In our ever-connected world, unplugging isn’t something that just happens—it’s something we have to choose. And let’s be honest, it’s not easy. We’ve been conditioned to check our phones like they hold the secrets of the universe (spoiler: they don’t).

For me, travel is the perfect excuse to disconnect—at least temporarily. With some, or ideally all, of my responsibilities covered, I can confidently tell people that if they really need me, they’re welcome to send a carrier pigeon or light a smoke signal. But breaking the habit of constant connection is harder than it seems.

Those of us who have been around a bit remember a time when we didn’t walk around glued to our screens. And many of us can recall the exact moment we realized the world had changed. For me, that moment came in the summer of 2013, as I drove past the Colosseum with my longtime mentor—and watched him grapple with the fact that there was no longer any escape from his inbox.

For simple everyday conversation it’s fine if you’re not 100% sure what was said.  But when it comes to safety, double or even triple-checking is a must. Learning a new language makes it tempting to nod along and pretend you understand, but sometimes swallowing your pride and asking again is crucial. This story offers multiple lessons (see travel tip #1), but ultimately, the difference between an OK and a disastrous situation hinged on one simple question: “Am I on the right bus?”

When I travel I try to do whatever I can to integrate into local culture – “live like a local”. One area where I break from this is when it comes to healthcare. If you can, always use the best doctor available, even if that doctor is financially out of reach for more locals. Trust me, I learned the hard way.