I learned this from this forum, if you like coffee, bring a small funnel one cup coffee drain, with small filters. I hate nescafe, but most places have a heater and cups. Coffee first thing in the morning means alot to me!

In your pre-inquiries of the places where you're considering staying, do not hesitate to ask about EVERYTHING-- no matter how trite it may seem. For example, what floor, is there heat, how far is your room (different building) from where meals are served, how isolated is the place, how far is the closest town, etc. Better to ask than be surprised. It can make a big difference if you're not staying at a hotel in the center of town. Jim

Learn a few basic phrases before you depart. Speaking louder in English is not a second language.

Take two different credit cards. You carry card #1, your spouse carries #2. That way if you or your spouse is pickpocketed you cancel that card and still have the other card. Also: Call the card company fast.<BR><BR>Don't pack your agenda so tight that you have to keep moving every day. Take more time in each spot and really enjoy the area. Of all the tips, this may be the best for me. We have rushed some areas just because we had to get to another area and we rushed that one too. We now see less on each trip and enjoy it more.

Take a vacation from your vacation. Have at least one day for nothing more than a walk in the park, a coffee in an outside cafe, a stroll through a bookstore, whatever. Relax from the go, go, go pace.

In spite of the fact that I have chronic and very painful foot problems, I take only one pair of shoes regardless of how long I’m going to be gone. (I will also take sandals for around the hotel) Before leaving I go to a shoe store and buy a pair of soft heal cups, 1 pair of arch supports, maybe a pair of these “stress relieving” insoles, or any other little shoe gadget that looks like it might work. I carry them in my pack. When I’m out for the day I try to stop at a park bench, before my feet really start to howl, I’ll stop and put in, say, the arch supports. After an hour or so I might add the heel cap, etc.<BR><BR>In other words, it is like I have 3 or 4 pair of shoes with me all the time without dealing with the bulk and wight.<BR>

Check for local holidays for the dates you are visiting a country. Then use the knowledge to your advantage to do something different: festival, parade, day trip, etc.

-Use air passes. <BR><BR>-DON"T OVER PLAN.. <BR><BR>-dress nicely before going threw boarder crosses. <BR><BR>-If you get asked for baksheesh (a bribe) try acting stupid.. NOTE. get more info on other ways too bandle this common problem. <BR><BR>-buy a small microfiber towal it dries better then a huge towal, packs way lighter and can save your life in sand storms.....<BR><BR>-don't trust Taxi drivers.. have a general idea of wheer you are going.. <BR><BR>

I second or third the suggestion to bring a journal and carry it with you so you can write as you go. When we stop to rest or have a snack, I write about what we have done or seen just prior. On the front several pages, I write helpful info, such as restaurants I want to dine in along w/ the addresses and phone #s, plus comments I have read in books or on Fodors. This way we never end up in a tourist trap or have a poor dining experience. I have so enjoyed re-reading the journal when I need a travel fix.