Re: FFIX Helpline (possible spoilers ahead)
yeesh, Excalibur II, I remember getting that.
If you want to do some sidequests that is great, but some are just two strenuous. One that may be a stretch is at least getting Choco. That way you can bypass a majority of random battles whilst walking in the world map. Every other place doesn't exactly seem important to go way out of your way for. You may go for the items in Mt. Gulug if you want, and Esto Gaza is only important to buy the Octogon Rod so Vivi can cast his -aga spells.