Rules for the Discerning Traveler
Throw out your New Year's resolutions and adopt these guidelines instead.
Matt here. We’re still in the early days of the new year—and if you’re anything like us, you’re probably thinking about all the destinations you hope to travel to in 2025.
Our list is overflowing. It’s seemingly ever-changing. But to call a sampling of our shots for the year—those that remain unbooked—we’re planning for some time outdoors in the Dolomites of Northern Italy, some reps at the blackjack tables of Las Vegas or Macau (whichever will have us!), and above all, to be on the ground in Tokyo for the re-opening of its world-famous Park Hyatt location.
But let’s talk about you. Is your 2025 well-charted?
If you’ve not yet firmed up your travel plans for the year—you should know that you’re falling terribly behind. This kind of lagging warrants a full-stop on the whole “getting back to work” nonsense and instead, picking up the trending Big A$$ Calendar to expertly organize your year. We’re told that the analog approach is “in” for 2025—so best go ahead and follow our lead.
But don’t think that we don’t get it: we understand that there are other things you’re working on this year. You’ve got your annual goals and resolutions down. And work life is already getting busy. But here’s the honest truth: the only sure-fire way to actually become a better person is to get out there and see the world.
So go make it happen—however you can. And along the way, know that we’d all most certainly be better people if we followed FCJ’s Guidelines for the Discerning Traveler.
Ironically, it’s all quite simple: don’t be a jerk!
Rules for the Discerning Traveler
Never wear shorts on an airplane.
In-flight coffee is for emergencies only. BYO cup.
If you crowd the gate, you deserve to get bumped. No compensation included.
Bringing hot food on an airplane? Welcome to the no-fly list.
Please keep your feet on the ground while flying.
Smile at the gate agent. They hold your fate in their hands.
Never put your suitcase on a hotel bed. Use the luggage rack.
Make a real effort to remember the name of your waiter / host / concierge / etc.
Always travel with cash. Tipping well is good form.
The middle seat gets both armrests.
Never use your speakerphone in a public setting.
A beer at the airport is fair game—no matter what the time.
Always organize your “in-flight kit” before boarding.
You’ll never regret packing less.
Wear real shoes for travel. Leave the sandals and Birkenstocks at home.
Shoes stay on your feet at all times while flying.
Always keep your tray-table organized. #traycheck
Leave a tip for housekeeping. Especially if you’re getting turndown service.
It’s okay to return to the same destination / restaurant / shop over and over.
Always try something you can’t get at home.
A handwritten thank-you note is always a good idea.
Becoming adept at public transport is something we should all aspire to.
Learn the language basics for your destination. It’s meaningful.
If you must answer a phone call during a meal—step outside.
Reclining your seat is fair game. But do so with decency: slowly and deliberately.
Stealing from the hotel doesn’t make you clever. It makes you cheap.
Room service isn’t just a luxury—it’s a skill. Master it.
Rolling your clothes is a science. Folding them is amateur hour.
Wi-FI on the plane is overrated. You don’t always need to be connected.
The best neck pillows are inflatable.
Meeting a stranger on a flight is a lost art—practice it with charm and tact.
Never approach the mini-bar after a few cocktails.
Pointing your iPhone at everything isn’t traveling. Pick your spots.
The red-eye is almost never worth it. Tread carefully.
Learn to enjoy hot coffee—epecially espresso.
If you need to sit on your suitcase to close it, you’ve already failed.
No sweatpants on flights under 8 hours.
If you sleep on the aisle, expect to be woken up.
An itinerary is a guide—not gospel. Leave room for spontaneity.
Paying up for slightly better seats is a no-brainer. Premium is underrated.
Being granted early check-in / late check-out often comes down to how you ask.
Some things that are overpriced are still worth it. Consider the hotel spa.
If you can’t pronounce it, you should probably order it.
Writing things down is a good habit. You’ll be glad that you did.
Never underestimate the romance of a train.
You never really know a hotel until you’ve sat at the lobby bar.
Free coffee is better than no coffee, albeit barely.
The window seat controls the window shade. No exceptions.
Headphones are the universal do not disturb signal.
Late night lobby snacks are an art form. Learn them well.
A postcard says more than a selfie ever could.
A bucket list is procrastination disguised as ambition. Book the trip.
Always splurge on the experience—not the souvenir.
That’s all for today. If you made it this far—we sincerely thank you for your support. Drop us a line in the comments and let us know what we got right or wrong! And if you like what you’re reading, please hit the heart on this post to show others that it’s worth subscribing.
As always, smooth skies to the lot of you!
Re:
#1 - believe it or not, straight to jail
#52 - best time to book the next trip is before the current one ends
#53 - trips with friends are priceless
I love this list.