Setpoints

Being more convinced over time that happiness setpoint isn't fixed, but rather a function of how much people (who have mostly unblocked themselves emotionally) habitually gravitate towards negative thoughts vs. positive ones. Specifically towards the feelings of gratitude, awe, beauty, connectedness, loving-kindness, peace, and joy.

The habits are so small and fast that most people tend to not notice.

Fun

The degree to which an interaction could be fun but isn't is actually kind of scarcity coded.

Optimal Eating

The objectively correct way to dine while travelling is to ask locals to recommend unassuming restaurants. The more unassuming the better. Twitter/Reddit are next best. Atmosphere is often overrated while travelling.

Focus on local cuisine. You can't have that easily at other places.

Map Recommendations

Put them up immediately! It's important to spot good nearby places to go to.

Plan out museum visits

It's important to know EXACTLY when museums close and EXACTLY how to get to important spots. Visit the important spots first, then visit the rest later.

Buy tickets in advance

~15 days to a month is a good measure.

Be ok with small regrets

At times during travel I'd notice concurrent regrets for not using my time optimally or missing something I wanted to go to. An interesting observation is how quickly these recede over time. Don't act on them, they won't matter within a few hours to a few days.

Small Decisions

I've been travelling with a friend who's pretty different recently and it's been interesting to observe small push and pulls of preference for places.

Imo communication of exactly how important certain preferences are is important. Most requests require the same level of effort to accommodate, but it's important that those effort be allocated to what the other person most prioritizes.