Jeff Currier: “What I’ve Learned

What I’ve Learned

– Yellow Dog Ambassador

I was no scholar growing up. I made it through high school with passing grades, and eventually made it through college with a semi-respectable GPA and an actual major. But a lot of my course work and lessons really weren’t that interesting to me, and while I did the work and dutifully sat through my classes, I never felt that I was truly learning. Sure, I could solve a standard algebra equation, but did I have the common sense and life skills to navigate the Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris? Or a dark alley in Zanzibar after a few beers? I’ve never heard of a college that offers a major in “world travel and adventure,” but I can tell you that for me, my true education has come over the past 35 years – fishing and traveling the globe. Journeys and expeditions to over 60 countries and adventures in all sorts of remote and off-the-grid destinations have given me the “street-smarts” to both thrive and survive. Some lessons I’ve learned the hard way, through hardships and mistakes. Other things I’ve been taught by longtime travelers and people I’ve met along the way. Some I’ve picked up without even realizing I’d learned something new. In listing some key lessons and take-aways from my lifetime of travel, I would have to include the following:

• PATIENCE This is hands-down numero uno. If you don’t have patience, then don’t leave home and definitely do not leave the U.S. Everything slows down the minute you enter a foreign land, and the deeper you go and the further from civilization you get, the more the pace decelerates. Cars, trains and planes break down. Schedules disintegrate. And bad weather rears its ugly head. Developing immeasurable patience is a skill that every traveler needs.

• PAY ATTENTION TO DETAIL Detail has a lot of applications, and when traveling, it can have a lot to do with your safety. Most things in America are easy, safe and comfortable, and most of the time we can get away without really paying attention. But a mistake traveling can be as simple as accidentally booking the the wrong hotel (70 minutes away instead of the one you meant to at the airport) or missing the fact that your passport has expired and finding out once you arrive for your departing flight. Or, you forget you’re in Africa and get bitten in half by a hippo while trying to wet wade! Always pay attention.

• STAY ORGANIZED There’s a lot to say about being sqaured away, and it absolutely starts before your trip. When packing, don’t bring more than you need. Less is always easier to manage, carry and keep track of. One great trick for fishing tackle is to make a list of what you brought and actually used on the last trip, and then adhere to that when packing. The equipment and packing lists in the Yellow Dog pre-trip guides are also incredibly detailed and relevant. • BE PREPARED This is especially true at the airport during check-in and in the TSA and customs lines. If they give you paperwork on the plane, stop what you’re doing and get it done. Don’t wait until you arrive and are standing in line. And when it comes to having the right equipment for your destination, pay attention and utilize Yellow Dog’s materials and their knowledge.

• RESPECT OTHER PEOPLE AND RESPECT

YOUR SURROUNDINGS

Very few cultures adhere to the “snap-to-it” attitude to which Americans have become accustomed. When you’re traveling, slow down and smell the roses. Relax and remember that you are traveling for the experience. You’re on vacation! Take a moment to enjoy and admire the surroundings.

• DON’T JUDGE I’ve traveled to a lot of rough places: destinations that I didn’t tell my mother about. And even in a place like Venezuela, Sudan, Zimbabwe, Turkey and Oman, I quickly figured out that humans are humans no matter where you go. Be polite, be friendly, and always be respectful. You’ll be surprised how hospitable the world is when you’re a kind and gracious guest.

• SET REASONABLE GOALS I find that it always helps both myself and the clients I host to identify a set of goals before a trip. That said, keep the goals reasonable. If you’re an experienced angler, then adding a nice permit to this list is ok. But if you’re new to saltwater, or haven’t picked up a rod since last year, perhaps focus on bonefish and having a great time.

• BRING A FEW COMFORT ITEMS When I travel, I make myself comfortable and happy with a few minor things I never leave home without. I always bring a fleece, as airplanes get cold, evenings in the tropics are often 20 degrees colder than mid-day, and morning boat rides can be colder than you think! I always bring snacks, such as energy bars and nuts. And I always bring what I need to sleep. You can’t enjoy a trip, keep your wits or pay attention to detail when you’re tired. Earplugs are mandatory, and – if your doctor allows – don’t be afraid to be a rockstar for a week and get a prescription for some sleep assistance! Other key items that I never leave home without include my laptop, headphones, a notebook, Advil, a carry-on backpack that is waterproof, luggage on rollers, cash, credit cards, immunization card, and important phone numbers and contact information written down in a notebook.

Looking back, I was probably smarter than I gave myself credit for when I was a young college graduate. It makes sense that 20 years of schooling should have taught me a few useful things! That said, there is no doubt that travel has made me a wiser, deeper and more considerate person, and when asked, I always recommend that others travel as much as possible – whenever possible!