Travel+Tips

A COUPLE LINKS TO SOME TRAVEL TIP VIDEOS. SHORT BUT GOOD TO WATCH!

http://traveltips.usatoday.com/breeze-through-airport-security-1532.html

http://traveltips.usatoday.com/spend-long-layover-airport-5115.html

I found these travel tips online. While I think most are great travel tips that I follow while traveling personally, others are not necessarily important for our experiences.


 * 1) Ditch the athletic shoes. White athletic shoes (otherwise referred to as tennis shoes, or sneakers) are stereotypically American. Any shoes that don't look like they were meant for exercise will suffice. If you do wear socks, make sure they're dark or match the color of your pants. Flip-flops are also very noticeable as American attire, unless you're in a country like Brazil where Havaianas reign, or Australia or New Zealand where the Brazilian flip-flops are also ubiquitous. In most countries, open-toed sandals (Chacos, Tevas, Keens) are borderline at best, and may be totally unacceptable; shoes are always the safest bet in urban areas. However, these are quite acceptable for hiking and active outdoor pursuits, just as they are here. Also, Crocs, the popular foam clogs, may be ubiquitous in the US, but in most of the world are regarded as ridiculous in the extreme and are worn mostly by gardeners and the very young, if at all. Sneakers like K-Swiss, Vans or Adidas in a dark color with no or very subtle logos are much less conspicuous and are a good compromise if you are planning to do a lot of walking.
 * 2) Buy accessories at local stores**, especially ones that you see the locals wearing, like scarves.** Sometimes //not// wearing something could signal that you are a tourist. For example, in some countries, hats or scarves are worn by the majority, or, in winter, most people might wear neck scarves. Also, head scarves in some religious establishments. It would be wise to research this in advance and be prepared to take something with you if you plan to visit religious places.
 * 3) Avoid US brand name clothing **with easily readable names (e.**g., Nike, Gap, Abercrombie, etc.). In fact, don't wear any slogans (like "Virginia is for lovers") that will tie you to a specific place. Notoriously American brands are becoming more popular outside of the US due to globalisation; however, it's still a good idea to stick to non-slogan clothing.
 * 4) Dress a little nicer than usual. Casual dress (wearing sneakers, sweatshirts, t-shirts, jeans, or shorts (especially athletic shorts) instead of slacks or skirts with shirts or blouses) is not as common outside the US. Jeans are not universally accepted as appropriate in all social situations. Take some pairs of trousers or slacks in lieu of jeans. Adults, especially women, should not wear shorts, except for hiking and similar activities. Look around and see whether people tuck their shirts in, or leave them hanging out--sometimes this differs for men and women in the same country. Even in hot weather, a lightweight long sleeve shirt and linen pants may be more appropriate, and will help limit sun exposure.
 * 5) Dress appropriately for the local weather. Shorts and a t-shirt in cool climates (or winter time) are a clear sign that you are not in touch with the local weather. Many Americans also tend to wear technical outdoor gear, such as down jackets and ski jackets, as casual winter outerwear. This is not common in most countries, even very cold ones; more formal coats of wool, fur, or leather are de rigeur. If you have one or are willing to buy one, bring it.
 * 6) Camouflage. What colors do the locals wear? Mostly black and other neutral shades, like in London, or bright, bold colors like in the Caribbean? Wear colors that you see the locals wearing. Folks in Paris, London, and other European capitals tend to wear lots of black, and as a tourist, you tend to blend in if you’re wearing it, too. Your hot pink sweater vest or bright blue collared shirt might be fashionable in Minneapolis, but it won't fly in Budapest. In tropical climes, keep in mind that local modes of dress may still be less casual than you expect - so a t-shirt and loud board shorts may still look silly. Check travel forums and photos online to get a feel for what the locals wear.
 * 7) Leave your baseball hats**, backpack, fanny pack and water bottles at home.** Baseball caps and fanny packs SCREAM "American!" Besides,"fanny" means something entirely different in some places, not to mention how unsafe these packs are. It's best to not carry bags of any kind, with your personal effects concealed about your person in pockets and on lanyards. A purse or tote bag, bought locally, may also work. If you are worried about getting sun in your eyes then wear sunglasses instead of a baseball cap.
 * 8) Be careful about socks**.** In some countries like Brazil, most people usually don't wear shorts with black socks - most use white socks and wear clothes that combine with that. And most important, they don't pull the socks 'till their knees like a tennis player does. Shorts with socks are also a no-no. If you are going to be doing a lot of walking in some place warm like Spain and want to wear shorts, get the short socks that don't stick out of your shoes.
 * 9) Avoid the stereotypical nylon cargo pants and travel shirt**.** While they may dry quickly and offer appealing functionality, avoid these unless you're trekking, rafting, or otherwise truly out in the wilderness. If you're simply sightseeing in a developed area with plenty of residents, it's almost guaranteed that the residents will find you comical at best and be offended at worst. Nothing will set you apart faster. Thankfully, it is possible to obtain clothing that offers the technical advantages of quick-dry nylon in styles that are unobtrusive.

