Travel Tips

Here are a few things we've learned traveling these last few years.  You have other tips learned from your travels as well, we're sure.  Give us the benefit of your experience by posting a comment! 1) Take some plastic bags to put stuff in (tennis shoes, dirty laundry, etc.) 2) Go outside of tourist areas for cheaper, and better, meals 3) Use ATMs, don't bring travelers checks or exchange dollars for currency 4) Notify your credit card company before you leave so transactions aren't declined 5) Make sure your phone settings are changed to avoid receiving texts and emails and voicemails even if you have international roaming, check charges beforehand 6) International SIM cards are cheaper than international roaming plans 7) Take a phone that allows you to interchange SIM cards 8) When you know you're going to be out sightseeing most of the day anyway, save money by accepting a lower quality room than you thought you needed 9) Avoid driving a car in city centers, use other modes of transit 10) Bring a universal power adapter 11) Carry wet wipes, tp and tissues in a day pack 12) You can always count on McDonalds for a clean restroom without a squatter and Starbucks for wifi 13) Learn at least the basics of any language of the countries you're visiting, use what you know and say it with a smile - a smile is a universal language 14) Be adaptable, be forgiving and keep a sense of humor 15) Don't rely on GPS, google addresses to make sure you know where you're going What would you add to this list?