Having completed Tennessee, Florida, Nebraska, New York, and Iowa in my 48 states quest, here are some tips for having the best time on your travels. 

1. Location

Find the place you plan to write in advance. Make sure they have tables and a power outlet if you need one. Verify their hours and check for busy times when it may be more difficult or inconvenient for you to sit and write for a while.

2. Get ready

Pick your words, challenge, and prep the page before you go. It will make it a lot easier to get in and get started without any fuss especially if you’re going to be writing in a busy location. Also if the seating is tight, it will make the process much smoother.

3. Be respectful

Camping at a location where servers rely on tips is fine as long as you tip your server well. Remember you’re compensating them, not just for your service, but also for the money they could have earned if they were able to have other guests at the table. If you’re writing somewhere other than a coffee shop or a location where remote work is encouraged, especially locations with limited seating, be mindful of this. It is expected that you make a purchase. 

4. Snacks 

If you’re getting something to eat, opt for food that comes with utensils. Since you’re writing with a pen/pencil and paper, keeping your hands clean will make things a lot easier. And it will keep your book in the best conditions possible.

5. Quiet please

If you’re working on any challenge aside from 95 you’ll probably want some quiet. I personally like listening to music while I work, but if that’s not your thing, take some ear plugs or noise canceling headphones and be ready to listen to some white noise to cancel out background sounds.

6. Take your time

Give yourself some extra time when you plan your writing adventure. I’ve done some writing on tight deadlines, trying to work something in before a flight or when I have something else I have to do immediately after my writing time. That definitely happens and can be a lot of fun, but when you’re starting out, make sure you have enough time. Enjoy getting to the place you’re going to write, order your drink, find seating, and get the writing in without feeling rushed. See 1 and 2, if you’ve already done those things, it will help maximize your writing time.

I hope you’re having a great time on the quest and getting to know your community. This challenge can be applied in a lot of different ways, but I hope you’re able to make it your own and enjoy getting out in the world. 

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