2007-03-06 06:06:36 · 22 answers · asked by Carrot Cruncher 5 in Travel ➔ Travel (General) ➔ Other - Destinations
don't stay on the beaten track - talk to some of the locals, find out how they live, go to taverns, shops etc run by and visited by local people, get a feel for the way of life not just the English run entertainments
2007-03-06 06:14:15 · answer #1 · answered by G*I*M*P 5 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Get any shots you need to enter the country, and do so within the required timeframe; have documented paperwork on-hand. Be in good enough shape to enjoy the activities you sign up for, or be aware of the shape you're in, and restrict yourself to those activities you can safely and comfortably enjoy. If you have any health concerns, fill prescriptions beforehand, keep medical information with you at all times, and let any tourguides know, if traveling with a group.
Don't try to see too many things. Quality time spent on a few priority activities is much better than rushing from one thing to the next. If traveling with friends and family, make sure that everyone gets to see some of the things they want to see, and do so graciously and happily.
Budget in some alone time, if traveling with others. Nothing spoils a trip like cabin fever.
Finally, realize that traveling well doesn't mean spending loads of cash. A budget travel guide can introduce you to some outstanding places to eat and things to see, and allow you the opportunity to really interact with people.
2007-03-06 15:06:28 · answer #2 · answered by rhetorica 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Have a good map and guidebook - make sure you have a rough idea of your destination's geography
Know about your destination before you go there. Find out about local attractions, customs, cultures etc
Try and meet local people - most people in the world are welcoming, friendly and helpful
Try and speak some of the local language - English is widely spoken across the world, but making even a small effort in a local language will endear you to local people
Find out about any scams and con tricks (look on Rough Guide and Lonely Planet websites, and on www.tripadvisor.com)
Take a back-up source of funds (ie credit and switch cards)
Seek local advice about where to go, and where not to go
Take a money belt and attach it to you with large office paperclips
AREAS FOR PICKPOCKETS: Internet cafes, burger bars, markets, places with large crowds gathered (ie watching a street artist etc), metro systems, cafes and restaurants
If you are carrying a rucksack, don't put valuables in the front pocket; and when seated, loop the straps around chair legs
Definitely take a good camera with a good size SIM card
Drink bottled water
Record your experiences, observations, people you meet etc in a travel journal...you will love reading them in years to come
Don't buy in to negative stereotypes about the people in the places you are going to (particularly true of France and Paris). If you go with an open mind and a respectful, curious attitude, you will be very pleasantly surprised
2007-03-06 14:51:55 · answer #3 · answered by The Global Geezer 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Carry your wallet in your front pocket for pick-pocket protection and it is very uncomfortable to sit on in an airplane.
Use up old socks and underwear while travelling. Throw them away at the end of the day and you won't have that dirty laundry to carry.
Always inform somebody where you are going next, then check back with them when you arrive to let them know you have made it.
Carry some smaller bills in your pocket so you don't have to take your wallet out for small purchases.
2007-03-06 14:18:26 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Always be aware of your surroundings (that's a safety tip); the other tip is this, take a good camera, but don't spend so much time looking through the lens that you don't take time to put aside the camera and see with your own eyes (your memory will be far more vivid and lasting)
2007-03-06 14:15:16 · answer #5 · answered by Mickey 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Bring a plastic garbage bag to keep your laundry in. Also, zip loc bags can keep things separate in your suitcase and can protect your clothes from a shampoo spill.
Leave a little bit of room in your suitcase in case you buy some things.
2007-03-07 12:56:35 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Travel Insurance...
2007-03-06 14:08:40 · answer #7 · answered by Abdul 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Be sure to get travel insurance. If you are going to Europe, be very careful. Even in Rome, it is dangerous- my wife lost her handbag to hooligans inside a church at that.
2007-03-07 06:15:54 · answer #8 · answered by Rene B 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Learn as much about the place you are visiting before you go. You don't have as much time as you think to visit the area, so you should use the time you have wisely. Just don't over book yourself, you want to see what you want but at a pace to enjoy it too.
2007-03-06 14:11:54 · answer #9 · answered by Just a friend. 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Make sure you take a change of clothes in your hand luggage and plenty underware, just in case you cases go missing, at least you can have a change of clothing and keep you valuables on you.
2007-03-06 14:12:15 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