Inspired by Nassim Taleb, a thought about travel:
Before traveling, don’t stress so much on what to bring, but focus and think deeply on what NOT to bring!
Also:
- When traveling, decide what you DON’T care to do, or what you don’t want to do.
- When talking to locals, instead of asking them ‘what to do“, ask them: “What touristy and stupid things should I NOT do?”
- When packing for your trip, decide what NOT to bring, what NOT to pack, what devices NOT to bring.
- 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!
Audio
What are you traveling for?
![cindy face side](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/015E9E7C-6F01-4CB5-886D-A6F313C08792.jpeg?resize=1800%2C1203&ssl=1)
I think:
Traveling is a good way to SUBTRACT the internet, SUBTRACT your worries from back home, and SUBTRACT all the silly noise back home.
Wifi-less travel
![Uji/Kyoto Ryokan #cindyproject](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/5E24608F-7F47-4133-9F2C-F7940CDE418A.jpeg?resize=2000%2C1325&ssl=1)
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:
A week without internet? What will I do, and NOT do?
What camera equipment NOT to bring
Another thought:
Figure out what superfluous camera equipment to leave at home.
For this trip (one week in Cuba, two weeks in Mexico City), I am only bringing RICOH GR III. I will use ERIC KIM NECK STRAP.
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Product on saleERIC KIM NECK STRAP MARK IIOriginal price was: $ 770.$ 149Current price is: $ 149.
For clothing, Outlier.NYC Ultrafine Merino T-Shirt in black. Black merino wool leggings. Black ExOfficio boxer briefs.
Strive to become maximally minimalist.
Insanely lightweight is the goal
![Kyoto #cindyproject](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/AA6287E5-97BF-4567-8D3F-9F971262810A.jpeg?resize=2000%2C1325&ssl=1)
This is what I have learned from my decade+ of travel:
When in doubt, throw it out.
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’:
See how little you can pack for your trip.
Minimum viable travel
![Kyoto flash. #cindyproject](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/6DB5311F-D743-4B1D-94FE-B8AE212F6FE1.jpeg?resize=1325%2C2000&ssl=1)
What is the minimum viable amount of stuff you can bring for your trip, without any serious downside?
Let this be your guiding force!
ERIC
Travel
![Umbrella and flash in color. Kyoto, 2017](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/ERIC-KIM-KYOTO-2017-0138880-800x530.jpg?resize=800%2C530)
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