Your Best Tip for 1st time (or not so savvy) Travelers

2. Rent the car at home instead of waiting until you get there.

3. Learn a few words of the local langauge, at least.

check in for your flight online

Do not be self-concious about being a tourist. You are a tourist.

Embrace the differences

The adventure is about the place and the people who live there, not you.

Don't forget your passport.

Try to find out as much as you can before you go

Remember that you are traveling to a place that is different then where you call home; as such it will be different.

Something will go wrong, and when it does just do the best you can from there

Always keep an emergency fund

Don’t be stupid! If it is illegal here don’t try to do it somewhere else

Check weather.com

Ask for help planning your itinerary BEFORE you buy your airline tickets, railpass and other items that can't be canceled.

Call your credit card company, tell them to make a note on your account, give them dates and locations - so they won't "freeze" your card

If needed, arrange mail pick-up, housesitting, petsitting

Pack light. You really don't need that extra stuff and it makes life miserable on the road.

Check for any major holiday(s) at your destination.

Try to read up on the history/culture of the country(ies) you will be visiting.

Don't expect everyone to speak English!

Travelers check is a thing of the past.

Find out if you need a visa to enter the country you want to visit - and don't wait until the last minute.

make sure you have a valid passport.

If you have a specific interest and want to visit a particular site/museum, check in advance to make sure it's not closed for renovations.

Not only - don't forget your passport, check the Expiration DATE of the passport, while your are in planning mode.

Double check on any visa requirements for the country(ies) you are visiting. Allow plenty of time to obtain them.

Use ATMs as much as possible rather than Traveler Checks.

Don't plan every minute of your trip, leave room for spur-of-the-moment happenings, and plain old downtime.

Don't take traveler's cheques. Cashing them is a pain in the butt.
Do take small, easy to carry opera glasses or binoculars.

Besides the basic cost of air and land arrangements, find out about all the "extras" especially for exotic destinations. In addition to Visa mentioned above... inoculations or medications. This way you're not surprised with an extra $200-$500. Also check the U.S.Gov (and I'm sure the UK, Canada, OZ, etc. have similar) site for the country to be visited for prohibited drugs that can't be brought it. Many pills/tabs that are over-the-counter or even scripted in one country aren't elsewhere.

Take a deep breath, speak softly, realize that things often move slower, and most of all... maintain your sense humor.

Happy travels.

Don't forget your meds, and pack extra.

Bring at least two debit or ATM cards in case one of them is rejected by an ATM. Bring two credit cards on different accounts and keep them separately in case one is stolen or lost.

Bring all medications and a change of clothes in your carry-on luggage in case your checked bags are mislaid. (In my experience, the bags usually catch up with you within a day or two.)

Pack an empty gym bag in your suitcase. I fill it with laundry and check it on the way home and make room that way for any purchases I've made.

When packing:

1. make a pile of everything you MUST take.

2. make a pile of everything you don't have to take but might be useful on the trip.

Pack pile #1. Leave pile #2 at home.

Make two copies of your travel docs - passport, visa, tickets, travel insurance papers, hotel and other booking confirmations. Take one set with you, leave the other with an easily-contactable family member or friend.

For peace of mind, don't forget travel insurance. Your credit card may provide it, but check what it covers against your needs and other offerings. Shop around online for best rates.

Read up on local customs so you can respect them. Be a polite and considerate guest.

Expect everything to be a little bit different. Do NOT complain about this, enjoy it. It's the reason you're traveling.

If the idea of everything being a little bit different is really scary, then stay home.

1. Rationalise with yourself on what it is you are travelling for and research options on where best that may be achieved.
2. With whatever budget you have, set priorities in generating a plan.
3. Go out of your way to meet locals and be prepared to tell them something of your own country if they show interest.

Something that always works for me is to have your luggage packed including carryon and a purse if you are taking it on the plane. Have everything you need for the trip packed including all legal documents, credit and ATM/Debit cards, cash (I always bring US Cash so I have some when I arrive back at my US airport). Put the luggage etc., in the entry hall or at whichever door you will be exiting your residence to go to the airport. Have this done two nights before you go to bed. Example, if you are flying on Wednesday have this done before bedtime Monday night. That way if problems, emergencies, last minute phone calls or visits from loved ones wishing you a good trip take place the day before your flight you can handle it better as you are packed and ready to go! Also, set aside every article of clothing you will wear for your trip two nights before you leave so there is no last minute confusion.

All the above posts are very good thoughts too.

But if feeling really scared don't stay home unless there is a very good reason to be worried. Go, and you will be so pleased that you conquered your fears.

Of course the old "pack half of what you think you need and budget twice what you think you will need" is still good advice.

If you're traveling out of the country and plan to get cash with your ATM card, realize that:

1) Many ATMs (at least in Europe, I don't know about other places) will only accept a 4 digit PIN. You can change your PIN before you leave to a 4 digit one, and change it back to what you prefer when you return home.

2) The ATMs I've encountered in Europe don't have letters above the numbers, so if you know your PIN by a word rather than a series of numbers, know what the numbers for your PIN are, too.

3) To reiterate what Dayenu said, do call your bank and credit card companies to let them know when and where you'll be traveling, so you don't risk having a freeze put on your accounts for unusual activity.

Also, make 2 photocopies of your passport and credit cards (front and back, make sure the number to call to report lost/stolen cards is readable). Leave one copy at home with a family member or friend, and put the other copy in your carry-on.

Sorry, I just realized I basically repeated what Neil_Oz said in my second suggestion, somehow I missed that on my first read-through. Well, it is still a good idea

I have some special luggage tags I bought from a travel catalog that say in several languages something to the effect "if luggage is misplaced please look inside for itinerary". I put a listing of all the places I'll be staying on my travels, so if the bag doesn't arrive when I do, the airline might have a prayer of reuniting me with my luggage at some point (especially if I'll be going to multiple destinations).

