It's a vast world out there, and sometimes it may be a little scary too. As you're traveling, you may encounter some questionable drivers, lousy food, dirty hotels, and even some shady people. If you're new to traveling, these things could be overwhelming, but as time progresses, you'll find your groove and come to love the experiences. You'll be learning about yourself, your dog, about travel, and the world.

You can acclimate to almost anything in a few days. I spent a lot of years on the road, and the first night everywhere was always a challenge. It could be the food, the people around you, the loud person in the next room, the dirty room, a crappy rental car. The upside is this all starts to wane about three days into your travels, even if you're moving down the road every day.

You'll be able to survive on less food and less sleep than you expected. If you've spent any amount of time on the road, you probably know that hotel breakfasts can be hit or miss. Did you spend too much money on a trinket and now don't have enough to eat three squares for the next few days? You'll be okay! We've learned that stopping at a local grocer or food stand to pick up supplies to take with you will save you money and may have you eating healthier than some other options.

Gross isn't gross until you encounter something on the road like a mildewed and moldy bathroom, unexplainable stains on a carpet and furniture, and unknown smells emanating from heat or air conditioning sources, or a hairy bathroom that was covered in hair when you walk into your hotel room. (Thanks STL dog-friendly hotel for that memory!)

Eating by yourself in public is okay. This skill is in the Road Warrior basics list! It may feel weird at first, but you'll get the hang of it. You could read, look at your phone, listen to a podcast, or even better, watch the world go by while enjoying your food.

You probably won't get robbed, but you might. In our group, one of us has a spouse that worries (more than the rest) about security and what-ifs. As a general rule, the world is not out to get you, and if you take proper precautions, you'll reduce the chances of losing anything. Of course, this doesn't mean you should wander around, flashing all your money and valuables.

Plan for more money than you think you'll need. Go through all your travel expenses and when you have arrived at a number that looks like enough, double it. That is more likely what your costs will be. As you become acclimated to the road, you'll become more skilled at predicting your financial needs.

My mother always told me that patience was a virtue; she was right. Things go wrong when you travel. Hotels lose your reservation, canceled flights, vehicles break down and that food you ate last night is now rumbling in your stomach telling you that was a wrong choice. Learn to be patient and roll with the punches, and you'll have a much more enjoyable adventure.

You're more resourceful than you think you are! Travel will help you realize that you're capable of overcoming getting lost, language barriers, and travel dilemmas. You'll find yourself in the deep end, and you'll survive while gaining more skills. You're better at this than you thought!

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Here's a helpful book to get you started on backroad travel in Minnesota. (This is an affiliate link, if you purchase the book we may receive a small amount of money.)