. And why should we? Most of the time, we’d rather stumble upon new streets and undiscovered Parisian haunts rather than tick someplace new off our list.

One week from today, we’ll be reuniting in our favorite city, and we couldn’t be happier. In with old and out with the new.

laws to travel by #49 // rally.

We have to admit it: sometimes we might be TOO lazy.  Every once in a blue moon our laziness goes into overdrive and we just don’t have the energy or motivation to travel. In the winter months, staying home in pajamas and vegging in front of the TV appeals to us more than we care to admit, especially when the other option is to drag yourself and your bags on some sort of public transportation. It can be hard to remember why you wanted to go on that weekend trip in the first place when a Netflix marathon and bottle of wine are calling your name in your cozy apartment.

When this happens, we throw ourselves a quick pity party while sulkily packing our bags and force ourselves to get on that bus or train or plain and keep our plans. And guess what? By the time we get there, our momentary lapse of wanderlust has disappeared completely and 99.9% of the time we’re totally happy we made the decision to rally. Next time you’re thinking of canceling your travel plans on account of those sweatpants that look so alluring, push yourself through it and travel anyway. You’ll be happy you did.

Or, if you do opt for a weekend of eating ice cream in bed, that’s ok too. We won’t tell.

laws to travel by #50 // define what travel means to you.

When we started The Lazy Travelers two years ago (!!), our limited vacation time and even more limited bank accounts meant that international travel was more of a pipe dream than a reality. We knew that travel had always been important to us, but not always so attainable. After some scheming (over many glasses of red wine, of course), and some rational and financial guidance from people like the hubs, we came to realize that travel is a major priority, and we were going to do everything in our means to make sure we could do more of it in the coming years.

Two years, one blog, and many countries later, world travel has become so ingrained in our lives that we don’t know how we really ever went without it.

Still, we’ll always relish our mini getaways and local travel. Whether its spending a week by the ocean or taking a long weekend to visit family in another town, traveling can serve as a much needed release from the stresses of your daily routine. It’s all about the escape.

Define what travel means to you, and once you do, let yourself enjoy it as often as you can.

laws to travel by #51 // bottle up your seasonal misery and put it in your pocket.

There will come a time — probably in late August, maybe even early September — when you are going to be sick of feeling sticky.

On that day, as a single bead of sweat rolls down your cheek, another god forsaken picture of someone’s 100+ degree dashboard thermometer will appear in your Instagram feed and you will wish you had the energy to raise your fist above your head and throw your phone against the wall.

Don’t.

We know, we understand. But don’t.

Instead, think back to the recent days of Polar Vortexes and sheets of ice and fluffy snow piles. Join us, fellow sufferers of Seasonal Affective Disorder! Harvest your current winter angst into future summer reprieve!

Alternatively, if you’re officially done with this current winter, then please. Close your eyes, pretend your desk chair is a hammock, and ask the person to your left to lightly blow on you as if they’re a warm, summer breeze.

(But only ask them if you know them well. Sexual harassment in the workplace is no joke.)

laws to travel by #52 // when packing, always consult your bestie.

Good news, travelers! #LTnyc kicks off tomorrow. TOMORROW.

Though it’s technically a staycation for the wino, we’ll be bouncing around neighborhoods enough for the next week that we both need to pack a bag. Obviously, this means a lot of gchats and texts flying about — all in the realm of, “What are you wearing Thursday?” and “What coat are you packing?” because NYC weather appears to be in the midst of a major schizophrenic meltdown.

Add into the fact that we’ll be attending a fancy pants wedding on Saturday (the wedding of the year! no the decade! no the CENTURY!) and it’s just a lot of pressure.

And while we adore our significant others for always telling us we’re beautiful, only your bff can really, honestly tell you, “Uhhh yeah, no. Don’t pack that” …and get away with it.

laws to travel by #53 // technology is your friend.

We’re fans of unplugging as much as you can while vacationing, but these days, it’s not always that easy.

