Happy New Year to all. I hope you enjoyed your holidays. With 2020 now upon us let’s talk about something the BJJ community rarely talks about, travel, and how to do it effectively.
Anyone who knows me knows that I am the true definition of a homebody. Therefore, when I travel it must be related to something I’m interested in or work of some sort aka a seminar or the tournament circuit. Otherwise I’m just not going to be motivated enough to do it. Long car rides and 8-hour plane trips without some sort of re-up or compensation on the other side just isn’t appealing to me. As ruthless, cold, and business-like as that sounds it’s the truth.
So how do we do it:
1) Plan Ahead- Don’t spend hours in your car to end up somewhere with nothing to do. You’ll only end up walking around aimlessly or in your room and let’s face it you can be in your room at home. My mom has this issue of planning trips with nothing to do which is why I am the way I am. At least that’s part of the reasoning. This is the reason I have the rule- handle business then reward yourself.
2) Use plastic- Honestly, these days there’s no need to carry cash at all. Credit cards are your friend. Inform your lenders(credit card companies) that you will be traveling and where to and for how long. This gives them the ability to make proper decisions related to purchases and fraud. Credit cards can be replaced, refunded and frozen. Cash is never returned.
3) Pack only essentials- No to lug multiple suitcases everywhere. ID/Passport, your phone, needed medications, attire, grooming tools. That’s it
4) Pack multiple Kimonos-If you’re like me then you have Kimono for training, competition, and travel which are all separate. This also means you wash a lot less at home because they are all somewhat interchangeable. In which case you’re good. Otherwise, you may want to invest in a sewing kit before you begin heavy travel.
5) Sleep- This allows your body to adjust to a new time zone and avoid stiffness after long travel. Our bodies don’t actually like being stuck in one position for any extended period of time. We are meant to be in motion.
6) Find the local gym- As BJJ artists we don't travel for the pictures or the food. We travel for exposure to new technique, new body types, etc. There's literally no reason not to do this. Choosing not to is wasting an opportunity to learn and means you will take longer to get back into your rhythm when you get home.
Disability specifics
1) Inform someone of needs specific to you- Hotels, Air BnBs it doesn’t matter where you stay, they want to help you simply because they want your money. Do you have problems with turning knobs? if so, the classic shower setup may be a problem. Need a walk-in shower? Say so.
2) Take your medications at the same time that you would at home-This applies for travel that changes your time zone. Continue doing this until your body adjusts to the local clock.
Traveling can be fun if you’re actually prepared. Hopefully this short guide helps you out with your preparation.
Anyone who knows me knows that I am the true definition of a homebody. Therefore, when I travel it must be related to something I’m interested in or work of some sort aka a seminar or the tournament circuit. Otherwise I’m just not going to be motivated enough to do it. Long car rides and 8-hour plane trips without some sort of re-up or compensation on the other side just isn’t appealing to me. As ruthless, cold, and business-like as that sounds it’s the truth.
So how do we do it:
1) Plan Ahead- Don’t spend hours in your car to end up somewhere with nothing to do. You’ll only end up walking around aimlessly or in your room and let’s face it you can be in your room at home. My mom has this issue of planning trips with nothing to do which is why I am the way I am. At least that’s part of the reasoning. This is the reason I have the rule- handle business then reward yourself.
2) Use plastic- Honestly, these days there’s no need to carry cash at all. Credit cards are your friend. Inform your lenders(credit card companies) that you will be traveling and where to and for how long. This gives them the ability to make proper decisions related to purchases and fraud. Credit cards can be replaced, refunded and frozen. Cash is never returned.
3) Pack only essentials- No to lug multiple suitcases everywhere. ID/Passport, your phone, needed medications, attire, grooming tools. That’s it
4) Pack multiple Kimonos-If you’re like me then you have Kimono for training, competition, and travel which are all separate. This also means you wash a lot less at home because they are all somewhat interchangeable. In which case you’re good. Otherwise, you may want to invest in a sewing kit before you begin heavy travel.
5) Sleep- This allows your body to adjust to a new time zone and avoid stiffness after long travel. Our bodies don’t actually like being stuck in one position for any extended period of time. We are meant to be in motion.
6) Find the local gym- As BJJ artists we don't travel for the pictures or the food. We travel for exposure to new technique, new body types, etc. There's literally no reason not to do this. Choosing not to is wasting an opportunity to learn and means you will take longer to get back into your rhythm when you get home.
Disability specifics
1) Inform someone of needs specific to you- Hotels, Air BnBs it doesn’t matter where you stay, they want to help you simply because they want your money. Do you have problems with turning knobs? if so, the classic shower setup may be a problem. Need a walk-in shower? Say so.
2) Take your medications at the same time that you would at home-This applies for travel that changes your time zone. Continue doing this until your body adjusts to the local clock.
Traveling can be fun if you’re actually prepared. Hopefully this short guide helps you out with your preparation.
Comments
Post a Comment