BTilke

1. Take twice the money and half the clothes. (another version: lay out all the clothes you think you'll need on the trip and then cut back by 50%). <BR>2. Start out with about $100 worth of currency for every country you want to visit. Get it beforehand--you don't want to worry about finding open banks, working ATMs, etc., your first day. Don't worry if the exchange rate isn't the greatest--you'll probably lose a couple of dollars at most. <BR>3. Divide your day, like Gaul, into three parts. Pick one part to relax and take it easy. IOW, if you sightsee heavily all morning and afternoon, have an early dinner and go to bed at a decent hour. If you plan to hit the clubs at night, either sleep late or take an afternoon nap. <BR>4. Go where YOU want to go and not where the guidebooks or friends (or Fodorites) tell you. It's YOUR vacation. <BR>5. If you're visiting someplace that you just don't like, LEAVE.

The Counter

Goldfinger, are you making fun of my typing skills this morning. Actually, I dislocated my thumb abhan dn hadfiendsfsdfhweiwhlfhsdfflkfjlkjtyoeoo.Soryr iuhgthksjhfksf skfhskfdh.

Lee

Lots of good stuff here! <BR> <BR>1. If not familiar with the language, bring a simple phrase book. Some basic greetings will open doors. <BR> <BR>2. A decent guidebook will give you an idea of what to do and see, but more important, HOW to get around fairly easily. Have some familiarity with your destination(s) before you get there. <BR> <BR>3. The one about the open mind is very important. The place could be like nowhere you have ever been or what you may have imagined. <BR> <BR>4. Don't forget that you are an ambassador. Be courteous, treat people and places with respect. <BR> <BR>5. Don't take expensive jewelry and a lot of cash. <BR> <BR>6. Don't forget the washcloth! <BR> <BR>7. Have fun and live a little.

The Counter

We are # 82, people. Pay attention.

Book Chick

Goldfinger, the Golden Rule is "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." In a concrete illustration, if you were changing a flat tire in a rainstorm & wanted some assistance, it would make sense that if you saw someone changing a flat tire in a rainstorm you would render your assistance to them. It's a pretty basic concept & in my years of living I've seen it work pretty well, both at home & abroad. <BR>BC

eighty-something

#8X: Don't wear the same pair of shoes all the time. Take at least 2 pairs, maybe 3. <BR>#8Y: Pace yourself. Alternate lots of walking with lots of standing or sitting; art/museum/architecture sights with shopping or natural wonders; what you want to do with what he/she/they want to do. Naps are good.

witto Susi

Wew you know when its vewy hot outside and Daddy stops the caw and says evwy body out?---don't leave ya choclat candy baw on the caw seat

Dave

1. When walking down a crowded street, make sure those around you can see your bulging wallet; after all, money = respect. <BR>2. Pack everything you think you might need - then double it. <BR>3. When speaking English in a country where it's not the native language, louder is always better. <BR>4. When shopping, be sure to thouroughly handle the merchandise - this shows the clerks that you're serious. <BR>5. Europeans have a much stronger sense of history than Americans; be sure refer to WWII several times in any conversation. <BR>6. Airport security is a dreary, thankless job. Enliven their day by making a joke about "packing heat". <BR>7. If you want to strike up a conversation in an English pub, stick to acceptable topics like religion, politics, and personal hygiene.

Bubba

1. Don't forget---Tip the pilot on BOTH of your flights--they don't share the wealth, you know. <BR> <BR>2. Bring copies of your favorite American recipes to give to the owners of the B&B's so they can see what food is SUPPOSED to taste like! <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Rene

#? learn how to say hello, please and thank you in THEIR language.

Willy

...And on the way to wherever you're going: <BR> <BR>If you're going to remove your shoes on the plane BRING SLIPPERS!!! <BR> <BR>Don't wear cologne or perfume on the plane: too many people use far too much and it can literally keep people who are trying to sleep awake (or make them nauseous) you can always put it on when you reach your destination. <BR> <BR>If you want a good meal on the plane bring it yourself (and bring some snacks that you enjoy to help you stay in a good mood). <BR> <BR>No matter how rich or poor you are you can always afford to be polite

Katherine

How do I bring all this stuff AND pack light?

Robin

For April...

annon

1. Use a credit or debit card to obtain cash (but still need to carry a small amount of cash) <BR>2. Don't plan on spending too much time in car. Take day tours rather than drive yourself <BR>3. Pack lightly!

Amy

Thanks, everybody! We're somewhere around a hundred and two, depending on how you divide some of them, and so good that I won't even cavil about conciseness. <BR>Keep 'em coming, y'all, and pack those washcloths!

michelle/nyc

emergengy snacks for day trips (pop tarts, granola bars)... toothpaste, toothbrush and basic toiletries for plane... lots of travel pack anti-bacterial "wet ones"... small bottle of water.

Book Chick

Michelle, excellent! <BR>BC

Deive

Don't get angry, find the humor in the situation.

ms. janet

A tip that I picked up from friend, a fellow travel fiend, regarding maps. Bring along a small tape dispenser. If you pick up one of the city maps from local tourist bureau, turn over & immediately tape the major creases. Now you've strengthened that flimsy paper map, & can use it while avoiding the tearing that comes after you fold / unfold trying to find your way around town. <BR> <BR>

the turnip

Learn at least 20 words of their language. <BR> <BR>Talk to the locals and start conversations. Talk softly. <BR> <BR>Carry an open mind. <BR> <BR>Try the local specialties. <BR> <BR>Bring a few small gifts to share. (I'm from Minnesota we brought several packages of wild rice and always found a special someone to share them with) <BR> <BR>Have fun!