Don't budget down to your last dollar. Leave yourself some wiggle room with money. Yu may have the opportunity to do or see or buy something that may become a once in a lifetime memory or keepsake for you and it would be a shame to miss out on it because of a tight budget. If you have to, you can cut back on something when you're home.

I mean You. Not Yu. Although I wouldn't want poor Yu to miss out on anything either.

Be sure to take out the food trash before leaving the house. That sure was a smelly mistake to make! No matter how late I'm running, I'll never forget to put out the trash again.


Don't pack brand new shoes. Buy really good socks.

Remember your cell phone charger!

Amen, Aduchampd1. Say it again, brother/sister. We are tourists and grateful we get to be tourists.

My two cents: Be absolutely sure to notify your bank and credit card company before you leave. We were stranded for a couple days once without funds because our account was frozen. I had emailed the bank but they hadn't noted it and I didn't think of it after that. Now I call and get a verbal verification.

I meant to add....as previously noted by other posters...
nod to dayenu.

UHM yes moldy, good idea about the garbage. We forgot to do that one time when we were going to be gone two months. Our close friend came to our house days later to check it out and almost passed out from the smell of the rotten cantaloupe. And said cantaloupe was in a bowl on the counter, not even in the garbage. How did we miss that? Oh, btw, the cantaloupe was quite moldy as well as horribly smelly evidently, thought you would appreciate that small fact, lol.

Go to the bathroom just before they start having people board the plane, and go to the bathroom just as you get off the plane - this reduces the amount of stuff you have to carry into the stall with you, as well as reducing the sudden urge to go during a "no-pee" period (take off, cab ride to hotel, etc.).

GTG - to go along with yours:

When you budget and you have a car rental, estimate the gas/petrol cost above the current actual price (e.g., if it's currently $3.50/gallon, work your budget at $4.50/gallon), and your estimated mileage high (e.g., if you figured you'll be driving 1500km during the trip, work your budget at 2000km). This way, if there's a sudden gas/petrol hike (or you take an unexpected detour), you'll be covered, and if there isn't, then you have some extra money for that "gotta have it" purchase.

When planning how long to spend in a location, write down the sights and activities that you know you want to see and do. Then, count each sight/activity that will take 3 or more hours as 1 (one) and each sights/activity that will take less than 3 hours as 1/2 (one-half), and add them up. The minimum time you should spend in that location is 1 day longer than the result of your addition. This gives you enough time to see and do everything you KNOW you want to see and do, and leaves time to be spontaneous or just relax. If you can't spend that amount of time at that location, then you need to look at your list and see if you can skip any sights or activities for this trip.

This works well if you're thinking of doing multiple locations in one trip as you can tell if you're being unrealistic about the time frame. Be sure to include a day of travel between any locations that are more than 2 hours apart (don't want to spend 6 hours on a crowded train just to have to fight the crowds getting into the vatican because you only have 2 hours available to see it before heading to the next location).

Plan your most important "must sees" at the beginning of your stay in a location. That way if something happens and you can't get in, you still have time to try again. Leave the "I'd like to see, but it's OK if I miss it" stuff to the end of your stay - if you run out of time, you already know it's OK if you miss it.

Make sure you have medical insurance that will pay for repatriation and check the small print if you intend to to ski, ride a motorbike, abseil, bungee jump etc.

Dress to be comfortable on the flight.

Try to take a bit of the currency of your destination with you. Access to airport ATMs or reasonable money exchangers is not always guaranteed.

NEVER let a taxi driver or other transport operator put any part of your luggage in the boot (trunk) of the vehicle until you have agreed on the fare to be paid for the journey. As soon as that has happened, it seems to impair their ability to understand what you are saying and gives rise to a fixed price (theirs) for the fare.

1. If initially your desination does not look exactly like your mental picture (which is ususally based on beautiful travel photos) do not allow disspointment to set in. The lovely places are there, believe me, & you will enjoy them.

2. I second the comment about avoiding new shoes.
Take a pair of broken in shoes and something that you can wear in case your feet swell.ON a trip a few years ago I could not wear any but one pair of shoes to the swelling & only wore a pair of velcro sandals!

Always bring Traveller's Cheques . I have never had a problem cashing them @ the hotel front desk or in supermarkets or restaurants. Never. I also bring extra cash in the local currency. I do both of these things in case there is a computer glitch problem w/ my credit card or if there is a probelm w/ credit card phone lines...phone company on strike... that kind of weird, unusual thing but it happens. Bring an extra credit card.

When you are staying @ a hotel the night b/f your flight don't "check out" until your flight is leaving. Call the front desk as you are boarding to say you are leaving/checking out. this way if your lfight is cancelled or delayed you can go back to your room.

Plan, reasearch, continue to plan, setup worksheets, plan some more, get on the plane, fine-tune the plan and when you get off the plane... Let Go. Do not become a slave to The Plan.

Build a trip binder: make copies of guidebooks so you dont have to carry them with you, have all your hotel reservations, driving directions, booking confirmations, restaurants, maps.

We have not used Traveler's Cheques in over 30 years. Credit cards and cash seem to be enough at least in Europe and Central America.

Check the seat back pockets before you get off the plane. Especially if you've had your passport and such out to do immigration forms during the flight.

I hate sitting on my wallet for long periods, but hated leaving it on a plane with my cards and everything it in Mexico more. Not exactly a newbie move either, I'm just scatterbrained sometimes. Fortunately one of the cleaning crew on the plane found it and then found us.

I agree that traveler's checks aren't as common as they once were. I've had trips past where I brought some and you'd have thought we'd written an IOU on the back of a napkin for the looks we got presenting them - at hotels, banks, etc. So we stopped using them.

