The Sydney Morning Herald has run a clever blog article called Things Not To Try Before You Die (found via Vagabondish) about disappointing travel experiences or destinations the writer recommends we skip.

What’s just as interesting is the article has elicited many replies from people with their own ‘don’t go’ tips. The commenters suggest we avoid:

• Heathrow and Gatwick Airports
• Renting a buggy in Brazil
• Visiting Africa
• Wearing bling in Saigon
• Flying in the US unless you have to
• Cardiff
• Bucharest
• Dodgy public toilets
• Food poisoning in awkward places
• Vienna
• Pisa
• Athens
• Dunedin, New Zealand
• ..and many more. Read the whole article.

The question is, how much do you take other people’s tips into account? I’ve visited places based on recommendations and been disappointed (eg. I was a little underwhelmed by Montreal, which is pretty, but so are other places).

The fact is, such advice can be a godsend or it could prevent you from having an amazing experience because you didn’t find out for yourself. If I really wanted to see a place, my excitement may be curbed a little by a bad review but I wouldn’t let it stop me.

What about you?

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I have packed and unpacked many times. Packing for a big trip involves cunning, lateral thinking, flexibility and good jumping ability when you’re trying to get the damn suitcase closed.

Things to consider when packing:

• Will this be too heavy for me to carry? If the answer is yes, pull it all out and start again. You will need to be able to carry it.
• Is it securely locked? Even backpacks can take locks, or some airports (eg. in South America) offer a plastic seal service to make sure nobody tampers with your stuff.
• Will it hold? If you’ve bought a cheapie suitcase from Thailand make sure it won’t fall open by taping it up. Many luggage shops sell straps.
• What season/weather am I packing for? If you’re heading somewhere tropical, ditch the fluffy boots.
• Roll tightly. You will be able to fit much more in if you roll clothes up.
• Seal toiletries. Leaking shampoos are to be avoided.
• What will I be able to buy once there? Take into account that while traveling you are likely to shop. Leave room for additional items.
• What am I not allowed to pack? Most airlines have restrictions. Check their website to make sure you won’t have to chuck out anything at the airport.
• Have I packed my own luggage? Don’t let random people pack your packs and don’t offer to transport anything unless you know the person very, very well.
• Does it look like everyone else’s luggage? If the answer is yes, cover it in ribbons, stickers, anything to make it clearly yours.
• Do I really want to carry this? Look at each item long and hard, and be ruthless. Do you really want to carry the Lord of the Rings trilogy (books) around the world with you? Your pet rock?

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