The Propeller - My Golden Rules for Travel - 11-24-2024

Happy Thanksgiving!

As those of us from the USA gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving, it’s a great time to reflect on the importance of gratitude. Taking a moment to appreciate what we have—whether it’s our health, loved ones, or simple joys—can make a world of difference in how we approach life. Thanksgiving isn’t just about the food (though I won’t argue with an extra slice of pie!); it’s also about showing thanks through action. Consider volunteering at a local shelter, donating to a food bank, or even just writing heartfelt notes to people who’ve made a difference in your life. Small acts of kindness can go a long way.

Thanksgiving also marks the busiest travel time of the year, so if you’re hitting the roads or skies, stay safe. Plan ahead, pack your patience, and keep an eye on weather conditions. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination, especially when you’re heading toward quality time with those you cherish.

I wish you a safe, joyful, and gratitude-filled Thanksgiving. Let’s all take a moment to give thanks and share a little extra kindness this season.

Time to Renew My Passport: Where Should I Go Next?

Well, it’s official—my passport has expired, and that little booklet has been my ticket to some incredible adventures. While I’m not thrilled about the paperwork and photo-taking process (Although I am going to try the online renewal this time – as I discussed in a previous issue of The Propeller https://www.leonardmack.com/the-propeller-burnt-steak-in-space-online-passports-and-how-to-make-your-money-fly-9-22-2024/ ), it does come with an exciting perk: the chance to dream up new destinations for next year!

On my short list so far:

Iceland: Northern lights, hiking to glaciers and ice caves, geothermal lagoons, and exploring the Golden Circle.

Antarctica: Because who wouldn’t want to say they’ve been to the end of the Earth? This would also fulfill visiting another Continent on my quest to set foot in all seven.

Australia: Drive the Great Ocean Road, see wildlife, and a whole lot of sunshine (and maybe a kangaroo or two).

Western USA Road Trip: Fly out west, rent a car/truck and take the ultimate trip visiting national parks, mountain areas, etc around Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Arizona. (Yeah, this doesn’t require a Passport, but still on my short list)

But I’m open to ideas! Where have you traveled that left you absolutely speechless? Or maybe there’s a hidden gem you’ve been dying to recommend? Reply to this email and let me know!

Let me know your suggestions—bonus points for destinations with incredible food, natural beauty, or one-of-a-kind experiences. Here’s to filling that fresh passport with unforgettable memories!

Are Vacation Repeats a Travel Faux Pas?

I’ve got a handful of friends who visit the same place every single time they go on vacation. My knee-jerk reaction? “Why? Didn’t you already do that?” It’s not like the Eiffel Tower moved to a different arrondissement (Yes that is a word!) since last summer.

It’s a fair question. If you’ve already checked a destination off your bucket list, soaked in the sights, and had a blast, why not explore somewhere new? After all, you could spend a lifetime globe-trotting and still not see it all. So, why keep going back to the same spot?

Well, let’s unpack this a bit.

No Trip Is Ever the Same.

Here’s the thing: even if you go back to the same city, no two trips are alike. Case in point – Las Vegas. Going there with your college buddies vs. your parents is like swapping “The Hangover” for a PBS documentary. Same place, wildly different vibes.

I’ve backpacked through the Grand Tetons, and I’d go back in a heartbeat. The mountains aren’t going to suddenly become less stunning, and I doubt the moose and bears unionized to avoid tourists. Frankly, I’d go there ten more times if I could – the limit does not exist.

Travel Snobs, Chill.

Some people collect new destinations like Pokémon cards, flexing their country count in Instagram bios. That’s cool and all, but if racking up stamps in your passport feels like a competitive sport, you’re missing the point.

If you’re happiest lounging at the same beachside resort every summer, do it! I’ll be over here, jealous of your tan and your tropical drink pics. Vacations are about recharging your batteries, not winning a “Who’s Seen More of the World” contest.

The Nostalgia Factor.

Revisiting a destination can feel like reuniting with an old friend. The smells, the sounds, even that quirky corner café you stumbled into – it all creates this comforting mix of nostalgia and excitement.

Fun fact: I didn’t leave the country until my late 20s (Other than Canada, I don’t count that). My first international trip was an unforgettable trip to England, but honestly, I probably missed half of what there was to experience. If I went back, I’d notice things I didn’t see before – especially in London.

Let’s Get Real: You Can’t See It All in One Trip.

Have you ever really experienced everything a place has to offer in just one visit? Spoiler: you haven’t. Between the local food, hidden gems, and quirky festivals that only happen on Wednesdays in June, there’s always more to discover.

So, if you feel drawn to a place you’ve already been, embrace it. It’s like rereading your favorite book—you’ll catch something new every time.

My PSA of the Day:

There’s zero shame in revisiting a beloved destination. See it twice, ten times, or a hundred. If you’re worried about people judging you, just remember – you’re the one holding the margarita while they’re stuck in a cubicle.

And if you think I’m a little nutty for this take… well, you’re probably not wrong. But I bet you’ve been to Disneyland more than once, so who’s really judging here?

