Tiff’s Travel Tips: Actual Travel Tips

Hello, lovely readers, fellow outdoor-lovers, and my mom’s Facebook friends she sends my blogs to (I appreciate you)! If you’ve been keeping up with my blogs, you would know that this site has evolved into more of an environmental advocacy blog than travel tips. Though not the original intention, I do stand by my values of promoting environmental education and awareness, particularly in this political climate (did someone say climate change?!?).

But since, like you, I am a multifaceted human being- and since this website is a reflection of who I am as a person- I would like to find balance in advocacy and enjoyment. So, I decided to share some actual travel tips! They are silly and short and all true to experience! Here’s what you’ve been waiting for!

Tiff’s Travel Tips 

• Once you turn 27, heartburn becomes something you need to think about. Who knew! With this information, do not eat a Jimmy John’s tuna sandwich with extra Jimmy peppers and extra pickles before an intense hike. Your heart will hurt. 

• Do not listen to anyone coming downhill who tells you you’re almost at the top. You are not. They just think you are because going downhill is faster than going uphill. You still have a long way to go. 

• On the flip side, if you are the person coming downhill, and you don’t actually think the top is near, don’t lie to your fellow hikers. Be nice. Just say “have a good hike,” or don’t say anything at all. 

• Buy hiking poles that work. I have had the same hiking poles for six years. They do not work. I don’t know why I haven’t bought new ones. I know I need them. I guess I just always forget they’re broken until the time comes when I’m actually using them. So save yourself the hassle and spend the money on good hiking poles.

• Don’t let your sleepy self talk your active self out of a hike.

• Always bring extra water.

• Sometimes, the best thing you can do while outside is keep your phone on airplane mode.

• Don’t let your gas tank go below 1/8 (probably 1/4, but I play it loosey goosey), especially when you’re not sure where the next gas station is.

• Your hike still counts even if you don’t record it on your watch (I know, I know, this is a tough one). 

• KT tape might work. It might not. It is the debate of runners. I use it all the time, and I think it works wonders. Could it be a placebo effect? Possibly! Could it be the next best thing in muscle recovery? Also possibly! If you think it’ll help your soreness, use it. BUT- stop your activity if you are actually in pain. 

• If you hike with others who aren’t used to hiking, go at their pace. Don’t scare them off from an activity they will learn to love. 

• If your cat doesn’t like to hike, don’t force her.

My cat, happily inside, not wearing her leash, which she detests

Okay folks! There you have it! Some actual travel tips from Tiff’s Travel Tips! Who’d-a-thunk? As always, thanks for reading and happy hiking! 

Angel's Rest hike, just outside of Portland, OR