Good friction

Howdy friends,

I’ve had a few readers reach out asking for personalized travel gear recs.

Would something like that interest you? Our team would package up personalized gear guides drawing upon our extensive research, tailored to your destination and duration of travel. We’d keep it cheap (think $25 or less).

I’m gearing up for a diving trip so I (selfishly) had our writer Katie Bauer research and put together a list of the best travel sunscreen. Other articles hot off the press: the best canvas tote bags, best drawstring packables, and best packable backpacks.

This week, we’re talking about friction — and more specifically, good friction.

Let’s dive in.

Hey, this is Kelsey, and you’re reading the SiteSee newsletter. Expect an email from me every Friday filled with personal travel stories, cutting-edge research from our team of globetrotting writers, and insights on embracing a location-independent lifestyle and the gear to get you there.

When I was 22, I traveled to Myanmar with my best friend. The country had just opened up an e-visa for Americans, and we were one of the first to get one using the new system.

When we got to Yangon, it felt remarkably untouched by tourism. To this date, it was one of my favorite trips of all time. And not because everything went off without a hitch. Quite the opposite.

A lot of things went wrong.

For example:

• We did a 3-day trek from Kalaw to Inle Lake and got caught in several sunshowers, leaving us to hike in wet clothes. We also almost got run off the path by a water buffalo.

• We rented e-bikes to explore the hundreds of pagodas in Bagan. My friend’s bike ended up getting a flat tire and I had to make the one-man journey back to the city for help.

• We tried pulling an Anthony Bourdain by getting off at a random stop on the local passenger train. No bueno. Taxis didn’t travel out that far from the city center and we had to do some serious schmoozing to get a ride back to Yangon.

Those three moments — although frustrating at times — are hands down my favorite memories from the trip.

Yes, we almost got run off the path by a water buffalo. But who can say they almost got run off by a water buffalo? We laughed so hard I swear my stomach still hurts to this day.

When I traveled back to get help with my friend’s flat tire, I ended up hitching a ride from the shop owner and got to chat with the locals in the bed of his truck.

Frantically trying to find a ride back to Yangon led to us meeting a sweet older man who took us through parts of the city I don’t think many travelers have ever seen.

Case in point: friction can be a good thing.

It’s what Dr. Robert Cialdini talks about in this episode on The Brainy Business. He recommends creating “problem-freed” experiences, rather than being problem-free to increase loyalty and advocacy.

In his example, a hotel manager had a guest and her son book a tennis court to practice. They had no more kid’s rackets when they arrived, so instead of asking her to reschedule, the manager ran to a local sports store and bought a racket just for him.

The guest was so impressed, she booked her company’s entire business retreat at their hotel.

That wouldn’t have happened if they had tons of extra kid’s rackets. The conflict, in this case, was good and demonstrated to her just how committed the staff was to ensuring she had a good experience.

The same idea can be applied to your life.

When friction arises such as a missed flight, an upset client, or a change in plans (...you get the metaphor). Instead of fighting it, consider letting that friction in.

Anticipating “problem-freed” experiences is what transforms us from tourists into travelers. From pessimists to optimists.

Because after all, friction really just means a new adventure is about to start.

Other highlights & airport reads

• What I’m considering purchasing: One of my fave customizable luggage brands, Roam Luggage, is offering a free backpack with any luggage purchase from now until 9/30. Just use code: Backpackforyou

• What I’m perusing: I’m always looking for SEO contract work and have been using Remote Rocketship to find tech companies who are hiring. Give it a look if you’re on the hunt for a remote job.

• What I’m listening to: The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing. A bit dated, but lots of great gems.

Thanks so much for reading and, as always, please let me know how I did. Which part of this email was your favorite? What do you want more or less of? Other suggestions?

​Have a wonderful weekend, all.

Onwards,

Kelsey

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