Pack and then take out at least two complete outfits, maybe even three. You won't need nearly as many clothes as you think you will.

Check opening hours/days of museums you want to visit and plan around them.

Forget that there's no ice for your Coke (what are you doing drinking Coke when there's wine???), no face cloths in the bathroom, only five channels on the tv in the hotel and that things close for lunch/Sundays...you're in EUROPE and that is better than any day at your desk at work, hands down. Embrace the differences. You can have your ice, face cloths and 257 channels back at home!

To expand on what Neil-Oz said;
1. Load your travel doc attachments into your email. This helps if you lose you docs. It's a third copy that those at home or en route may need.

2.Don't over pack;
If your going to a fairly civilized location, you can buy what you need/forgot, or better, you can add to your wardrobe or try new/exotic toiletries.

3. Always have reading material for down time. It makes the waiting easier.

Hi,

Be polite.

Karin

Agree with your traveling companions ahead of time that you all will be tired and stressed out when you arrive at your destination, and agree to laugh off any conflicts that arise. (This also applies to setting up a tent or hanging wallpaper with a spouse.)

Never pass up an opportunity to go to the bathroom or to sit down.

Never pass up an opportunity to go to the bathroom

This absolutely cracked me up!

Think about where you're going and what you'll need while you're there. If you're going somewhere hot, you probably don't need four options for sweatshirts. Limit yourself to one bag and a small carryon, no more. Packing and 'to do' lists are wonderful things.

You're a tourist, it's entirely okay to look like a tourist. Wear your comfy tennis shoes, don't try to wear heels like the locals might.

Please remember to respect the culture of your destination. Yes, the cathedral is huge and amazing, but you're still in a place of worship, be respectful and use your inside voice. If the place you're visiting requests you take off your shoes, or cover your shoulders and knees, please do so without arguing.

What nikki said about carry-on: it should contain everything you can't survive without, including a change of clothes, medications, backup source of funds, and all your travel documents.

Assume your luggage will be lost forever, and plan accordingly.

If planning to drive overseas,
get international drivers permit from AAA.

Right on Karin.

Just on a couple of matters mentioned above
Clifton
" I hate sitting on my wallet for long periods,........."
You're not actually still a back pocket fella are you?
Read our chiropractic threads, and a 3/4" thick wallet does a wonderful distorting job on the pelvic structure that in turns has the spinal column doing contortions.

On comfortable functional travelling, I've always had a favourite sleeveless lightweight anglers style top, more of a dress version but ample waste pockets and external and zippered internal breast pockets for the passport and wallet etc.
And then to be more of walking department store you can go for the cargo pants/shorts with great roomy pockets for tissues, snacks, even camera etc. if desired - nearly saves the need for bum, fanny or day pack, other than water, poncho for latter

Bring plenty of ointment.

My LT lost it again...!!!
Do not take one travelling! and ample waist pockets on the top.
With the International drivers permit, not needed if travelling to a country whose native language is English but best to do without driving if you can.

And once decision on why/where/when is made prepare yourself a checklist and have it taped to top of your pack in the hallway, with all suitably ticked off, including all those things to be switched off, notification to landlord/alarm people/neighbours/family/house key somewhere/cancellation of any deliveries etc.
The Pets and Plants

Be sure to get lost. It usually means you'll discover something special. Sure beats being led around by some boring tour.

Get by with just the jewelry you are wearing when you leave home. I've stuck to this rule except for once when I packed some extra jewelry on a whim. TSA had inspected my luggage (they left a note) and left open my jewelry bag. In the mess, an earring was lost. Turned out that I was so used to using only the jewelry I came with that I never wore the extra stuff anyway.

I bring a large scarf to accessorize and can also use it as a wrap if I get a bit chilly.

Leave expensive jewely at home. You are not out to impress anyone. I wear a $20.00 Timex that when you put a button it lights up in the dark. Love it! Never pack anything that if it's lost it will be an ordeal for you.

I am fortunate to have alot of native american jewelry.
I wear silver,turquiose, coral, onyx, mother of pearl, and lapis depending on my outfit.

Although..When traveling I only wear silver and little of it.
I do bring 2 sets of earrings and 2 rings.
Not my favorites or expensive ones.
I am one who never takes off my small silver chain bracelets.

Southeastern has a good tip in never bringing anything you cant lose.

Stop obsessing about forgetting something. As long as you have your passport, credit card and whatever tickets are needed, you can make due anywhere.

I can recommend the money bra.

I'm afraid I am one of those sort Bushranger. I'm a walked anachronism in broken-in jeans, wallet in back pocket (except when walking city streets in Europe) and black timberline boots and t-shirt. Add old suede jacket if it's nippy.

I am as non-specialty travel gear oriented as one can be.

make that "walking anachronism" please. Edit, edit.

Money bra?

Sort out what you will do about mobile phones before you go. Don't assume your particular phone has international service until you have verified that your phone has the correct hardware (i.e. sim card) and your carrier does provide the service for your particular phone.

If you check your suitcase... be sure you carryon has everything that would be hard to replace (prescriptions, glasses, money, credit cards, etc.), basic toiletries, toothbrush, etc. I also fold in the bottom of the bag a partial change of fresh clothes (or bathing suit and shorts if I'm going to a beach vacation).

Empty your camera memory cards BEFORE you leave on your trip. This will reduce the chance you'll run out of room on it at the exact moment you have that once in a lifetime photo op.

Take enough memory cards so you don't have to delete photos as you go - except for obviously blurry shots, etc., you may be deleting shots that you will regret losing later. Alternates: bring your laptop or portable storage device as you go.