And maybe it shouldn’t be. As best friends who live an entire ocean apart, technology has become our crutch. WhatsApp keeps us in contact all day err’ day (which our significant others just adore). Yesterday, we managed to enjoy a Sunday Funday together, even though we’re thousands of miles apart. While the romantic shared snapchats of her drinks in Paris, the wino sent WhatsApp photos of her roofside toast at Birreria in Eataly. Later, the romantic wished her mama a Happy Mother’s Day from the steps of the Louvre, courtesy of Facetime.

Staying in contact with people you love while traveling has become so easy. Why not embrace it?

laws to travel by #54 // go to those in the know.

Back when we started this here blog, we had one goal: share silly anecdotes from our travels, and maybe offer some helpful (sage/wise/any worldly adjective will do, really) advice for our friends and families embarking on their own adventures.

But a surprising bonus? We’ve met so many amazingly helpful and kick-ass travelers who have shaped our own travel plans. Nowadays, when we start planning a trip, we skip good old reliable Google. Our guide books of yesteryear have gathered a thick layer of dust!

Instead, we go straight to the source: our fellow travelers. Yesterday, we hit an exciting milestone on Twitter (5k, ow owww!), and while we’re deeply flattered, we’re also just really pumped that we have access to that many travel geniuses.

Cheers to you, you traveling pros!

laws to travel by #55 // be a yes girl (or guy).

We’re going to let you in on a little secret: we’re not particularly brave.

Sure, we’ve been going on and on for years now that the best way to see a city is to sit back at a sidewalk cafe and watch the world go by. And it’s true! We love that more than anything in the whole world!

…but do we love it because we’re lazy, or because we’re scared? Well, truthfully, a little bit of both. You’ll never see us biking around a city, swerving in and out of traffic — and that’s not just because we prefer to have both feet firmly planted on the sidewalk with nary a care. We’re straight up scared of getting pummeled by a cab and splattered onto the pavement.

But still, even for the most fearful among us, sometimes you just have to take a deep breath, buck up, and try something new. It’s how the wino recently got roped into night kayaking despite her serious fear of large-toothed sea creatures, and how the romantic found herself zip-lining through a Costa Rican jungle, despite her fear of falling a billion feat to her death.

Are they things we’d do again? Debatable. Are they things we love to look back on and say, “holy CRAP, that was awesome.”

Yes. Yes they are.

laws to travel by #56 // jump around.

Contrary to our lazy ways, we’re not very big fans of staying in one place for too long. Though many travelers dedicate days or even weeks to one city or destination, we normally find ourselves bouncing from place to place. You can blame it on short attention spans, but we chalk it up to our never-ending wanderlust and desire to see visit as many places and cities as we can.

In just a little over a week, the Lazy Travelers will be reunited in the old U-S-of-A, and we have at least four places on our itinerary during our 14 days together. Along with a few of our tride and true favorites, we’re adding one city that neither of us have ever been to before! Because we have such limited time together– living an ocean apart and all– we like to see and do as much as we can. Oook, by “see and do,” we really mean “drink and eat.”

Tune in next week to hear all about where we’re spending our time during the Lazy Travelers’ summer reunion, and be sure to follow along on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Shenanigans are promised.

laws to travel by #57 // you get one “where is” question per local.

Perhaps, as urbanites, we are just a bit salty about this next travel law, but here’s the thing: people bustling down the street who are clearly locals aren’t your personal tour guide.

Sure, if someone looks friendly, you may stop them and politely ask if they know which way is Fifth Ave or for quick directions to the Liberty Bell. What you may not do is whip out your map and ask for restaurant recommendations or complicated directions to six different tourist sites.

You get one question. One. Make it count.

laws to travel by #58 // revisit old favorites. 

You have your favorites for a reason. Maybe it’s a certain New York City bagel place (we have many), an old family recipe (we have a few of those too), or that neighborhood bar that you can’t get enough of (infinite amount of these).

Normally, we’d encourage you to buck up, get adventurous, and go somewhere you’ve never been before. We’re big proponents of trying something new, but we also know there’s nothing wrong with taking time to savor the things you know and love.

So order that pizza from your favorite place and enjoy ever last piece. We won’t judge.

laws to travel by #59 // “we’ll deal with it later” is not an appropriate packing mentality.

