Travel true. Be you!
Travel true. Be you!
Your most important asset – from blocking blasting air-con to hanging up makeshift curtains or mosquito nets.
How to fix torn fabrics and hang up mosquito nets.
Keep breathing when pollution works against you: which mask to use and when.
Where to hide your money when you get robbed – and how to best split your travel cash.
Watch this space – I’ll be adding more and more topics over time, including: which water filters actually make sense, how to get a lift without taking unnecessary risks, why a beach ball makes the perfect cushion, and the many ways a sarong comes in handy (you should always pack at least two!).
Travelling to destinations where the air quality is compromised can present challenges that require careful planning. I learned this firsthand while exploring Nepal and India. Unfortunately, that awareness only came after I endured 36 hours of misery—fever, relentless coughing, and missed opportunities to witness rare wildlife in Chitwan National Park—following a long, dusty journey through heavily polluted air.
At first, I tried a variety of masks, including cotton and surgical ones, but quickly discovered that these do little to protect against fine particulate matter. While they may filter out unpleasant smells, they’re not much help for your lungs. Don’t make the same mistake I did.
Your best option is a mask with a valve—these make exhaling easier and help reduce moisture buildup around your mouth. Personally, I’ve found carbon filter masks to be the most effective and comfortable for travel.
During my stay in New Delhi, the air was so polluted that within 15 minutes of going without a mask, I started coughing—even indoors at my Airbnb, which didn’t have an air purifier. Comfort became so important that I even slept with my mask on! If you can get your hands on a Vogmask or a Grinhealth mask, I highly recommend them—they really help you breathe.
As a bonus, I didn’t encounter any issues with beggars or street hassle. Most of the time, I was also wearing sunglasses, and as you can see in the photo, even without them, there’s not much of my face left visible. I looked rather unfriendly—which, believe it or not, can be an advantage. I think people couldn’t read my facial expression, so they left me alone.
Encountering accommodations without hooks for mosquito nets can be frustrating. But dental floss paired with duct tape can be a lifesaver! Loop it around curtain rods—or even curtains—to create a secure hanging point. In a pinch, thread the floss through duct tape and stick it directly to the wall to make a temporary anchor.
This humble item also works wonders for mending gear. Dental floss is often stronger than regular thread and perfect for quick fixes. If the colour doesn’t match your gear, simply use a permanent marker to blend it in.
I’ve been lucky not to have been robbed (yet!), but I’ve had banks freeze my cards while abroad — and let me tell you, figuring out how to get home without access to money is no fun. Here’s what I do now when travelling solo without backup:
1. Notify your bank before you travel
Avoid triggering fraud alerts by letting your bank know where you’re going.
2. Carry multiple cards
I use a mix of cards, including an independent one like Wise, and spread money across them.
3. Store cards separately
Never keep all your cards in one place. I also store backups in Google Wallet for digital access.
4. Use safe ATMs
I stick to bank ATMs, check for any suspicious hardware, and cover my PIN.
Optional safety trick: enter a fake PIN first, then the real one.
Bonus: tap all the keypad buttons with your palm when done to confuse heat or infrared sensors.
5. Carry a decoy wallet
It holds a bit of cash and old, expired cards. Easy to hand over if forced.
6. Hide emergency cash in your shoe
Wrap USD or euros in cling film and tuck it between your insole and shoe.
Chances are, you won’t lose your shoes in a robbery.
7. Pre-arrange a code with friends/family
I have a few identity-check questions that only I would know the answer to. This is especially important now that AI can mimic voices and messages.
I love getting as close as possible to what it’s like to live in a new place. For me, that means immersing myself in the local culture — and what better way to do that than by staying with locals?
Bringing my portable home gives me full control over creature management — with the right gear and fine insect mesh. You can't get closer to nature than this!
A great choice when I don’t want to ‘owe’ anything as a guest, but still want a personable experience — and maybe a few reliable amenities.
If I’m craving the international travel crowd or looking for someone to share a few intrepid experiences with — maybe even a few days on the road together — this can be a great choice.