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Published: Jan. 1, 2020, 6:42 p.m.

Via Negativa Traveling\n

Inspired by Nassim Taleb, a thought about travel:

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Before traveling, don't stress so much on what to bring, but focus and think deeply on what NOT to bring!
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Also:

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1. When traveling, decide what you DON'T care to do, or what you don't want to do.
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2. When talking to locals, instead of asking them 'what to do", ask them: "What touristy and stupid things should I NOT do?"
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3. When packing for your trip, decide what NOT to bring, what NOT to pack, what devices NOT to bring.
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4. Treat travel as an opportunity for 'simulated poverty' (Seneca's idea). For example -- are you brave enough to leave your phone at home? Or your iPad? Or your laptop? Treat it like a fun game -- intentionally UNDER-PACK for your trip!
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\nWhat are you traveling for?\n

I think:

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Traveling is a good way to SUBTRACT the internet, SUBTRACT your worries from back home, and SUBTRACT all the silly noise back home.
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\nWifi-less travel\n

For example I am about to leave tomorrow to Cuba for a week, and will not have access to the internet (this is what I am the most excited for). I wonder:

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A week without internet? What will I do, and NOT do?
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\nWhat camera equipment NOT to bring\n

Another thought:

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Figure out what superfluous camera equipment to leave at home.
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For this trip (one week in Cuba, two weeks in Mexico City), I am only bringing RICOH GR III.

\nInsanely lightweight is the goal\n

This is what I have learned from my decade+ of travel:

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When in doubt, throw it out.
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99% of the things we think we 'need' in travel is superfluous. Furthermore, if we truly see travel as a road to adventure, having LESS makes things more interesting. Treat it like a fun 'creative constraint':

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See how little you can pack for your trip.
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\nMinimum viable travel\n

What is the minimum viable amount of stuff you can bring for your trip, without any serious downside?

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Let this be your guiding force!

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ERIC