Use your digital camera on the highest size and finest quality. While you're likely to only print your photos as 4x6 prints, if you get that perfect shot (your kid kissing a camel, etc.),this will allow you to print larger without losing quality. It's easy to downsize a photo, it's far more difficult (and sometimes impossible) to upsize them. Shoot with the idea that they are all to be displayed in an art gallery so you can make an 11x14 print of that special shot.

"Never pass up an opportunity to go to the bathroom "

I think we have a winner !!

Don't forget to run your garbage disposal before you leave home (DH is horrible about running it, leaving whatever in there to rot for 10 days was close to unforgivable)

And I echo the bathroom tip

remember that "tourists" flock to certain sites FOR A REASON and it is usually a good one

never ask a bunch of people you have NEVER met or EVER seen "how to dress"..for ANYTHING

nobody will think you are STUPID if you are polite and generous to people

"the locals" do not hang out in B+B hallways; in fact, they don't even STAY in B+B's..they stay HOME

I have to echo the bathroom comment, especially in Europe.

Keep a travel journal of your adventures. I tried to write in it daily when there was downtime, on train trips or waiting at the airport or at night at the end of the day. I started a journal on my first trip to Italy in 2004 and I am amazed at the details I've lost from that trip since then that were captured in my journal.

If you are traveling with others, always have an agreement to meet back at a specific place if you should become separated. This can happen easily on crowded subways or at large public gatherings.

Try to eat most items from your freezer before you leave,just in case the power goes off and doesnt come back on. This happened to us once. I could smell the "aroma" the moment we walked in after 30 plus hours travelling. Everything else came back on,except that fridge.

Take 2 smaller bags instead of 1 big one. Much easier for the trains,car rental boots and walking through cities. It still amazes me to see people lugging the equivalent of a small fridge.

Have a small amount of local currency for your arrival.

Dont judge a new destination by any stress you encounter on arrival and getting to your abode. Everything seems easier once you know your way around.

Be nice to your travel companion.

Do not carry all of your credit cards, ATM cards, cash etc. in one purse or pocket. Split them up. If one set gets lost you still have the other one.

Put you U.S.contact info on several small heavyduty pieces of paper and carry one in your pocket at all times. I suggest several because you'll need extras unless the trip is very short. Especially important for women who tend to stash ID in a purse and thus have no ID actually on their person. Include the name of your travel companion and the name of the hotel(s) where you are staying.

Also put the name of your hotel in with your wallet, purse etc. Invaluable in case you lose something and the finder wants to return it to you. (This happened to me in Paris when I lost my wallet and a Parisian was able to return it to me - there are honest people out there). Be sure to put contact information on any valuable camera equipment.

1.tape a photo of your spouse travel companion on back cover of your passport in case one of you gets lost
ALWAYS keep a business card for your hotel in your wallet
2. clean out your wallet-bring ONLY-- ID, two credit/ATM cards, cash of the destination country, a little US cash, leave behind all the credit cards, membership cards etc that you will not use and do not want to lose
3. Bring one set of scrubs because they can act as jammies, all your clothes are in the washer outfit, emergency get of the building clothes, swimsuit cover-up, and if you have to you can travel in them!
4. Always have TP & hand wipes- you never know what will be available esp in the Orient
5. Pack your suitcase- run up and down your street- come home and take stuff out until you can do it without having a heart attack.
6. Make master list- if you do not have one- ask on the travel boards to get a good basic idea
7. Most important pack you sense of humor

Make sure to tidy your house and change your bed linens before you leave on your trip. Nothing like coming home to a clean house and fresh linens on your bed. Almost makes the return bearable!

Be aware that some Asian countries (Japan) won't allow products containing psudephed through customs.

Each person should give a color copy of the front pages of their passport to their travelling companion.

Some countries won't let you in if you do not have a completely blank page in your passport. Go to the State Department website about getting extra pages for your passport.

Make a copy of all your medications and dosages. Keep one for yourself and give one to your companion. Email a copy to yourself so you can reteive it away from home. It will invaluable if you are unfortuante enough to have to go to a hospital.

Don't carry anything in your wallet that you can't afford to lose. Better yet, go to the dollar store and by a cheap wallet. Use that for a decoy while keeping the important stuff in a pocket.

If it doesn't fit in a 22x14x9 suitcase and a small backpack, you probably don't need it. If you do, you can always find it reasonably at your destination. (Medications excepted.) My wife and I have made over 20 trips to Europe for at least 10 days each time and found this works. (But then we don't go to the Opera or get invited to Buckingham-type events.)

Go to the grocery store and buy a package of trash compactor bags. They are heavier than ordinary trash bags. Cut them to length to fit over your 45" combined measurement (airline requirements) carryon with a slit in the top for the handle. Works well on rainy days.

Make use of the backsacks that you can usually get as giveaways by GEICO, etc. Lighter that some backpacks and can act as grocery bags when the store doesn't have bags or wants to charge for the plastic (Irish kites) bags. More and more places are banning the plastic bags.

Check the transportation website for the city/county you are going to visit and see if they offer multiple day passes. Most do and you can get on and off at your leisure to save your shoe leather. It is usually cheaper in the long run and some transports accept exact change only so you won't have to fish for the right change.

We ALWAYS use an ATM when traveling. Carry two, from different banks and notify the banks of your plans. The exchange rate is usually as good as it will get. Also, carry a photocopy of your passport. In Peru last year we needed to show our passport for admission to several places and the copy was gladly accepted. That way the original is locked away, and safe. We usually travel with ONLY A CARRY-ON. Plan to rinse things out in your room, wear clothes multiple days. You are a tourist. Who are you trying to impress? You will generally not see the same people twice anyway!

Just FYI, some of our tips made it to the Travel News column:
http://www.fodors.com/news/story_3346.html

Take a stretchy clothes drying line, the kind with hooks and suction cups on the end. You can find them in a good travel store.

