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WANDERING: TIPS WHILE YOU'RE ON THE ROAD The following tips are just random things that I've come across while traveling: The best advice is to be flexible! I have run into a lot of travelers who were stressed out because the hotel lost their reservation or a particular tour was cancelled. Always have a backup plan or two or three! Don't let your guard down! If you are traveling for a couple of weeks or months, you tend to become comfortable. Of course, you shouldn't be paranoid but don't forget you are still in a foreign country and in most cases still seen as a 'tourist.' Don't get distracted, isolated or stopped. Scammers will ask for directions or a handout to distract you. Be wary of corners and doorways, parked cars, alleys, etc. Don't forget your departure tax! Find out before you depart whether there is a departure tax, and how much it is. It is best to reserve that amount of cash, as credit cards and other forms of payment are usually not accepted. Buy phone cards for making local and long distance calls. The rates will be much cheaper than the pay phones or phones in your hotel. Get orientated! Study maps in your guidebooks before you arrive. This helps you avoid the 'lost tourist' look when sightseeing and helps you keep dishonest taxi drivers in check. Don't ever change your money in the street. Avoid rip-offs and fake money and go to the bank instead. Shop at local grocery stores. It's a great source for inexpensive souvenirs and a great lesson in the local culture. Buy postcards, write something substantive, and send them to yourself. When you get home you'll have a mailbox full of great memories and keepsakes. Try to avoid traveling locally on a Sunday. Many train and bus times are infrequent or destinations are limited, and many stores and businesses close early or are not opened at all. When taking in a taxi, leave the door open while you are getting your bags out of the trunk. This way the taxi can't drive off with your luggage. Jot down everything you finally decide to pack. If lost or stolen you have a complete record of your belongings and you can use it as a checklist before you leave.

"All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost." --J.R.R. Tolkien Use the local postal service. Sometimes you can get great deals on sending a box of souvenirs home - if you don't need them right away. This way you can sometimes avoid taxes and fees, can mail items that you can't take in carryon luggage, and can lighten your backpack load. Plan ahead when going on day trips. Don't carry all your money in one place and only bring the amount you'll need at that time. You can transfer money from hidden money pouch (or shoe) to your pocket in a bathroom - don't do it in the middle of a market! If you are in a humid area, keep your camera and film in zip lock bags. Read about the country before you go and conform to culture norms where appropriate. Smaller villages and towns are usually more conservative than cities

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