Food
>
 * 1) Take whatever condiments they give you. Requesting typical US condiments (ketchup, salt, pepper, etc.) is a sure giveaway that you are an American tourist. Use the typical condiments in your host country, and if you don't like them or can't bear to eat without your American condiments, bring your own. Take small packets with you to use rather than insisting that the restaurant supply you with it.
 * 2) Give up the ice. In many parts of the world, you will be served your drinks with little or no ice - much less than you're accustomed to in the US. Of course, if you want ice in your drink because that's how you prefer it and you're paying for it, you're perfectly entitled to ask for it...but the point of this article is to help you avoid being labeled as an American, and requesting ice is a definite giveaway, and be warned, the drinking water of some other countries aren't as safe as the water back at home... the water in the glass might be filtered, but the ice sometimes isn't, and with that you can get a bad case of food poisoning.
 * 3) Eat local food. Many American tourists visit US chain restaurants for every meal, afraid to dabble in the local cuisine, but becoming a regular at the local McDonald's and Pizza Hut will tip everyone off that you're an American really quickly. You'll also deprive yourself of a fantastic window into the local culture.
 * 4) Use local table manners.
 * In Europe, a fork and knife are used differently than in the US. If you are right-handed, eat with the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right. Europeans cut each bite individually with the knife in the right hand and the fork in the left hand, and rest their arms midway between wrist and elbow. The elbow should stay off the table.
 * In some Asian nations [|chopsticks] might be more appropriate than a knife and fork.
 * 1) Order like a local. In some countries, for instance, a salad is the last item served, not the first. In others, people don't eat what we in the US think of as a "salad".
 * 2) Don't request decaf **unless you can see in the menu that it is offered.**
 * 3) Don't ask for a seat in the "non-smoking" section**, unless you already know there is one.** In some European countries there won't be one as it is illegal to smoke indoors in a public area. Alternatively, some places won't actually have a non-smoking area. If this is the case either try and live with the smoke or move outside - don't kick up a fuss.
 * 4) Avoid walking down the street while eating food**; this is against proper etiquette in most countries.**
 * 5) Many restaurants have English menus **available, but learn how to politely ask for one using the local language.**

Behavior

 * 1) Keep the map out of sight. Pulling out and looking at your map in a public space is a no-no. Study it before you leave your hotel, and if you do need to consult your map, step into a store or any other less public place. Have the maps pre-folded so they may be easily accessed and read. Same goes for other items:
 * If you must use a dictionary to translate a sign or menu, be discreet. For example, copy down the words of the sign and move aside to a less public place to work out the translation.
 * If you must consult a guidebook keep it wrapped in a newspaper or novel. You may want to wrap the cover in brown paper before leaving home. You may wish to remove the pages detailing the day's destinations from your guidebook ahead of time, staple or paperclip them, and simply carry it as a sheaf of pages.
 * Don't carry US newspapers, magazines or books in plain view. Pick up a local/regional magazine or the local news paper.
 * Just like in the US, most tourist friendly museums have literature in multiple languages. Look for the UK flag on them instead of an American flag.
 * 1) **[|**Be quiet!**]** Many Americans are recognized for being louder than is customary in other parts of the world. Large arm and hand movements and boisterous behavior should be avoided until you know how the locals act. Adults in many non-American cultures use lower voices in public places. Either way, you're always better off being a little more reserved and quiet, at least for starters, than blasting onto a foreign scene with your vitality and making the wrong impression.
 * 2) Don't brag or be showy. When you pull things out of your bag in public to show your friends or family what you purchased, you might as well yell "I have money and I'm ready to spend it, unless you want to take it from me against my will!"
 * 3) Avoid talking about the local people and culture. Something as seemingly harmless as "Oh, I just love the scarves here!" will mark you as a tourist. And don't assume people can't understand what you're saying, just because you said it in English. In many parts of the world, people are taught to speak English along with their native language.
 * 4) Mind your personal space. Not every country is as "spacious" as the US (unless you're in New York City, where space is at a premium). When you're at a counter, for example, don't spread out your arms; when you're sitting down on the bus or train, don't stretch out your legs in a way that might get in someone's way. Be careful about physical contact; get an idea of what is acceptable - and mind local customs, such as not touching the head or feet in most of South Asia. Don't get freaked out by the person in line behind you being very close, and if you leave too much room between you and the person in front of you, expect someone to step in to the space.
 * 5) Don't chew a lot of gum. It's just not very common outside of the US, and even within the US, it's a breach of etiquette under some circumstances.
 * 6) Don't wear your camera around your neck. When traveling to a foreign country, you are bound to take pictures. However, having a camera strap and wearing it around your neck for easy access is a sure way to look like a tourist. If you can, keep it in a pocket or in a purse and pull it out when needed.
 * 7) Try to speak the language. Why not try to make an effort to speak the local language? It's a sign of respect and appreciation of the local culture. Learn a few basic words like "Hello", "Please" and "Thank you". Nobody will mind if your accent is not perfect; the fact that you've been willing to speak their language, even when you could well have spoken yours, is a thing that many people appreciate in tourists. While you are at it, learn the words for some foods that you like, and the ones that you don't like. It makes eating out much less scary.
 * 8) Don't just stick your hand out. Shake hands with caution. In the west, the handshake is an acceptable greeting. In Thailand, handshakes are reserved for business with Westerners; the wai, a gesture with the hands pressed together in prayer position in front of the chin, with a slight nod, is given. In India, the handshake is becoming common, but you must greet the eldest or most important person present first and work your way down, and shaking a woman's hand may be unacceptable. Your take-away message here? Do some research on etiquette and learn how to respectfully greet your hosts.

