1. Street Food - Ah, who doesn't love trying the mystery food on a stick? Well, the mystery can land you in bed or the bathroom for a few days. Be careful, particularly if you've also been trying the local alcoholic beverages.
2. Brushing Teeth When Traveling - Many a traveler has shown strict discipline in avoiding sketchy water at a travel destination, yet they still get sick. Why? The brush their teeth with tap water! Don't!
3. Deadly Ice Cubes - If you are concerned about the quality of water at a destination, don't make a common mistake. What is it? Drinks with ice cubes. The ice cubes are made from the same water!
4. Garbage Bag Pants - Despite it being roasting in the summer, many historical sites will require you to wear pants to enter. You can usually rent garbage bag pants around these areas. They look like pants, but are made of the garbage bag material.
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. Really Cheap Flights - If you have the urge to travel, but little money, there is one really cheap flight option. Charter flights are usually dirt cheap. On the downside, you get what you pay for and there are limited flights.
7. Taking Travel Guide Books - If you are traveling to multiple destinations, travel guide books can become an issue. Simply put, they are heavy. Pack one for the first destination. You can trade books with other travelers you meet.
8. Laptop Charging - When traveling, it is vital you know what the ampage is in the country you are in. More than a few laptops have been zapped by being hooked up to a 220 outlet. Take a regulator to make sure this doesn't happen.
9. Kids and Trip Planning - Do not plan a trip without getting your kids input if you are taking them. If they are not involved, they will complain endlessly. If they are, they will be more open minded.
10. Walking at Night - One of the great things about traveling is experiencing the nightlife in a new location. When walking on the streets, keep in mind things may be different. In some countries, manholes are not always covered!
Ultimately, we all find different things in our trips. Whatever your preference, you can only get it by jumping out there and going. Don't procrastinate, just go.