Try to stay at least 3 nights in a given town, and do day trips from there. To do this, when planning the trip, find areas with several things that you'd like to do, then find a cool, centrally located town and book an inn or small hotel right in the center, if possible. It's nice to have a place to come home to where you can walk to dinner, have wine, and meander back to your hotel without driving.

Try to get out on to the water at least once, whether it is lake, river, sea or ocean. A day long river cruise is excellent!

Remember that the pleasure in traveling is a three-parter. The planning, the trip, and the memories! Enjoy all three parts to the fullest.

yk

WOW.. thanks for the link...

What a great list.

I know keep a 2gb chip in my suitcase as well as a battery charger. Upon returning home, I either refill or clean out my containers and store them in the suitcase. Each container is marked so I know what goes in it. Some things are always in my suitcase.

I clean my luggage inside and out with vinegar from a spray bottle and let it air out for a day. It's ready to go whenever it's time to go for pleasure or business.

If staying in hotel instead of apartment, I find one that beakfast is included into the price.
That way, in the morning, you can fill up and out the door you go..

Be careful who you sleep with.

What Jetset said is very good idea.

Don't worry about "packing light" to the extent that you can't look and feel nice and comfortable. If you have to follow the instructions on how to wear your underwear 5 times without washing to pack light, then you're not doing it right.

Also, don't skip bringing something there or buying something to bring back because of others. If you really believe you will need it or will enjoy it, etc., then go with your own gut feelings. People have different priorities that don't always match your own. For instance, I would say ALWAYS take your camera gear (because I'm really into photography), someone else would say skip the gear and buy postcards - if you're really into photography, you're going to regret not bringing the camera.

Which leads to, don't skip a sight you've always wanted to see because someone else says "it's not worth it". You'll always regret it, and you may come to realize that the person who gave the advice doesn't know anything, or doesn't have the same interests as you do, etc. See what you want not what others think you should see.

what travel jones said! always try to say in a place at least three days, since traveling to point B from point A can take up so much time.

And, try to leave any preconceived notions at home - their culture/politics/society/mores might be different than yours. And, that's a GOOD thing! But, also remember that these are folks with kids, and jobs, and worries too, so not that different after all.

Mostly - Have Fun!

Pack the appropriate converters/adaptors for the UK and Europe. They are different from each other. If you plan to rent a car, be sure to check which countries drive as you do. Many European countries only rent manual transmission cars not those which are automatic. Keep some spare Euro change for countries such as France or Italy which may charge for public toilets. Learn "hello","goodbye" and "thank you" among other polite terms in their language. Be a proud American but respect others and their culture.

Nice to see this post back. we all can learn something here.

Do lots of research and interinary planning ahead of time, so that you can make the most of your trip. Go to Barnes and Noble one night, get a cup of coffe/tea, and read through tons of guidebooks. Make yourself a "must see and do" list, and then take a look at a map of the city that you'll be in, and see where the things that you want to do are. (That's how I discovered that the London Eye and Big Ben are just across the Westminster Bridge from each other.) That will help you avoid wasting precious time backtracking to places that you could have gone to along the way to your next stop.
Then I highly recommend printing out maps and the public transportation directions to all of the places that you want to go, organize them by each day of your trip, and put them in a thin plastic binder that you pack in your carry-on. Then each morning you just pull out the maps and directions that you need for the day, fold them in your purse, and just throw them away at the end of the day. That systems works really well.

Stick your itinerary in everything - luggage (of course, in an outside pocket), purse, camera case, wallet, binocular case, etc. There are plenty of honest people out there who'll return an item if they can.
Tear up your guidebook before you leave home -leave behind what you know you won't need and carry just what you think you'll need on a given day.
Many airports have efficient buses that will have a standard route of the city hotels. They cost much less than a cab and will give you a mini-tour of the city as passengers are dropped off.
Hey Southeastern-
My cheapo Timex (with light-up button) finally conked out after 25 years and about 4 watchbands! Looking for its duplicate.

Three absolute rules for travel; (anywhere)

1. Never pass up a water fountain.

2. Never pass up a bathroom.

3. Never trust a fart!

Here's my top ten:

1. Smile
2. If the crowds are going THIS way, go THAT way
3. Smile
4.If you are a woman or someone with a smallish wrist, Timex watches for kids have all the light-up and easy reading numbers and cost $9.50. Buy 2.
5. Smile
6. Take the time to learn "good morning", "please", "thank you" in the language of the country you are visiting, and add the equivalent of "OK" (d'accor, entonces, alzo, etc.) and use them frequently, accompanied by a smile.
7. Leave jewelry at home and pack your smile.
8. Treasure the memories in case you lose your camera.
9. Enjoy the differences (i.e. don't order taco in Japan unless you really mean it).
10. Smile

Get your cash from an ATM. They're everywhere. You might want to check with your bank before leaving home as to what they charge. Is it a per withdrawl charge, or a percent (like 1%)of your withdrawl amount?
Scan your open passport (photo and info pages)and email a copy of it to your internet email account like yahoo, gmail or hotmail. Then you have access to it no matter where you are. Email yourself copies of your itinerary, etc.
Make a packing list days in advance of packing, adding things as you remember them. I add obvious things, and things I may not remember, like a camera battery charger. Cross them off as you pack. You'll also find you don't really need everything on your list.
If you know in advance where you'll be staying, buy a map of the city, find your hotel, the closest bus or subway stop and how to get there from the airport or rail station. Do all this before you leave home.
Try the local beer!

Try to adjust to your new time zone right away - if need be, bring advil/tylenol P.M. to help you sleep at night. There is nothing worse than being a travel zombie in the day & up all night!

