Time flies. In slightly over two months, I will be returning to Singapore. I had originally considered extending my stay here, but given the astronomical cost of living in peaceful Switzerland, I guess not. Besides, based on my travel experiences in the past couple of months, I have concluded that being on the road for more than two weeks is not for me. Anyway, here are some things I have learnt about myself with regard to travelling in these 2.5 months:
1. Solo travels are extremely liberating
These are the only times where you can dictate your own itinerary i.e. you are free to go wherever you please. Then of course there are…
2. Safety concerns
Let’s face it, no country is completely safe. As Professor Moody/Barty Crouch Jr. emphasised in GoF: Constant vigilance! Take all the necessary precautions.
3. Planning
I will be the first to admit I dislike planning travel itineraries. I’m generally pretty laid-back and agreeable to most touristy places, but if there is an attraction I want to visit badly where none of my travel companions are interested in, I am open to OTOT compromises. Therefore, the process of planning is usually like this for me:
- Decide destination (usually decided based on prior knowledge, interest level and financial costs)
- Decide number of days to spend.
- Book train/flight tickets.
- Book accommodation.
- Google for free walking tours.
- Google places of interest.
- Shortlist 3 – 5 places and start checking out the opening hours/ticket prices etc. Buy tickets online if necessary.
- Decide how much money to bring (usually CHF 50 – 100 for emergency purposes, leftover Euros; withdraw from a local ATM if necessary).
And then pack accordingly to the climate.
4. Packing
I used to dislike packing quite a bit because of my indecisiveness and all the “what if XX country doesn’t sell this” questions but having been on a few trips I have more or less established a list of essentials that I will bring with me:
- Passport, travel documents, wallet, phone
- Undergarments
- Short trips (less than a week): 1 pair of jeans. Longer trips will call for at least two pairs.
- Wool sweaters (for winter)
- Thermal wear (for winter)
- Winter jacket (preferably down feather; for winter) – Invest in a good quality jacket so you’ll only have to bring one. They are extremely bulky!
- Light jacket (for spring)
- Pyjamas/whatever you wear to sleep
- Socks
- Cotton tops (for spring)
- Boots (esp. for winter). Because of their bulkiness, I don’t recommend bringing more than one extra pair.
- Medication (bring all you need)
- Swiss army knife
- Adaptors, an extension with multiple power sockets, chargers, portable smartphone charger (Xiaomi ftw!)
- Toiletries
- A book to read on long flights and train rides
Also, roll your clothes instead of folding them!
5. I am a demophobe
When I was in Shanghai three years ago, I burst into tears (all while eating a xiaolongbao) after being stuck in a crowd that never seemed to dissipate. In Dublin and in Munich, my enochlophobia and claustrophobia returned to haunt me, albeit in less dramatic circumstances. Pubs packed to the brim with drunken people yelling out the names of their exes? No, thanks.
6. I have grown to appreciate Lugano a lot more
None of the European cities I have had the privilege of visiting offers the peace and tranquility Lugano has.
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Whew, I didn’t expect myself to write this much! It is time to cook lunch!
Pickledpumpkins 