With each trip, we not only become more seasoned travelers — we also become more seasoned packers. We’re not claiming to be experts, here, but, like a fine wine, we do seem to be getting better with age.

Our latest revelation was inspired by our recent apartment moves, but it most certainly holds true for travel, too. That lesson is this: don’t decide to “deal with it” once you reach your destination. Not sure how those shoes will go with anything else you’re packing? That issue will not resolve itself upon arrival, they probably just don’t go. Can’t imagine not wanting to wear your current favorite chandelier earrings, even on a camping trip? The opportunity to attend a campfire ball will not present itself at the last minute, because a campfire ball is not a thing.

…though now we might make it one.

Anyway, we may be facing boxes of random kitchen appliances and old books, but the sentiment remains: deal with it before you leave. Once you arrive, you’re gonna wanna get right to the good stuff (shopping to fill the space of the stuff you left behind, duh.)

laws to travel by #6o // it’s not over until it’s over.

With autumn barreling its way into our lives (at least those of us in the Northern Hemisphere), it’s hard not to get a little ahead of ourselves. Soon the turning leaves will hit the ground, Thanksgiving will have come and gone, and we’ll be decorating for Christmas and ringing in 2015.

Is everyone panicking now? Us too! We’re big-time perpetrators of sprinting towards the next big thing, and around this time of year that often means looking forward to all of our planned travel in the year to come. With 2014 more than 3/4 of the way behind us, we’re already planning our travel bucket lists for next year…and the year after that, for that matter.

But wait! There’s still time to plan that fall getaway! Hell, plan a fall AND winter getaway. We support you.

Take a deep breath, travelers — 2014 is far from over. In fact, we have four full months of solid potential travel time. And we plan on using it wisely.

laws to travel by #61 // the plane/train/bus is not your personal living room.

Your seat isn’t in some soundproof deadzone where no one around you can hear you on you cell phone or talking to your neighbor.

The seat in front of you is not there for you to help yourself in and out of your own seat, or for you to rest your feet/head/child.

Public transportation is not a place for you to leave your unwanted food wrappers and empty coffee cups.

And, for the love of all that is holy and good, none of the above are places where you can clip your FREAKING nails.

/end rant.

laws to travel by #62 // everything is better in moderation.

We’re not saints. We’ve been known to overindulge, perhaps more often than we should. But after the dust has settled (and our headaches subside) we can admit that everything tends to be better in moderation, including our precious red wine.

When we got wind of Dryvember, a month-long campaign put in place by the Alcohol Education Trust, we thought it tied in perfectly with our mantra of moderation. Participants are encouraged to go alcohol free for a portion of November to help promote the important work of the Trust, which aims to equip young people with the knowledge and skills required to form a healthy and responsible relationship with alcohol. If you’re like us, you may decide to pledge your weekends or a few consecutive days to the cause. Or, if you’re a real freaking champion, you may just put down the drink for the entire month of November.

Can’t bear the thought of subsisting entirely on mocktails for the entire month? That’s ok too. Try substituting one drink with a virgin version and send a picture with your creation to 70660 for a £3 donation. Your #AlcoFreeSelfie may end up on the Dryvember website!

Whether it’s one day or thirty, we invite you to join us to help spread the message.

laws to travel by #63 // escape the cold.

Growing up in the Northeast United States, we’ve become pretty accustomed to frigid winter months chock full of nor’easters, blizzards, freezing rain, and general cold-weather unpleasantries. When the novelty of the season’s first snowfall wears off (and it happens quicker and quicker these days), our minds start to wander towards sunnier days and milder climates.

Though a trip to the islands may not be in the cards every year, it’s possible to escape the cold briefly by traveling to slightly warmer destinations. The wino just jetsetted to southern California for her honeymoon, and while mid-70’s isn’t exactly a tropical heat wave, it sure beat the freezing cold temperatures of the east.

This spring, we have two warm-weather destinations in the works, and we can’t wait to share them with you. Start trading out those sweaters for shades, snow bunnies, because we’re bringing you along every step of the way!

xo!

ashley & carolyn