Do your research prior to leaving home.  Use the internet and research every place you intend to travel and learn everything you can.  Register with the State Department, check their website for information on safety, Visa requirements, and other advice. Be sure your Passport is current with enough blank pages to satisfy the requirement of the [...]

You can always ask. You will need to be specific in your request. Tell them exactly what you want and how it should be prepared. Even after all of this, you still might see traces of meat or meat products in your food. Because putting meat or meat products in food is standard in many [...]

Be street smart. ALWAYS pay attention to your surroundings. Never look like a tourist. Study your map before you leave your accommodations and know where you're going. If you must ask for directions, seek someone who is a police officer or government official. In Malaysia, even after studying the map, I need to ask directions. [...]

Do whatever you want! This is VERY big because you have only you to please. Do the things that you enjoy and make your heart sing. Arriving in Bali at 2am because of a delayed flight all I wanted to do the next day was relax. Because I traveled solo, I relaxed all day and [...]

Talk to people. Be engaging and join in conversations with the people you meet in your hotel including hotel staff, restaurants, tours, and other places people gather. I experienced one of my dreams shortly after arriving in the Philippines simply because I talked to people. From childhood I dreamt of going to far-away places, sitting [...]

Learn to speak and read a few words in that country's language. Even though most countries use the word toilet, with the standard graphic, it is still wise to know the word in the language of the country you're in. Especially if you are traveling in rural areas or areas where there are few tourists. [...]

Travel light, you don't want to have to wrestle with tons of luggage. Pack lightly, clothes that you can wash at night and wear in the morning. While traveling for fourteen months, my luggage grew heavy and cumbersome. By the time I reached my seventh country, I didn't want wrestle anymore. I pared down to [...]

Being very sensitive to local customs can help ensure you hav a safe and fun trip. A large part of enjoying travel is respecting the culture of the country you're visiting. Locals are more friendly and respectful when you show you are aware and that you care