Tips

 * These are only guidelines. You can do whatever you want as a tourist, but this article outlines some things you might want to //avoid// doing if fitting in and avoiding unwarranted attention is a concern.
 * Take your time. Slow down, the pace of life in most other countries is slower. You will also make fewer mistakes, like getting on the wrong train, if you give yourself a little more time.
 * If you are traveling alone, especially a woman, buy the local newspaper and keep it under your arm when walking, or open it if on a bus or train.
 * Look at your train tickets ahead of time and make sure you know where you are going, where to sit and where to get off. The tickets almost never have English on them due to the limited space. Figure out which coach and seat you are in before the mad rush to get on.
 * Consider buying a pair of local shoes if you'll do minimal walking - especially what people wear for comfort. (If you'll be walking long distances however, be aware that new shoes can result in blisters.)
 * Use the local currency, not US dollars. You may be able to get it from a nearby ATM - if these are prevalent, use them exclusively. US dollars may be exchanged at many banks. Travelers' checks are less useful than they were in the past; many banks and exchanges charge a hefty commission, if they accept them at all. Prepaid debit cards - especially the Visa TravelMoney card - may be used at ATMs, but offer the security of travelers' checks. This may be an easier alternative. Any form of electronic payment also helps you avoid fumbling uncertainly through a wad of foreign currency, which is sure to attract attention.
 * An alternative for a woman carrying a purse is to place all items in a plastic bag and carry that. Also good for guide books and maps. (Especially in Latin America where plastic bags are de rigueur) Be aware that, in many places, especially Europe, people don't carry plastic bags. Instead, carry your own plain canvas shopping bag or one of the trendy shoulder bags like locals are carrying.
 * Don't expect the local people to live up to stereo-types. Don't be offended if they stare and point at you. Just smile back at them.

Warnings

 * Don't wear a fanny pack. A pickpocket could easily unzip the fanny pack and take out the contents without you being aware. Fanny packs also scream "Ugly American."
 * It is best to wear your personal items such as money, ID, passport, credit card, etc. close to your body. You may not feel someone pulling objects out of your pocket. Inner pockets, or pockets on the front are easier to guard. Zippered or buttoned pockets are also preferable.
 * Distribute your cash, credit cards, and other valuables about your person - keep no more in your wallet than you're willing to part with! Keep a small amount of cash in a wallet for easy access, and carry the rest unobtrusively - in a money belt or other money carrier. If you are accosted, hand over your wallet without question - don't even say anything. Most thieves will leave quickly if you give them something; resistance will gain you nothing but trouble.
 * Keep your passport in a safe or other secure location unless local laws require foreigners to carry passports at all times. Otherwise, do not carry it unless you are in transit - and as noted above, keep it close to your person, NOT in a purse or bag. Carry another form of ID for purposes of identification. If your passport is stolen, several days of your trip will go towards the difficult process of obtaining a new one from the nearest embassy or consulate.
 * Do not give money to beggars and urchins. Should your conscience demand you do something for these people, ask around for local charities to donate to. Your money will frequently go to enrich criminals who keep beggars in involuntary servitude.
 * Be careful with backpacks, if you insist on carrying one at all. Thieves have been known to distract you, while an accomplice will slice open the bottom of your backpack with a box cutter and scoop up your belongings