Just Relaxed Blog

Tag: travel tips

  • The Unspoken Rules of Being a Line-Stander (And Why I’m Now an Expert)

    The Unspoken Rules of Being a Line-Stander (And Why I’m Now an Expert)

    My Line-Standing Origin Story

    Let’s be honest, nobody likes waiting in lines. We tolerate them. We endure them. But secretly, we all wish we had a magical teleportation device to bypass these human traffic jams. Well, I recently had an experience that thrust me headfirst into the bizarre world of lines, transforming me from a casual queuer into, dare I say, a Line-Standing Connoisseur.

    It all started with my niece’s undying devotion to a certain boy band whose name I’m legally obligated not to mention (let’s just call them “The Heartthrobs”). When their concert tickets went on sale, my sister, bless her soul, volunteered me for the “honor” of securing those golden tickets. Little did I know, this wasn’t just standing in line—this was Line-Standing Bootcamp.

    Line-Standing Etiquette

    The first thing I learned is that a line is a temporary microcosm of society. You’ve got your chatty Cathy’s, your stoic silent types, your snack smugglers, and the ones who mysteriously disappear for 20 minutes only to return smelling suspiciously of hot dogs. The key is to find your people—those who respect the unspoken code:

    • Small Talk is Okay, Life Story Time is Not: A friendly “Crazy weather, huh?” is acceptable. Launching into your detailed genealogy is grounds for eye-rolls.
    • Personal Space is Sacred: Unless you’re sharing a life raft, maintain a respectable bubble. Nobody wants to be intimately acquainted with your backpack.
    • The Line-Cutter is the Enemy: This is a universal truth. We must band together to thwart those who dare to undermine the very fabric of our orderly queue.

    Rule #2: Gear Up for the Long Haul

    Remember those survival shows where people pack weeks’ worth of supplies into tiny backpacks? That’s the energy I’m talking about. Here’s a pro-tip from a seasoned veteran (me, obviously):

    1. The Essentials: Water bottle, snacks (trail mix is your friend), phone charger (portable battery pack = lifesaver).
    2. Comfort is King: Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable. Consider a foldable chair if you’re feeling ambitious (pro-level move).
    3. Entertainment: Book, podcast, that Sudoku app you downloaded and swore you’d use—now’s the time, folks.

    Oh, and a word on bathroom breaks. Strategize these like a military operation. Coordinate with your line neighbors (remember Rule #1!), and for the love of all that is holy, don’t be that person who holds everyone up because they “didn’t think they had to go” five minutes ago.

  • The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned From a Lost Luggage Incident

    The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned From a Lost Luggage Incident




    The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned From a Lost Luggage Incident


    We’ve all been there. Standing anxiously by the baggage carousel, watching fellow passengers reclaim their belongings one by one. The crowd thins, the conveyor belt slows to a stop, and…panic sets in. My suitcase – containing all my carefully curated outfits for a two-week European adventure – was officially AWOL.

    Lost Luggage, Found Perspective?

    My initial reaction? Let’s just say it wasn’t pretty. I pictured myself navigating the cobblestone streets of Paris in the same clothes I’d worn on the plane – a wrinkled t-shirt and decidedly un-chic yoga pants.

    Unexpected (And Pack Snacks!)

    Traveling without my trusty suitcase forced me to loosen my grip on my itinerary and be open to spontaneity. I stumbled upon hidden cafes, chatted with locals, and discovered the simple joy of getting wonderfully, gloriously lost. It also taught me the importance of being prepared for anything. From that day forward, my carry-on became a Mary Poppins bag of essentials, including snacks. Lots and lots of snacks.

    Lost Luggage Woes?

    So, tell me, dear readers, have you ever experienced the “joy” of lost luggage? What unexpected life lessons did you learn along the way? Share your stories in the comments below!


  • The Unspoken Rules of Being a Public Transit Passenger

    The Unspoken Rules of Being a Public Transit Passenger



    My Public Transit Initiation: A Crash Course in Subway Etiquette

    I’ll never forget my first solo ride on the subway. Fresh out of high school, armed with a brand new MetroCard, and a map I swore I understood, I confidently descended into the urban underworld. Little did I know, I was about to get a crash course in the unspoken rules of public transit etiquette.

    backpack and accidentally elbowing someone in the face (sorry again!), I finally found a seat. Relief washed over me… until I realized I was practically sitting on the lap of the person next to me. It was then I learned the delicate art of the “subway spread” – a skill that takes years to master.

    Public Transit Etiquette: Mastering the Art of the Invisible Wall

    Speaking of personal space, let’s talk about the “invisible wall.” We all know it’s there. That invisible barrier we erect around ourselves on crowded buses and trains. It’s a delicate dance, really. You want to be close enough to maximize space efficiency, but not too close that you’re invading someone’s personal bubble. And heaven forbid you make eye contact. That’s a surefire way to break the unspoken code.

    Once, on a particularly packed commuter train, I witnessed a rookie mistake. A man, clearly new to the public transit game, sat down next to a woman and proceeded to strike up a conversation. Not just any conversation, mind you, but a full-blown interrogation about her life story, complete with animated hand gestures that nearly took out my left eye. The look on the woman’s face was priceless – a mix of horror, amusement, and a desperate longing for noise-canceling headphones.

    Backpack Etiquette on Public Transit: To Carry or Not to Carry?

