As the end of the year approaches, many people begin planning holidays and thinking about which items from their wish list they want to accomplish. A wish list is a list of dreams and goals that a person intends to achieve in their life. The term comes from the idiom 'kick the bucket,' which is slang for death, so a wish list is a list of things to do before passing away.
It can include important events and adventures and is often tied to a specific decade, such as milestones before reaching 30, 40, or 50 years old. It may include new activities, such as swimming with dolphins, writing a book, trying different cuisines, or learning a new language. A wish list is not static; it can change as we develop.
The main purpose of a wish list is to give a person hope and aspiration, helping them identify and mark important moments. Travel, whether local or international, is often a common theme in most people's lists.
Often, due to financial constraints or family obligations, travel has to be postponed. The high cost of air tickets and hotel accommodation is a serious limiting factor, but with proper planning, it is possible. Booking at the last minute, especially during holidays, will definitely lead to higher prices. The best approach is to plan in advance, preferably six to twelve months ahead.
The author prefers to book everything online because it allows comparing prices and controlling the budget. Although this method takes time, there are websites that notify about sales. An alternative can be a good travel agent who does not charge high commissions.
Recently, the author fell ill while traveling in the USA and tried to handle it independently, but unsuccessfully, which required visiting an emergency room for diagnosis and treatment. Illness in a foreign country can cause fear. The author noted that by obtaining comprehensive travel insurance before departure, all expenses were reimbursed after returning to South Africa. Many travelers do not purchase this extra insurance, believing that credit card coverage will be sufficient, but they often discover limitations. Therefore, when traveling abroad, it is worth spending money on insurance for peace of mind, although reimbursement may depend on the insurance company's decision in dollar equivalent.
Travel can come with difficulties. People tend to overpack, leading to excess weight at check-in, and you often see passengers at the airport trying to repack their belongings to meet baggage allowance standards. You need to be prepared to pay extra for luggage if necessary.
The author saw examples of trips from Durban to Johannesburg where people transported heavy hand luggage and cooler bags as if leaving the country, and also saw people taking snacks like sevda, nuts, and cookies on international trips. This raises the question of why to overload luggage with food, and even worse—to make the plane smell of canned fish and egg sandwiches.
There are always shops in the places visited. Even if you cannot bring home homemade food, you should enjoy local culinary delights during your vacation. The author admits to bringing packets of masala tea on trips to the USA because they are unavailable there, as well as two packets of lemon cream cookies for his son because they are also not sold where he lives.
When packing for a trip, one should act reasonably. First, check the weather forecast, and then calculate the number of days away. Next, pack clothes appropriately. There is no need to take an evening dress or a three-piece suit, boots, and a tie if you are going on a beach holiday. You should take one formal outfit. Often, people pack with a 'just in case' mentality, resulting in having ten T-shirts, five pairs of shoes, and enough medicine to open a pharmacy.
One should only take the essentials and think about layering. The author notes that over the years, he has developed a habit of keeping travel clothes separate from home clothes, which makes the packing process quick and simple. The phrase 'less is more' comes to mind when packing luggage. Furthermore, if something runs out, suitable replacements can be found in local stores.
The author recalls one of his trips to India over forty years ago when group members even brought laundry detergent Omo and Sunlight soap. At that time, it was also necessary to buy foreign currency in the form of traveler's checks, which is no longer the case today. Now, a credit card with bank permission for international use is enough. The author also knows of people who buy a local SIM card upon arrival to stay in touch with relatives.
Nowadays, using free Wi-Fi, available almost everywhere, is unnecessary, but it is useful to consider the availability of local Wi-Fi depending on the country. Cruises are a good option for those traveling for the first time or alone. It is a simple type of vacation; there is usually plenty of food, drinks, and entertainment for all ages on board. Moreover, there is no need to lug luggage from hotel to hotel.
The author is extremely concerned about the use of the 'wheelchair service' by travelers, where people who can move themselves use it for boarding and disembarking. He understands the necessity of this service for truly physically limited people, but he wonders how quickly mobility recovers once a person is on board. One should show respect to the person pushing the wheelchair, not overload it with heavy luggage, and definitely tip the assistant.
When planning a route, jet lag should be considered. Jet lag occurs when crossing multiple time zones, disrupting the body's internal clock. Its symptoms include insomnia, fatigue, daytime drowsiness, upset stomach, and possibly headaches. There is a saying that after a vacation, another vacation is needed for recovery. Therefore, time should be allocated both for arrival and departure to fully enjoy the trip.
In conclusion, one should not wait until retirement or any circumstances arise to fulfill their wish list. It doesn't have to be grandiose; it just needs to be simple and realistic. Be sure to tick off at least one item from your wish list during this festive season. Your wish list is not just a moment; it is a memory being created.