“When preparing to travel, lay out
all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and
twice the money.” – Susan Heller
There is a reason that "learn from others mistakes" is a popular saying. But I believe you can also learn from other people's successes. On that note I present to 10 do's and don'ts for your learning pleasure (in no particular order)!
10 Do's:
- Do visit the local church. Traveling is so much more than seeing the sights and eating the food. Get to know a few locals - particularly fellow believers!
- Do try to fit in. Can't stress this one enough! The last thing you want to look like is a starry-eyed tourist. Might as well put a bulls-eye on your back!
- Do your research before hand so you won't spend valuable time trying to figure out what you want to see! Find out routes, travel times, prices, and operating hours.
- Do pack lightly! Layering is key. You won't wear 6 pairs of shoes. Grab items that easily coordinate with most of your outfits. Do wear comfy walking shoes. This is mostly for the ladies. Also, a vacation is not a good time to break in a new pair of shoes. Trust me.
- Do take a tour - either a walking tour of the city or a day trip to see other local sights.
- Do carry an umbrella. At all times. You think our weatherman are bad? Guess again.
- Do be flexible. Since when does life go according to plan? Expect the same from your vacation!
- Do ask the locals for recommendations - restaraunts and out of the way places to visit!
- Do stay in a centrally located hotel. It might not be the best hotel, but try to find a good location with easy access to the city center.
- Do see a show or two! I don't mean go see a movie. See a musical, a local cultural event or concert, or visit a festival or street market.
10 Don'ts:
- Don't buy the Edinburgh Pass or the Day Bus Pass. Everything in Edinburgh is mostly within walking distance so just buy tickets to the far away places. The Edinburgh Pass is not worth your money. Just do your research and visit the places you really want to see.
- Don't travel alone. Better to be safe than sorry. If your traveling with girls only make sure you are aware of your surroundings and walk in well lit areas with lots of people.
- Don't buy the Paris Pass. Just buy the Museum Pass - it covers everything you need. You can buy the travel card separately.
- Don't travel during the summer months or during an event like the Olympics unless you cannot travel any other time. Things are much more expensive. Late Spring or early Fall are much more affordable (and less populated) times to travel!
- Don't take your eyes off your things. Pick pocketing is a big thing in Europe.
- Don't carry your passport with you. Keep your passport and a back up credit card at the hotel.
- Don't be afraid to haggle or shop around when looking for souvenirs. Chances are the store next door will have a better deal. Most of the typical souvenir stores have the same stuff (and its made in China!). If you truly want a unique gift check out the shops at the places you visit such as castles, churches, or monuments.
- Don't be afraid to try local food dishes, I don't mean eat weird stuff like frog legs or hagis (unless you want to!) but try out local favorites - like buckwheat crepes :)
- Don't think you'll be able to remember everything. Keep a journal or a blog.
- Don't get hit by a car. Their laws are not the same. Their traffic might not even go in the same direction. And one thing I learned in Europe is pedestrians do not have the right of way!!!
Okay... just one more "do"...
DO TRAVEL!
“To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to
experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position
in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.” – Bill Bryson