    Ah, the backpack. The bane of many a commuter’s existence. We’ve all been there – stuck behind someone who seems oblivious to the fact that their oversized backpack is taking up the space of three people. Here’s a pro-tip, folks: when you’re on a crowded train or bus, take your backpack off and hold it in front of you. Your fellow passengers will thank you.

    One time, I was on a bus so crowded that people were practically hanging from the rafters. And there he was, Mr. Oblivious, with his gigantic backpack swinging from his shoulders like a wrecking ball. People were getting knocked left and right. Finally, a brave soul (bless her heart) tapped him on the shoulder and politely asked him to remove his backpack. His response? “But it’s heavy!” The collective groan from the passengers was almost audible.

  • The Unexpected Life Lesson I Learned from a Lost Luggage Mishap

    The Unexpected Life Lesson I Learned from a Lost Luggage Mishap

    The Unexpected Life Lesson I Learned from a Lost Luggage Mishap

    The Great Underwear Crisis of 2023

    We’ve all been there, right? Standing at the baggage carousel, watching the same sad, orphaned suitcases go round and round, a sinking feeling growing in your gut. This, my friends, is the tale of how my missing luggage taught me a surprisingly profound life lesson.

    It all started with a much-needed vacation to the sunny beaches of [Destination]. Picture this: me, a carefully curated capsule wardrobe packed to perfection, and dreams of sipping cocktails with sand between my toes. Fast forward ten agonizing minutes at baggage claim, and my picture-perfect vacation started to resemble a scene from a low-budget disaster movie.

    Panic set in. Not just the “did I pack my toothbrush?” kind of panic, but a full-blown, DEFCON 1, “I’m going to have to wear the same pair of underwear for a week” kind of panic.

    Embracing the Art of “Making Do”

    Now, I’m not going to lie, the first 24 hours were rough. My carefully planned outfits were replaced with questionable tourist-trap t-shirts and shorts that could generously be described as “breezy.”

    But then, something strange happened. I started to relax. Without my usual wardrobe crutch, I was forced to get creative. I embraced the local style, rocking flowy dresses and colorful accessories I never would have dared to try back home. I even learned to tie a sarong in about a dozen different ways (a skill I’m strangely proud of).

    Turns out, being stripped of my creature comforts forced me to adapt, to be resourceful, and to laugh at the absurdity of the situation. Who knew that a mismatched outfit and a healthy dose of self-deprecation could be so liberating?

    The Beauty of Letting Go

    By the time my suitcase finally arrived, three days late and smelling suspiciously of duty-free cologne, I was surprised to find that I didn’t really care anymore. In fact, I kind of missed my makeshift wardrobe and the “go with the flow” attitude it inspired.

    That’s when it hit me: sometimes, the things we think we need are really just things we cling to for comfort. This whole luggage fiasco wasn’t just about a lost suitcase; it was a crash course in letting go of control, embracing the unknown, and realizing that sometimes, the most unexpected detours can lead to the most beautiful destinations.

    What About You?

    So, tell me, what’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from a travel mishap?

  • Confessions of a Chronic Over-Packer (And How I’m Trying to Reform)

    Confessions of a Chronic Over-Packer (And How I’m Trying to Reform)

    Hey fellow travel enthusiasts! Let’s be honest, packing can be a real rollercoaster of emotions. The excitement of planning, the thrill of picking out outfits, and then… the inevitable meltdown when you realize your suitcase has somehow morphed into a beached whale.

    My Suitcase Runneth Over (and Over Again)

    I’ll admit it – I’m a recovering over-packer. My philosophy used to be “pack for every possible scenario,” which, as you can imagine, resulted in some truly comical situations. Like the time I went on a weekend trip with enough clothes for a month-long expedition, or when I lugged a giant hairdryer to a tropical island (humidity, who?).

    My “packing paralysis” reached its peak on a recent trip to Italy. Picture this: me, sweating profusely, trying to cram a mountain of clothes, shoes, and “just in case” items into my suitcase. The zipper refused to budge. I sat on it, I jumped on it, I even considered bribing it with gelato. Nothing worked.

  • The Unspoken Rules of Being a Line-Stander (And Why I’m Now a Professional)

    The Unspoken Rules of Being a Line-Stander (And Why I’m Now a Professional)



    From Regular Dude to Line-Standing Legend

    Let’s be honest, nobody enjoys standing in line. It’s the societal equivalent of being stuck in traffic: a necessary evil we all endure for the promise of something great at the end (a concert ticket, the latest iPhone, a cronut…). But my friends, I’m here to tell you, there’s an art to it. After years of experience, I’ve gone from Average Joe to Line-Standing Legend. I’ve seen it all, from the good (making friends with fellow line-standers) to the bad (epic meltdowns over bathroom breaks) and the downright ugly (rogue line-cutters, may they forever be haunted by the ghosts of lines past).

    So, without further ado, I present to you the unwritten, unspoken, yet universally understood rules of being a line-stander. Heed them well, my friends.

    Rule #1: The Invisible Force Field (And Why You Should Never Cross It)

    You know that invisible bubble surrounding each person in line? That’s their personal space, their sanctuary in the chaos. Maintain a respectful distance. This isn’t a mosh pit (unless, of course, it’s a line for a mosh pit, in which case, disregard). Now, this space fluctuates. A packed, bustling line? You might be elbow-to-elbow with your neighbor. A leisurely queue for a Sunday matinee? Give ’em breathing room. How much? Think “could I comfortably reach into their bag of chips?” If the answer is yes, you’re too close.