Handy Tips for Traveling

As we come out of the cold months of winter, it is time to start planning some trips. To enhance your trips from here to there, keep the following in mind.
1. Foreign Pay Phones - Picking up the phone in another country can present a host of challenges. For instance, how much does the call cost? In most countries, you can now buy calling cards that work the phones to save you the hassle.
2. Stupid Foreigner Tricks - Locals sometimes like to have a joke at your expense. It usually has to do with food. Don't eat strange stuff unless others are.
3. Traveler Fanny Packs - Fanny packs are a very popular option for holding important documents such as money, passports and so on. They also stick out like a target to thieves and pickpockets. Don't wear them.
4. Avoid Carrying Souvenirs - If you are on an extended trip, you will start accumulating souvenirs of all sorts. Don't haul them all over the place. Mail them home and save your back!
5. Backpacking in Russia - Russia is a tremendous country to backpack. That being said, pick pockets abound in St. Petersburg and Moscow. Don't wear the pack on your back. They will slice it and take off with the contents.
6. Wrinkle Free Pants - Always take a pair of wrinkle free pants. You can roll them up to save space. You will need them to enter churches, museums and other places.
7. Yelling at Thais - Thailand is the land of smiles, but it doesn't mean everyone is happy. Culturally, raising your voice is a very bad move. Never yell at Thais. It will not help, but will hurt you.
8. Air Courier Flights - Yes, they really exist. You can fly for next to nothing to some exotic location. You can only take one bag and usually have to return in 7 days. The shorter the notice you need, the cheaper the flights.
9. Seeing Europe with Children - If you are traveling to Europe and are taking kids, hotels and hostels can be a pain. Try renting a villa and exploring the area around it. They are much cheaper than you think.
10. Japanese Rice Etiquette - When eating rice in Japan, never stick your chopsticks in the rice such that they are standing up vertical. It is a symbol of death.
Travel is many things to many people. Some prefer luxury while others prefer to rough it. I have to admit I tend to fall in the rough it group, but a night of luxury isn't too bad either!

by Rod Tilton
www.articledashboard.com