Things I’ve learned
My 35th birthday was last week, so I’ve come here, on the Military Frequent Flyer, to announce my candidacy for the Presidency of the United States!!!
Just kidding! However, I figured at 35 years old, I am wise enough to give out some “things I’ve learned” advice. Some of this will be travel advice; some, not so much.
(Although we never use credit card affiliate posts, there are other affiliate links in this post – these are all products I own and use regularly. Feel free to not use them if you don’t feel comfortable with it, but if you do, thank you!)
Age & Health – I feel qualified to talk about this both because of my age and my job
1) You’re only as old as you feel – Throughout the day I try to have a positive attitude, and try to approach everything with the freshness and openmindedness of a teenager, but with the maturity and wisdom of a 35 year old. The number one way to feel young is to go into every situation, no matter how bad you think it will be, with the idea to take something positive or constructive out of it.
2) Physical health should be one of your top priorities – This is the other really important rule to maintain youthfulness. Family, occupation, and physical health, to me, are the three most important things in my life and daily routine. Because I try to do something active daily, to engage in high intensity physical activity 3-4 times a week, to stand or walk whenever possible, I can transverse across massive airport terminals with heavy bags quicker than 99% of most people without any luggage – However, I feel 35 after most basketball games against guys half my age. Along the same lines:
3) Move and walk, all the time – One of the most insidious ways to kill yourself is to sit all day. The more you move, the healthier you are. If it’s part of your job, find a way to switch it up. If you’re flying all the time, make sure to get up every two hours to walk the aisles or stand in the back. I do this all the time, and have been surprised how many times the flight attendants give me free food (and sometimes booze!)
4) You’re never to old to quit your bad habits – Even life-long smokers who quit when they’re 65 live longer than those that don’t. Anything over 2 alcoholic drinks per day is too much. If you’re out of shape, you are never too old. There’s a 67 year old guy at my gym, who is a seriously ripped dude and who does triathalons, that had a desk job, smoked, and didn’t ever work out or play a sport until he was 43, before deciding to turn it around after a blood clot in his leg. Speaking of habits:
5) Waking up early makes you happier and more productive – and the best way to wake up is with a Bialetti
Travel
1) For me, the best way to explore a city is to go running through it – I’ve said it before and I’ll keep on saying it – you can see a huge swath of city, closer and quicker (and more enjoyable) than in a car, taxi, tour or bus.
Best headphones for running: Sennheiser Headphones
Best sunglasses: Suncloud Sentry
2) I’ve had much more memorable experiences travelling when they’re shared. I’m not talking about travelling with someone; I mean when staying in a place while travelling, I’ve had much better experiences couchsurfing or staying in a hostel than when staying in a hotel, because of the people I’ve met that I otherwise never would have. It may not be as comfortable, but you’ll spend less money and you’ll meet (possibly lifelong) friends! Airbnb and VRBO are two other options for more authentic experiences. If you’re young and single, you might consider Triptogether.
3) For me, it’s the destination > the journey. I accumulate miles and credit cards for the destinations. Premium cabins can add amazing experiences to your vacations, and the blogs that advocate for those are fun to read, but, for me at least, I’ll slog it for several hours in economy to get to an amazing destination.
4) Food from food carts or local markets is often way better, cheaper, and rarely (but sometimes) more dangerous than restaurants. I’m a doc, and I eat at them all the time.
4) If you’re travelling 2 or more times per year, get some quality travel accessories. I’m totally cheap, but a few years ago realized it’s worth it to invest in quality items even if they’re more expensive. A couple recommendations that I have:
-For more active travel: eBags TLS Weekender
-For more relaxed travel:Briggs & Riley Explore International
-If you need to check a bag: REI Wheely Beast Rolling Duffel
-Power Source: Belkin Mini Swivel Charger Surge Protector
-Travel Adapter: Ceptics International Plug Adapter Set
5) If you’re in the military, have good credit, but aren’t collecting miles and points from credit cards, you’re missing out on free travel. Solution: Read this blog!