DO YOUR HOMEWORK!! Get out a map and set your own itinerary. Book airline tix online directly with the carrier. Wherever possible, book direct flights even if they cost a bit more. If you are planning to drive, search online for the best car rental deals. Don't be intimidated by your first trip to Europe. English is widely spoken, especially in larger cities. Learn as much as you can about the place you are visiting including points of interest, local transportation availability, hotels (I highly recommend houses or apartments instead of hotels - more spacious and comfortable - also cheaper in many cases). You can do the research online or buy a good guidebook and map or check your library's travel section. Guidebooks or online travel sites provide restaurant reviews as well. I have found that a well planned itinerary can insure a great vacation and for me, a good part of the fun is in the planning.

If traveling with another person and each has their own suitcase then split each person's clothing into each suitcase. Chances are both suitcases won't get lost.

Take more than enough memory cards. Don't forget camera battery charger. These with the camera should be carried on.

Never over pack. Remember if you forgot something you can usually buy it.

yes to the camera battery charger. i forgot mine and had to pay about $75.00 for one in Amsterdam in 2005.

packing light really depends on your needs and personality. I figure if I'm taking a suitcase anyway, especially if I'm checking it, it might as well be full. My SO and I have different philosophies -- he feels that if we wears everything he takes, he packed perfectly. I like to come home with a few things unworn because that means I had a choice while I was away. I don't mind buying shampoo and toothpaste wherever I am but I sure don't want to be spending a lot of time doing laundry or shopping for clothes.

The point of travel is to go somewhere different. So don't head for the nearest McDonald or Holiday Inn. Go local. And don't be afraid to do it. The places may be different, but deep down people are similar: anger, joy, love, surprise...

And I can't resist a practical one: make a list of everything you need to take and tick things off one by one. It's amazing how easy it is to forget important things like passports just because they're so obvious we don't put them on a list.

Never underestimate how much more human a full change of underwear, socks, and shirt (all stashed in your carryon, naturally) will make you feel after an overnight flight. Especially true if you are arriving then connecting to a train or plane for yet more travel.

If you're a multi-pet household - and they're off to the kennels while you're gone - you may want to flea-bomb your house just before you leave. We once had a million little surprises jump on to us when we arrived back from 6 weeks of travel!

Always pack: flip flops, Wet Wipes or baby wipes, and a tote bag (like a canvas shopping bag). Though if I was stranded on a desert island with only one of these items... I'd want a satellite phone.

Leave the travel-size deodorant to people with travel-size armpits. Pack the regular sized stuff.

Leave prescriptions and vitamins in their original bottles with labels, or bring the labels. My good ole One a Day multi-vitamins were confiscated because they were "unidentifiable". In Florida.

I like to go running wherever I visit, which helps with the jet lag and allows me to explore an area! Run safe. Don't run late at night, don't run around abandoned parks or streets, don't forget ID. I wear a Road Id (find them on the internet) wrist bracelet with my name, family/friends' phone numbers, and other info. I have an international version and a domestic version with appropriate pertinent info on each. I also keep some money and the address for my hotel somewhere on my person. I like to think all the precautions mean I will never have to take advantage of them.

Be nice to the flight crew. You are flying in a tin can full of fuel, tens of thousand of miles above earth. Not a good time to decide to be a jerk. And while you're at it...if you're flying solo, the side of my head is not your pillow.

Have fun reading the forums to get excited before your trip. Check out onebag.com for packing tips, and, when you find yourself obsessing about the possibilities of traveling carry-on only, read the One World, One Bag blog. Fun stuff.

That would be flying tens of thousands of feet above earth. I'm pretty sure it's feet. If it was miles, you'd definitely want to be nice to your flight crew... before they probe you.

I know that this is a forum for great traveling tips but I have a question with regards to one of the recommendations made about travellers checks being a thing of the past and to bring cash and, debit and credit cards instead. I thought that travellers checks were safer and accepted all over Europe? Also, are there any fees with using debit cards, and high fees with using credit cards?

Thanks.
P.S. There is a lot of great advice being offered. Thanks for starting this thread. It is helping me a lot.

One more thing. toedtoes, what does this mean: "The minimum time you should spend in that location is 1 day longer than the result of your addition." So if a person stays in Florence for 3 days, they should add on an extra day making your total stay 4 days?

Isabella,

Travelers checks are discussed often on the Europe forum. Before bank accounts had debit cards, travelers checks were the most convenient, safest option but this is no longer true. You pay a fee to purchase travelers checks, get a bad exchange rate when using the checks, and also may have to pay a fee to use them. Travelers checks are no longer widely accepted--hotels, shops, and restaurants don't want to deal with them. One would probably have to go to a bank to cash them.

Most would say to use your debit card linked to your checking account to get cash and use your credit card for all purchases possible. Each different bank debit card and credit card has different fees, so do check, but they usually add up to less than you would pay for travelers checks.

No need to bring cash from home unless you like to have about $100 of the local currency to get you out of the airport and on your way.

Pack a box of individually-wrapped breakfast bars (the kind of thing you buy in the cereal aisle of the grocery store). Very handy to get something (inexpensive!) in your stomach before you head out for the day, especially if you don't plan to eat breakfast in your hotel. And you'll eat them up during the trip, leaving that suitcase space for souvenirs.

well what more can I say... planning is the key to a good vacation. =)

I always take a backup credit card that is carried separate from the other cards. Sometimes I will carry the second card or my wife will so we can't lose them all at the same time.

I also print out a list of any medications we have, if you can copy it from the prescribing source it looks even better. Although I have never been questioned about my meds at Customs, I always feel better if I have the list from my BCBS website as to what they sent me.

Always have extra cash hidden away, one never knows when the ATM system or credit cards will by shut down and not accessible.

I also email myself a copy of my intinarary so I can access it anywhere by going online and checking my saved or new mail. Same with any Freq Flyer numbers or other important info.

