The single best generic travel advice you can give
 

I'll start off with:

Bring a couple of large water bottles for that long flight, and drink them.

Transformed 3+ hours flights from torture into well bearable.

Yours?

Bring enough money or CC's.

Take twice the money and half the clothes.

Learn a few (or more) words of the liocal language.

Learned the hard way: Keep a positive attitude: Things aren't always going to go as planned and rolling with it makes the trip much more enjoyable for you and those around you. I mean, how bad could it be: you're in freaking glorious Europe for goodness sakes!

If you see something you love & can afford, buy it. If not, you'll be sorry later.

Plan,plan, plan and once you are there...let go!

I second Karlth's tip about the water. Drink as much of it as you can, and always carry a bottle with you.

Don't worry about whether you will look like a tourist. You will.

((I))

Drink beer in Germany and wine in France.

Judge not lest ye be judged.

Pack light

Learn some of the local language

Take a minute to reflect where you are and make it mean something to you and not just another site to mark off your list.

Go for it THIS time; there may never BE a "next trip."

Don't wait to purchase that souvenir until last minute – you might not see it later. Like it? Buy it!

Monica ((F))

Enjoy every moment...If something goes wrong...deal with it and put it behind you. You paid big bucks for your trip and you can let mishaps ruin your vacation or you can keep a positive attitude an savour the rest of the journey.

Slightly counter to Intrepid-

my attitude is- you don't have to do everything and see everything THIS trip- because you will be back.

In other words-relax and enjoy.

Smile.

call your credit/debit card banks before you go.

Plan to do less.

Open your heart and mind to the wonderful diversity that can be found on this planet and in this life - find joy in your travels.

KC