Returning to film after 18 years - what should I re-learn?

After an 18-year break, I’m finally picking up film again for an upcoming trip to Thailand this October. My old Pentax Program Plus is in rough shape and probably needs more help than I’m willing to admit, so I grabbed a Canon AE-1 with a 50mm to ease back into things. Picked up a few rolls of ColorPlus 200 and Portra 400, and downloaded Lightme on my phone so I’m not flying completely blind with exposure.

That said, it’s been a minute. I vaguely remember some of the basics (Sunny 16, rule of thirds, etc.), and I mess around with an A6000 every now and then, but I usually leave it on auto and call it good. Shooting film again feels like going from a microwave back to a campfire. I’m excited, but also trying not to waste all my shots on blurry dogs and crooked street signs.

If anyone has tips for shaking off the rust, I’m all ears. Any YouTube channels worth checking out for a quick refresh? Or things you wish someone reminded you when you picked up film again?

I’ll be in Vegas in a couple of weeks and plan to run through my first rolls there. I’ll share my results from that trip for some critique afterwards.

(Also Yes, yes, I’ve searched the sub already. Sometimes it’s just easier to have my own post to reflect back on.)