Travel Writers' Real Mistakes: Essential Lessons to Avoid on Your Trips – Part 2
Drawing from the firsthand experiences of Lonely Planet authors and seasoned travel journalists, as shared in our previous article, these authentic stories reveal the simple yet vital advice hidden in travel guidebooks.
Team effort with a broken-down car. Image by Kazunori Nagashima / Taxi / Getty Images.
Don’t off-road in your rental car
San Francisco Chronicle Travel Editor Spud Hilton advises confirming what the '4' in 4WD truly means.
We were lost and venturing deeper into Oman’s Jebel Akhdar mountains. Turning a corner on a narrow dirt road, we spotted ancient ruins on a slope above a dry riverbed of polished stones. Needing photos without blocking the road, I slowly drove onto the stones.
Just 20 yards in, we were stuck—the smooth, round stones offered no traction. Checking the controls, I realized the rental '4WD' wasn't four-wheel drive; the '4' simply meant four wheels.
I circled the car and piled rocks behind the tires. Looking up, I saw young faces lining the nearest ruin wall. The ancient village was still inhabited, and we had become their entertainment. It underscored the importance of maintaining humor while knowing your—and your vehicle’s—limits before adventuring off-road.
Not for beginners
Independent travel is rewarding, but recognizing when to seek help is key. This hit home as I was dragged skis-first toward a spiky rock on an Argentine Andes ski slope, my head leading the way.
Earlier, in Mendoza—a stunning city in the Andean foothills—I easily arranged DIY skiing. Local operators provided gear and transport to a nearby resort. Though they recommended lessons for a novice like me, I strapped on skis and headed up the mountain.
Narrowly dodging rocks near the beginner tow bar, I spent the day tumbling, destroying my new camera, and accumulating bruises. Meanwhile, a nearby beginners' class progressed steadily and safely.
Don’t overstretch your skiing talents if you want to avoid a snowy mishap. Image by Nikki Bidgood / E+ / Getty Images.
Look before you touch—or taste
In the Kuala Lumpur Hilton, I encountered a high-tech toilet with unfamiliar knobs. Curiosity led me to fiddle, even without needing it. One knob extended what looked like a bristle-free toothbrush from the bowl.
Leaning in to inspect, it suddenly sprayed my face—the in-toilet bidet. Lesson learned: inspect unfamiliar fixtures from a safe distance, not up close with your face.
One of Asia’s mysterious multi-button thrones. Image by ilya_ktsa. CC BY 2.0.
Enjoy the silence
In 1970, three journalists and I drove from Tel Aviv to the West Bank for Palestinian interviews that ran late. As sunset approached, we headed back, ignoring large Hebrew and Arabic signs we assumed were directions.
Soon, we were the only car on the road. Under a full moon, the desert appeared—a perfect photo spot. We pulled over into the silent night, and I shouted 'hello' for an echo. None came.
Minutes later, a warning shot rang out. Braking hard, we were surrounded by Israeli commandos. Language barriers ensued; they bound my colleagues and marched them into the dunes. One yelled, 'Greenberg, did you have to yell? You’ll get us killed!'
With guns on me, they checked the trunk—empty save a jack, spare tire, and 'Hertz' etched in the metal. Recognizing the rental company, they released us. The signs warned: 'Military Road. No civilian vehicles after dusk.'
Is your hiking equipment sturdy enough for the job? Image by puuikibeach. CC BY 2.0.
Bring water and proper hiking shoes
Niue, midway between New Zealand and the Cook Islands, is a 'makatea' island of jagged, razor-sharp uplifted coral.
From the west coast settlement, I parked inland from the rugged east coast cliffs, assuming a quick 30-minute walk. Mistake one: no water. Mistake two: no trail marker.
Cliffs, sea views, and tangled vegetation blurred together. Trails dead-ended; I clambered ravines, scratched myself, and thirst grew. Progress was glacial on the knife-edged terrain, fearing dehydration or blood loss.
I escaped eventually, binning my shredded shoes.
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