Courtesy Unsplash

I’ve spent the better part of two decades crisscrossing this beautiful, better than expected globe we call home. I’ve been asked a thousand versions of the same question: “Blake, what’s the best trip advice?” People expect me to talk about credit card points, hidden villas, or the best noise-canceling headphones.

But over time, my travel philosophy has been whittled down to a simple, three-pronged attack. It’s my North Star, my survival guide, and my moral compass all wrapped into one. If you want to actually enjoy the world—and make sure the world enjoys having you—you only need to remember six words:

Have fun. Be kind. Don’t die.

1. Have Fun

This sounds like a “duh” statement, but you’d be surprised how many people treat travel (or worse, life) like a stressful checklist. If you spend your entire vacation fretting over hard-to-get reservations or the fact that the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays, you aren’t traveling. You’re just middle-managing your life in a different zip code.

To truly have fun, you sometimes have to go against the grain as much as your heart and conditions allow. But usually you’ll need to go with the flow to account for life’s unplanned surprises. To do this, I uphold the following:

Ditch the “must see” list: Pick one thing a day. Spend the rest of the time wandering. Then put your phone down. You can’t have fun viewing the world through a five-inch screen. Live in the moment and stop photographing every minute of it.

2. Be Kind

When you travel, you are a guest in someone else’s living room. It doesn’t matter if you’re in a high-rise in Tokyo or a village in Peru. The “Ugly Tourist” trope exists because people often forget their manners (or prioritize their own above local customs) when traveling abroad.

To combat this, learn basic phrases in the local language. For example, “Hello,” Please,” “Thank you,” and “I’m sorry” go further than any passport will take you.

Also, assume the best. If the service is slow or the train is late, don’t huff. It’s not a personal attack on your itinerary. Use that extra ten minutes to observe the world around you.

Lastly, leave it better. If you see trash on a trail, pick it up. If a local looks like they need help, offer it. Kindness is the only currency that actually gains value when you spend it.

3. Don’t Die

Travel involves risk. You’re navigating unfamiliar rules, eating bacteria your gut hasn’t met yet, and maybe engaging in “adventure” sports your insurance agent would prefer you avoid.

“Don’t die” is about calculated risk. I’m all for jumping out of planes or eating street food, but do it with your eyes open. Trust your gut. If a dark alley feels “off” or a boat looks like it’s held together by prayer and duct tape, walk away. There is no “experience” or shot worth your life.

Stay hydrated and aware. Most travel disasters happen when people are exhausted, drunk, or dehydrated. And respect nature. The ocean doesn’t care about your Instagram following, and the mountain doesn’t have a “reset” button. So respect the elements.

Bottom line: when you focus on having fun, you’re more relaxed. When you’re more relaxed, it’s easier to be kind. And when you’re kind (and present), you’re more aware to stay out of harm’s way.

The world is a big, beautiful, slightly dangerous place worth seeing. Just remember the mantra:

Have fun. Be kind. Don’t die.