Research! Guidebooks are available at many libraries and much information (including maps and reviews) is on line. Often foreign sites have little British or American flags you can click on for an English version of the pages. Spontaneity is nice, but anxiety about the unknown or confusion, etc, will kill any fun fast. Knowledge and plans for arrival are especially crucial. Find out at least two methods of getting to your hotel from the airport.
Stay hydrated! Drink plenty of water. Fruit juices count but not soft drinks, tea and coffee, or alcohol. Failure to comply results in headaches, fatigue, and worse!
Bring and wear sunscreen of at least spf 30. Slather it on every single day even if it's overcast.
Get the currency of your destination before leaving. Yes, it's a pain, but it's a bigger pain to hang around while you change money and get ripped off at the airport. Not everyone takes credit cards. Cash is vital for most public transport.
Learn a little about the metric system and especially Celsius. If the weather says it's going to be thirty degrees you need to be prepared to swelter.
International weather is available on line. Check before you go and pack accordingly! Seriously. Do this.
Learn to use public transportation and even the ticket machines. Many of the machines offer English as an option, but if they don't in big cities the folks at the ticket offices can help you out. Route maps are in each station and in every guidebook. Most big cities have route planners on line which can be a vital resource.
Beware of unsolicited help. I'm not saying don't take it--just don't jump at it. The guys in Paris offering to help me with my bags were probably looking for money or to run off with said bags. The man playing with his son in Regents Park who saw me puzzling over my map and offered directions was genuinely kind.
When you need help ask. People are generally patient and helpful to those who are patient, humble, and appreciative. A lot of travelers have done much to burst the ugly American stereotype. Please contribute to a positive image.
Be psychologically prepared for jet lag. You will be able to cope. Just don't run eagerly off to see the favorite thing you have always wanted to see or do first thing because you won't be able to appreciate it fully. It takes me three or four days to adjust to the new time.
Any time free a toilet facility is on offer, USE IT--unless it is so disgusting . . .
Find out if your bank has any foreign partners. Using their atms will save you out of network transaction fees, which can amount to a hundred dollars or more.
Learn the words or symbols for "hot" and "cold" at your destination to avoid mishaps at the sink or shower. In Latin countries C means hot.
Bring little packets of tissue and ALWAYS carry one with you. Because you never know . . .
If all you want is a cool drink, buying water and other drinks is cheaper at a grocery store. Often they have a refrigerated section. Same with sandwiches and other snacks.
Fast food is ubiquitous in Europe, and you have your choice. The European version of whatever region you happen to be in or--in large cities--McDonalds and other American chains. The latter could be a God send to parents traveling with a picky eater. Naturally I prefer the former.
If you travel with gadgets that need to be plugged in or recharged find out the specific adapter you need for foreign plugs. One annoying things is that the British Isles are on a different system than continental Europe. Other places have their own systems. Because more and more folks are traveling with electronics most companies have international adapters you can order on line.
Moscow Rules. What this means is if you see something you really want, and you can afford it and can carry it, Buy It Then. You cannot count on seeing the item again.
Pack light. One traveler's trick is to turn socks and shirts inside out to air over night. This helps. Often hotels offer laundry services, which are not cheap but can be worth it. Or the proprietor can direct you to the nearest laundry.
But when you pack include a knife, fork, spoon, and corkscrew (but don't put it in your carry on!) because you might want to have a meal in even if you are staying in a hotel. If you have one of those corks attached to a lid that comes with bottles of port or sherry save them for travel.
Tourists who flaunt fancy possessions are asking for it. Look neat but like you have nothing worth stealing. Dress plainly. Especially avoid T shirts with messages marking you out as an American tourist.
Frequently public transport (trains, buses, trams) require tickets to be validated. A guidebook for your destination will let you know, and you can watch the locals. Failure to validate results in fines.
Save one pair of unworn socks, a pair of underwear, and a shirt to wear on the plane home. Flying is bad enough without feeling grimy.