I organize and pack my clothes in large zip-loc bags that I bought in Japan--everything stays neat and easy to find. I also carry all cash and my passport in an "inside pocket" pinned with a diaper pin to the waist of my pants or skirt. I make a bunch of them out of white cotton so never have to search for one before a trip. They are long enough to reach down to the top of my thigh...it takes just a pat to know all your valuables are still there. Also put a luggage tag on checked bags with "Destination:--- " in large black print. You cannot have too many id tags on your bags!

If you are a woman traveling alone, ask women in shops if it is safe to be out walking by yourself in certain areas. I was lost near the mosque in Llasa and school children led me back to my hotel.

You cannot make too many copies of travel documents and your passport. Don't pass up a bathroom!

We are using tripit.com. We entered in all our travel information and it becomes an itinerary we can share with family. It is really an incredible FREE website.
When we travel, we have a 3-ring binder with a divider for each day where we have all our documents we will need for that day (plane and hotel confirmation, car rental, list of places we will visit on each day, restaurants). It is a great way to stay organized and make sure we do everything we want to do in each city.
A couple of weeks before I leave, I bring out my carry-on and as I think of things I just toss them on or in the bag. Then when I'm ready to really pack, I'm not running around like a chicken without a head since I've gathered everything while I'm still calm.
Emailing copies of documents to myself is probably the best idea. I scan in passport, drivers license, and ATM card.
If I'm sending postcards, I make up labels with all friends' names and addresses printed on. very easy and easy for foreign postal workers to read.

Be informed about your destination, travel arrangements, etc. Even if you're going on an organized tour or on a cruise do your own research so that you will know what to expect and what activities you'd like to do, etc. Your trip will really be personalized, memorable and less stressful that way.

sarabeth, thanks for the link. Ill check out this website..

Re. packing for a long trip: I use a garment rack on wheels (about $20 at Bed, Bath & Beyond) that breaks down and resides under my bed when not in use. It's very handy to set up a few weeks before a trip so that I can add/subtract clothes, shoes and accessories, see how outfits work together and organize my wardrobe. A great silk scarf or fabulous shawl can dress up a plain outfit for evening or a special restaurant. These weigh nothing and you can take several.

Also, put each outfit on a vinyl-covered wire hanger (so it can't rust if drying laundry) or pants hanger and then cloak it in a plastic drycleaners bag. Roll it all up into a sort of roulade (in thirds) and put into your bag. Your clothes will arrive much less wrinkled, and presto, they're hanging in the closet and you're on your way.

Regarding ATMs: I've found them in every overseas airport (sometimes even in Baggage Claim), so that I can always get cash there before I leave for my hotel/destination. Use them frequently--I try not to carry more than $100-150 on me at any given time. In case you are "relieved" of your wallet (it's happened to the best of us), you won't lose wads of cash. Pay attention to the symbols on your ATM card (i.e. Cirrus, Star) and look for those on the cash machines overseas.

You can get terribly ripped off by using Cash Exchange services--a friend paid a $15 commission to exchange $100 without thinking, because it was all in a foreign currency. An ATM card will prevent having to do this.

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned American Express cards. Although I also travel with a Visa card (not every establishment takes AmEx), I swear by my American Express cards. They can be replaced within hours--and the company also has extra services in case you need an emergency shipment of a medicine, etcetera.

Jan I do the rack thing & agree it is very good to have one for this pupose. It also works as a coat rack when giving parties.

The wire hangers are a good idea too I try to take the ones that have that little stetchy foam cover on the top part as well as 1 or 2 wire pants hangers.

wow! what a great post- I read them all
I especially like "pack your sense of humor". A must when traveling.
I'd like to add to the pack list: fold-up scissors (trust me, you will need them at some point), travel corkscrew (I like to try local wine), 2 pens (on one trip, I lost my pen before I even checked onto the flight)
I recommend a travel journal- you can document your travel plans, airline/consulate numbers, family addresses,etc... AND document your experiences

If you are going to Italy, take tissues or travel toilet paper packets and individually packaged sanitizing hand wipes. You will be glad you did Makes for a good story when back home, but some of the bathrooms there will surprise you.

Kitty, i agree. having been to Italy several times, I have found that having a tissue in your pocket can be a good thing.

In Italy I only saw one "hole in the floor" type toilet. It was in bar in Vernazza.

In France I was surprised at hole in the floor toilets when we stopped at gas station.

all i know is I hate them and want a real toilet all the time.

It is all about me.. american spoiled brat..
NOT....although I can dream.. and carry tissue..

Not sure if these were mentioned above but I always have the name, address, and phone number of any and all hotels where I am staying clearly typed and at the ready. On my second trip to Europe with a friend years back, we alighted from the Gard du Nor in Paris and asked the cab driver to take us to the Hotel Lutetia on Avenue Raspail on the Left Bank. Of course, our pronunciation was such that the poor guy did not understand us. Eventually, we worked the situation out.

Although I have never taken an apartment in Europe, I notice that many travelers on this board recommend highly that folks keep the address of the apartment with them at all times. Particularly at night (and after some fine wine), many streets and entry ways tend to look alike.

Lastly, always check out map of the airport if you are changing terminals and allow at least 2 ½ hours for any transfer. I learned this the hard way when I went to Florence via CDG airport. It was dark and damp that early morning and we did not have a clue about taking the shuttle to the adjoining terminal. Now I study the layout of the airport on the web before any trip.

You were wise to ask for advice. When you return, you will be able share your own wisdom. Travel is the greatest learning experience. Enjoy!

One more - make at least one photocopy of your passport. I then write the number of my credit/debit cards with appropriate phone contact "just in case" they are lost or stolen.

Buy a small wallet somewhere that you love and use it for your vacation wallet. I love mine from Aigues Mortes in the South of France.