Leonard’s Golden Rules for Travel

Here are some of my top travel tips and thoughts:

4 Night Minimum Stay – the ultimate luxury is leisure time with the people you love
Business/First Class for over 4 hours – If you can’t fly yourself (Like many of pilot friends can), paying extra for upgraded airline seats is well worth it.
Add 50% to the Hotel sticker price to get the True Rate (Resort fees, taxes, etc.)
Mix Cities with Rural/Nature (Start in a city, end in nature/resort)
Take the day off work the day after you return from a trip. Even if you work for yourself, stay disconnected for that extra day.
Guilt free eating – need I say more?
Eat and Experience local activities – Try things “Local” Resist the temptation to dine at chains like Starbucks, Taco Bell, or Five Guys, even if they’re your favorite back home. The best food spots will be found at lesser-known, family-run restaurants, not at the huge establishments. Don’t go and see a movie while on vacation, go out and experience local activities.
You don’t need a fancy big hotel room – you should only be there for sleeping. If you are spending waking hours in the hotel room, you are doing the whole travel thing wrong.
Direct Flight (non-stop) – Although this it always possible, it is worth paying extra when it is possible. With every connecting flight, you introduce a new set of risk and stress on making it to your destination on time.
Avoid Peak seasons – Saves money, and there will be a lot less people. You will be better able to experience the true local culture.
Avoid staying/visiting touristy areas – get out and explore – but make sure to keep your safety in mind as well. For example, I’ve been to the Bahamas many times and visited touristy areas, but the most memorable trips were when we got away from the touristy areas and visited some of the out islands.
Leave unstructured time to explore. Don’t plan every minute! Make some local or fellow traveler friends, be spontaneous, or just chill. Leave the itinerary for just the airline flights.
Pack Light – Why struggle hauling so much around! Just bring a carry on when possible if flying. Cut the clothing in half, double the cash
Big Lunch, small dinner
When facing airline delays, please be patient. Don’t take out frustrations on gate agents and flight attendants. They can’t control the weather, and most are doing everything they can with the tools they are given to get you to your destination as safely and quickly as possible. Remember, the weather might be perfect where you are now, but where the plane you are flying on is coming from could have bad weather.
Try something new. Take risks. Make local connections.
I seek out places in the great outdoors but always remember to tread lightly – and when in nature, beware of nature – If you’re in the desert, watch out for snakes. (One time when camping in the desert, one of the people I was camping with woke up to a scorpion in his shoe – luckily, he saw it before putting it on that morning!) If you’re in the forest, watch out for ticks. If you’re in the ocean, watch out for jellyfish. Nature is beautiful, but it’s important to respect and be cautious of it.
Remember: Expensive isn’t always better. Some of my most fun experiences have been free or cheap, you just must scout them out. When on a cruise, the cruise line planned excursions can be fun and also can be costly, but just getting off the ship and exploring on your own can add another level of excitement. Just be sure to make it back to the boat on time!
Take Photos – but don’t spend the whole trip looking at everything through a lens.
Always get to the airport 2 hours early. It’s much better to sit by the gate and be bored than to be stressed and rushing to catch your flight. If you get to the gate early, you’ll spend at max 2 hours being bored. If you miss your flight, you’ll spend a minimum of 2 hours being bored. Airports are fun places for people watching, and there is usually free Wi-Fi to catch up on emails. I’ve struck up some interesting conversations with fellow travelers while waiting at airports
Always ask about your hotel’s amenities. One time in Toronto after checking in, I simply asked the front desk clerk what her favorite thing locally to do was, and it ended with her suggesting some great activities and giving us free passes to some of them.
Download an eBook or audiobook before your flight. That way you’ll have something to read or listen to on the plane even if you get bored. I can’t fall asleep on planes, so I love listening to audio books.
Be Extra Careful when driving or parking in a new country. When I was in England, driving a manual transmission car (Shifting with your left hand, instead of right) on the “wrong” side of the street was a fun challenge – especially on some of the narrow streets around London. Also, there might be no signs saying you can’t park in a spot, and even if there are signs, it might not be in English. The last thing you want is your rental car to get towed and be stranded in the countryside.
Turn online relationships and connections into real life relationships – If you are on any social media, share a post on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, etc., mentioning you’ll be visiting a city soon (I never recommend sharing exact travel dates publicly on social media), and if anyone has any local advice or is down to hang out there. Worst-case scenario, no one responds. Best case scenario, you’ll make a new friend, and they’ll give you tips on what to eat and do in that city.

Safe Travels and Happy Thanksgiving!

This is re-published from the weekly email sent by Leonard Mack entitled The Propeller. To subscribe, visit https://www.LeonardMack.com/subscribe and read it every Sunday evening.

This intellectual nourishment is intended for informational purposes only. One should not construe anything herein as being legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

My rule is this – I have no advice to give, only experience to share. I have no interest in being a guru or telling people what they should do. Rather, I share my own experience because there is no right or wrong. Your mileage may vary.

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