How to Prepare
Some people have memorable vacations with life long stories to tell. Some people just have fuzzy recollections and used flight coupons. The difference is proper planning.

Proper planning does not mean having every second of every day chocked full of activities. Proper planning is having knowledge in place before you leave so you can make the most of your trip. Do your research!

Don't try to do too much on one trip. Those 14-day 12-country whirlwind tours look great in the brochures but there are downsides. First, half of that time will be spent on a bus, and second, how much can you really experience when you only have a day or two in each country. We usually limit our trips to 4-7 days in one region in one country. Take time to soak in the culture, and give yourself a reason to come back.

Decide what kind of trip are you going on. Is this a relaxing sand between the toes getaway? Is this a big city shopping and nightlife adventure? Maybe you are on a cultural exploration? Deciding the theme of the trip will help you prioritize your time and your money.

If you have never traveled overseas before, start with destinations that impose less culture-shock; like England. Then move to more challenging destinations like Germany or France. As you gain more travel experience the culture transitions will become easier. Soon, you will be eating strange foods and speaking the local language in Southeast Asia with ease.

Learn the language. Its true, most people in the world can understand and speak English. But a handful of phrases used at the right times will break the ice with the locals. If you have the courtesy to learn a few words in their language, they will gladly welcome you.

Have backup activites identified if your primary activity is unavailable. If in London and Westminster Abby is closed, go window shopping on Oxford Street or visit the British Museum instead.

Try not to use tour groups or travel agencies. These are the most generic types of vacations and offer little flexibility and uniqueness. I did not fly half way around the world to see Big Ben through a smoked bus window. I want see Big Ben and the Houses of Parliment from Westminster Bridge. I want to feel the breeze from the Thames River. I want to smell the roasted peanuts from the vendor at the end of the bridge. Ever wonder why they are called sight-seeing tours? Because all you do is see them. You never really experience anything. Do some research and plan it yourself.

Where to Eat
When in another country, the best way to experience the culture is the food.

Stay away from resturants that display a sign saying, "English menu available". This is a sure sign that they cater to tourists that have no idea what authentic local dishes taste like. If you came all this way, why not try the real thing.

Ask a local what is their favorite resturant and what is their favorite thing to order. Do not ask a tour guide or tourist information office attendant. Ask a grocery store or gift shop employee. Local advice is always the best advice.

Do not eat at chain resturants! I know they are convenient, but you might as well eat at the Chili's down the street and give me your airfare.

Before you enter a resturant, observe who is eating there. If you see a bus load of Japanese tourists with Nikon zoom lenses at the ready, try someplace else. Look for the locals.

Locals live in the place you are visiting. And like yourself in your hometown, they eat where the food is affordable and good. Keep an eye out for long lines. This indicates something that is delicious, well worth the wait, and should not be missed.

Every tourist town like London, Chicago, Interlaken, etc. has tourist areas where most resturants are located. Try older resturants that are not in these areas. Something keeps these places open and its not the tourists. Chances are its the food.

What to Drink
There one thing that unites all cultures of the world; the bar. Trying the local drink is the best way to meet locals and enhance your experience.

In most European countries, beer or wine is cheaper by volume than soft drinks. That makes good travel sense.

The first question you should ask in a bar is, "What is the most popular drink here?". Chances are it will be a good affordable beer or wine produced a few miles away. Always a winner.

Import beer always tastes better in the country it was made in. If you don't like Guinness in the US. Try it in the UK.

In most Euorpean bars, tipping is not expected. But is it a good way to get rid of your foreign change.

What to Pack
Packing is the most stressful part of the trip for us. We want to be well prepared, but we don't want to haul around 20 lbs of stuff that will never get used. You've hear it a thousand times before but I'll say it again. Pack light!

Don't pack the full bottle of shampoo. Better yet, don't pack it at all. In a foreign country, a trip to the local grocery store can be fun. Buy shampoo, soap, toothpaste, and other necessities after you check into your hotel. At the end of your trip, just throw it away.

If you must pack anything liquid, pack it inside a Ziplock bag. Not only is this TSA friendly, it also keeps everything leakproof. Changes in air pressure can pop open some containers. And one broken perfume bottle inside your luggage can quickly ruin your trip.

Don't pack a change of clothes for each day of your trip. In reality, one change of clothes can last 2 or more days. No one will notice you weaing the same thing from a couple days ago. If you are paranoid about wearing clothes for more than 1 day, you can wash them in your hotel sink or local laundrymat.

Expect to bring back more clothes. Those souviner t-shirts just beckon to be brought home so make sure you leave some empty space in your luggage.

Pack a couple kitchen trash bags. Use them to seperate fresh clothes, used clothes, and dirty clothes.

These days you cannot lock your luggage. Rather than buying special TSA luggage locks, try color zip ties. At the baggage claim you can quickly see if anyone has been in your luggage. Use one color departing and a different color returning. Different colors prevents someone from going through you stuff then resealing your luggage with the zip ties packed inside. Just be sure to pack nail trimmers someplace accessible to cut them off.

A good idea is to make copies of the front and back of any credit cards and any medical insurnace cards you are bringing with you. Also, copy the first page of your passport. Make sure you can read any phone numbers on them. If you lose your wallet or purse you can use the copies to obtain a new passport from the US embassy, cancel stolen credit cards, or get emergency medical attention. Be sure to keep the copies in a hidden compartment in your luggage (most luggage will have one) and them move them to a hotel safe upon arrival.

How to Pay
For some reason, to Americans, foreign currency is very foreign. Here are some things to remember.

In most European countries, when you sit down at a resturant, it is assumed you will have that table for the entire night. Europeans, especialy the French, like to spend 2-3 hours eating dinner, then relaxing, talking, and sipping coffee. Don't expect to get the bill as soon as you are done eating. When you are finished, you must ask for it.

Bring enough foreign currency to last the first few days of your trip. This will give you enough funds to gain your bearings and find ways to get more cash if you need it. Besides, its less stressful to carry around a lot of cash. Remember you are on vacation.

Don't use the currency exchange kiosks at the airport or on the streets near tourist areas. They may have comparable conversion rates but the fees they tack on can be high. Use ATMs. If you withdraw enough cash for a few days, the fees are minimal and banks will usually have the best conversion rates.

The cheapest and easiest way to pay for things is by credit card. The conversion rates are always the best and the fee, if any, is minimal. Most European retailers will take credit cards but look up and understand the conversion rates before you leave. The prices in London don't look so bad until you start doing the math.

When in cities bordering the US like Toronto or in nearby vacation destinations like Cancun, US dollars are readily accepted. Sometimes change is not available in dollars and will be given in local currency. Be sure you understand the conversion rates so you don't get shorted.