Ten Tips for American World Travelers
___ Travel light
___ Beat jet lag
___ Safeguard your documents
___ Get the help you need
___ Trains, planes, and automobiles
___ Keep clean and stink free
___ Keep regular
___ On foot
___ Shop like a local
___ Look like a local
Travel light!
Avoid packing a lot of needless clothes, bring a lot of undershirts and just wash those! Also, if it’s a short trip, try to fit everything into a carry-on. You’ll avoid losing your bags and keep from breaking your back. If the airline says your bag’s too big to carry on, wear your bulkiest clothing and fill the pockets with your camera, books, and whatever else fits!
Beat Jet Lag
Adjust to the time zone of your destination before you get there. Trick your body into thinking it’s night when it really isn’t by sleeping on the plane using an eyeshade. Begin three days before the flight with the following regimen: high-protein breakfast and lunch, and high-carbo dinners. Refrain from caffeinated drinks until you arrive. THEN, have a big cup of coffee your first morning there. It’ll really get you going!
Safeguard Your Documents
Carry a photocopy of your passport, flight information, and other important documents. Never let the real thing out of your sight!
Get the Help You Need!
Even if you know a little of the language, speak English only and you’ll get what you need faster. But, if you’re going to learn one word in the host country’s language, learn "FIRE!" you’ll get help faster than if you learn "HELP!"
Trains, Planes and Automobiles
Don’t let go of your bags on the train. Wrap a strap around your arm or ankle so you can shut your eyes for a minute and relax. Little padlocks may look dinky, but they’ll actually keep wandering hands away. Always ask for freebies on the plane – you’ll never know what you’ll end up with. When taking a taxi, use only official metered taxis. Especially avoid Mercedes cars parked just outside the airport. Don’t try to bargain with the guy in dark glasses, you’ll just get ripped off.
Keep Clean and Stink Free
Dark clothes hide dirt while white clothes attract it! Bring a little bottle of Woolite and you’ll always have clean underwear! Guys, shave your armpits! The ancient Egyptians came up with this one to avoid body odor. (Use the clipper on your electric razor.)
Keep Regular!
Don’t ask what it is, just eat it. If you’re too regular, take some Imodium. Always carry Kleenex: toilet paper in public restrooms is often unheard of. Actually, public restrooms are practically unheard of in some areas.
On Foot
When crossing the street, walk with the herd. You’ll be more visible, avoid getting ticketed, and if a car does hit you, at least you’ll be cushioned. Also, always look like you know where you’re going - even if you don’t. By all means, don’t pull out a map in the middle of the street.
Shop Like a Local
Always carry a spare bag – you’ll never know when you see something you’ll want to buy. (Don’t count on the store ever giving you a bag!) Remember the “Tea Rule” - if you’re looking for tea, you’ll never see it. If you’re not looking, it will be everywhere - and cheap!
Look Like a Local
Don't be an ugly American eyesore: leave your Jansport backpack, white Nikes, glasses (if you can wear contacts), bright red or blue North-face parka, and baseball caps at home. If you really want to blend in, dangle a cigarette from your lips.
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1) General information.
2) Planning the travel.
3) Choosing a means of transport.
4) Booking tickets and a hotel.
5) Checking in.
6) At the Customs’.
7) On Board.
8) In a Hotel (reservation, checking-in, possible problems, checking-out).
9) Using taxi.
10) Home, sweet home.
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Citations about travelling:
1. Travel, in the younger soul, is a part of education; in the elder, a part of experience. (Francis Bacon)
2. There are two classes of travel: first class and with children. (Robert Benchley)
3. [Vacation is] what you take when you can no longer take what you’ve been taking. (Earl Wilson)
4. Too often … instead of broadening the mind, [it] merely lengthens the conversation. (Elizabeth Drew)
5. [Travelling is] an experience we shall always remember, or an experience which, alas, we shall never forget. (Julius Gordon)
6. [Vacation is] the time when you need half the clothes and twice the money you took. (Anonymous)
7. [Travelling is] something you enjoy three weeks after unpacking. (Anonymous)
WRITING
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