Take them seriously and
you'll enjoy a better trip.

   As you prepare to travel or are traveling, there are things that you should do. Or not do. My experience on this big trip and on previous ones taught me many of these things. I have summarized the more unusual and more important ones as my very own DOs and DON'Ts. If you read them, you will have a better trip, I am sure. Here are some samples. You’ll find dozens more in my book.

Three of my DOs

• Do plan to take advantage of good shopping opportunities on your trip. If you're planning to buy anything electronic, including a digital camera, do it in Tokyo, say. A fine wallet or pocketbook, Argentina. Buy your souvenirs in Cambodia, for instance, or Peru, and mail them home. These are merely suggestions; other countries also provide fine shopping opportunities If you want to carry these purchases home yourself, it may make sense to buy them on your last foreign stop.
• Once your itinerary is set, make hostel or hotel reservations by Internet, but only for the first night. Make a further commitment only after you have had a night's experience. Many factors come into play, ranging from how comfortable the bed to how handy the location. But it's comforting to know you will have a guaranteed bed that first night.
• Do pack light, but not too light. Don't worry about socks, toothpaste, and other common items. You can buy them anywhere. Do give thought to the difficult to replace and the essential. Medications, spare eyeglasses, and such.

Three of my DON'Ts

• Don’t count on your “plastic” to get you by. In some countries and small cities, credit and debit cards are not accepted, and ATM machines can be rare. Traveler’s checks work well.
• Don’t believe that because you are strong and healthy you can forgo the recommended medical precautions. Go by the book.
• Don’t tell yourself that your budget is skimpy, but you’ll make it somehow. Better to cut your trip short, or work a while longer first. Or choose cheaper countries or cities.

   Many more in the book. Too bad I didn't know them when I started out!

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