Bring only cards you need.
I wont be needing my Seattle library card in Paris.

Bring a list of pre printed labels for your postcards. This saves time and ensures that you won't forget to send them to everyone that you want.

About a month before we leave we start setting aside smaller denominations of bills to save for vacation. because it always helps to have ones and five for tips and small cash purchases.

I always bring a small bottle of antibacterial hand cleanser with me in my purse because you never know when you'll need it.

I put anything that could leak into zip lock bags in my suitcase.

I like the label idea. I will do that.. thanks.
Also bring your own pre printed labels for your return address.

ttt cuz its a good one...

Neosporin makes lovely little individual use foil packets of antibacterial ointment, and also now a keychain sized spray thing. Neosporin (or similar) and bandaids are a wonderful thing to have available for small cuts/scrapes and any blisters you might get.

Remember Imodium or your "upset tummy medicine of choice". It's hard to enjoy the scenery from inside a bathroom or while looking for the next bathroom.

When traveling to a foreign country don't complain that nobody speaks English.

Remember that you are the visitor. Be respectful.

Be prepared and know what you want to see before you get there.

1-Planing is essential site like www.tratoz.com brings you the most relevant online travel planning sites

2- Double check you camera charges, memory cards before you leave

3-Bring a small local language dictionary, it shows that you are respectful, everyone will help you.

With most people having said the essentials like leaving a photocopy of your passport/creditcard/IDs in the hotel and taking one with you,its also prudent not to carry a huge amount of cash coz you can always withdraw local currency from the ATM. If you want to get a good deal from a hotel you plan to book,go directly to their website and check out the price and compare from websites like booking.com or hotels.com.Sometimes some hotels have special offers if you book with them directly.

Scan your passport, credit cards, air plane tix etc BEFORE you leave and email them to yourself so if you "looooose" them you can get them fast and easy

mark

If you forget your passport has expired, there are a few companies like travelpassportvisacenter.com that can get you a passport in a few days.

I will admit I just skimmed thru these tips, so forgive me if these are redundant.....

try the local food~avoid any chain restaurant that is in your hometown. Try the gumbo in New Orleans, the pastries in France, the gelato in Italy, but DO NOT go to McDonald's!

When checking into your hotel, take a business card and put it in your purse/wallet so that you can give it cab drivers; the business card will have the hotel address on it so that if there are 5 Best Westerns in that city, you will end up at the correct one.

Stay flexible and keep your sense of humor; don't think it's the end of the world if weather or other unforeseen circumstances change your plans.

Carry extra ziplock bags; they don't take up any room in your suitcase.

always carry a pen in your carry on; I can't count the times I've been asked for my pen when we've had to fill out immigration documents on the plane.

Enjoy your time away.

If you wear glasses or contacts, take a copy of your prescription and/or an extra pair with you.

Visit a local supermarket - it is fascinating to see the local foods and sometimes even the local versions of things you buy back home (like Kellogg's cereals). Local foods (tea, candies, cookies) make nice gifts or souvenirs for yourself. And there is no need, for example, to buy expensive "tourist" shortbread in Scotland when you can get some that is just as good but much cheaper at Tesco or Sainsbury's.

DO go to McDonald's or Burger King IF (1) you miss the old-style fried apple pies that are no longer sold in the US. I had one at a Burger King in the Bangkok airport recently and it was just as good as I remembered them being; or (2) if you want to try things that are specific to that locale that you won't find at the McD's or BK at home. For example, I tried a potato and bacon pie at the McD's at Narita airport. Not worth the price, in my opinion, but at least I tried it! I've never seen those in a McD's back home. Other than those two reasons, however, I generally avoid American fast food places.

Dunkin' Donuts is another fun one, by the way. The DD 's in Seoul had donuts stuffed with such odd (to Americans) fillings as kimchi (really!), olives, camembert cheese, and Greek yogurt while I was there. Even if you don't try anything, they are interesting to check out.

If you have food allergies, copy or write down "I am allergic to ____" in the local language to show to waitstaff.

Learn a little of the language.Don't expect things are the same as in the states.Be adventures.People in Europe aren't in a big hurry so sit back and enjoy he change of pace,Just enjoy the culture and the new experencies.Packlight you don't need to tak your entire closet with you.
Above all relax and have a great time!

Cranchin~good point about McDonald's in other countries; I stand corrected. I generally try to avoid anything I can get at home unless I am REALLY craving something familiar (we recently caved and had pizza in Costa Rica). A family member insisted on dining at PF Chang's while we were in Boston....nothing wrong with PF Chang's, except that I can get it close to home. I was much happier trying the food at mom and pop restaurants in the North End!

tenthumbs--

Generally I avoid McDonald's in the US, as my stomach can't tolerate it as well as it once did! But for those fried pies in Asia I will make an exception.

And I agree that even in your home country it makes sense to try the local places as much as you can (why anyone would go to Red Lobster in a coastal area is beyond me). People should take care not to write off local "chains", however, just because they are chains. For example, Blake's Lotaburger is a "chain", but it is only in New Mexico, and they make wonderful burgers - I always try to go there when I am in Albuquerque.

some of my favorite restaurants have been the little hole-in-the wall kind.......and I don't know about you, but some of the most famous, iconic ones (Tavern on the Green and K Paul's in New Orleans immediately come to mind) were somewhat overpriced and rather disappointing. My daughter loved the Golden Bee in Colorado Springs.....If I ever make it to NM, I'll give Blake's a try!!

Venezia~I have found that most people appreciate the effort when you can at least say "hello" "please" and "thank you" in the local language, and most of them are very forgiving no matter how badly you butcher their native language!! :0

so true about the restaurants tenthumbs. some of the best meals I have had, have been at a a mom and pop type place.
I usually ask a local shop keeper where they eat.