3.  SHOTS, WATER, INSURANCE   Unless you're traveling to a tropical back-water destination, it's doubtful that you will really need any immunization shots.  Anywhere that you'll need bottled water - it will be available locally.  Traveler's insurance is an item that's readily available in Europe, but not so much in the U.S. (an opportunity for some Yank entrepreneur...?).

4.  LANGUAGE       English, at least on a rudimentary level, is understood nearly everywhere. Even so, travelers are encouraged to learn some phrases in the host country's language - every little bit helps.

5.  LODGING       Securing a decent place to stay is often a top priority for the traveler who is arriving at a new destination.  Having pre-arranged lodging is optimal but not imperative.    The next best option is to pick a viable guest house from your guidebook and aim for that.  Have a "back-up" option ready in case the first one doesn't work out.

           Although you may ordinarily avoid taxis in favor of public transport, it may be smart to take a taxi for the trip to the first night's guest house.   This guest house does not have to fit your image of the "ideal" lodging arrangement - it's enough just to get you rested and refreshed.   Then, as you get oriented, you can strike out to find better lodging.         Note: Some Americans think "private home" when they hear "guest house".  The term "guest house" means small-scale public lodging.   They are often better than a regular hotels for the following reasons; they're cheaper, and usually more quaint and casual.

            When exploring the region, you need not haul all your baggage with you.  Just about any guest house or shop will watch your baggage for free while you explore.   Too often,   travelers haul around small mountains of gear that they could safely leave for awhile with a shop owner.

6. WHEELIN' & DEALIN'     If you're considering taking items to sell overseas, items that are easy to transport (lightweight, small, legal) are preferable.  Small electronic items generally go over well, but peddling them can sometimes be a hassle.

         For taking items home to sell; the relatively easy part is the purchasing.   If you're shipping items home (rather than carrying them in your luggage), you should take into account Customs Duties and VAT (value added tax) which can double the costs.   Many times people have found "great bargains" for items overseas, and then come back to find that selling them for a profit is more difficult than planned.

         Talk with a successful shop-owner from your hometown before you embark on your journey.  They can give you tips about what's hot and what's not. Ask about getting an "advance" payment for particular items.   Plus, with the convenience of Email,  you can fine-tune arrangements while you're out and about.        

         On the other hand, taking items to give a way on your trip is a great way to spread goodwill.   Such things as T-shirts, baseball caps, Frisbees, cheap watches/cameras hometown postcards, postage stamps, used jeans, etc. are also great bargaining chips and 'ice-breakers'.   I once traded one pair of used Levis for five days lodging in Tokyo.

7.  TAXIS         If the taxi has a meter, have the driver turn it on. Some only do so reluctantly because they can charge more with non-metered fare.  If there is no meter in the taxi, then negotiate a fare before entering the cab.   If possible, check with someone, before-hand, who can advise what the going fare is for that route.

8.  PASSPORT AND VISAS You rarely need your passport for day-to-day activities, so it's best to leave it at your lodging for safekeeping.    Make a photocopy of its main page to carry with you if needed.   Regarding visas; ask around or contact the consulate for the country that you're planning to visit.   Often it's easier (and cheaper) to acquire a visa at the port of entry rather than through a consulate.

9.  TIPPING      In the U.S., leaving a tip for waiters and waitresses is expected every time - Americans do this automatically. The reason goes something like this; "waiters and waitresses are underpaid, so tips are expected".   There are two retorts to that truism: (1) restaurateurs should pay better wages, then tipping can become predicated on quality of food and service, rather than being obligatory. (2) if waiters and waitresses get tipped so generously, then why not others in the service sector?   Some examples; construction workers, ski-lift operators, teachers, carpet cleaners, traffic cops, chimney sweeps (I used to be one), firefighters, et al?  Are these hard-working (and often under-paid) workers any less worthy of tips?

        Tipping should be voluntary and reward services (and goods) that are above what's expected.   It should not be compulsory as with American restaurants.  The price listed on the menu should be the price that the customer is expected to pay - plain & simple.
If tipping becomes obligatory & expected in untainted countries, as it is in America & Europe, then expect more hard glances from angry service workers when it’s not forthcoming.

10.  MONEY       Probably the best plan for bringing money on your trip to diversify.  Suggest: 1/2 in cash and 1/2 in travelers checks.   Many foreign destinations have ATM's (automatic teller machines), so figure the balance of your money can come through these.    ATM's overseas tend to work surprisingly well and they spit out the money in local currency.   If possible, carry a credit card, but consider it more for dire situations than day-to-day expenditures.   The reason being that there are added fees - usually at both ends of the transaction. And if the wrong person has your credit card number... it could be a bummer, man.

11.  INTERNET      Places with access to the internet are becoming more available at nearly all travel hubs used by budget travelers. One exception, however, is Europe. Even though they have a large % of home users, the Europeans haven't yet figured out that many people 'out and about' are eager to access the Internet. When, after much calorie-expenditure, one finds an outlet, they're high priced and probably use localized (non-standard) keyboards. Come on Europe, get with the times! Ironically, in many ‘undeveloped countries’, cheap internet cafes are often readily available.

12.  ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL CONCERNS    Anyone with a modicum of sensitivity cannot help but be concerned with what's going on around them.   No matter where you travel to, there are problems with environment degradation and oppressed people.  Here are some suggestions for ways to deal with it;

1. PASSIVE APPROACH: You can "float through" the region and not "make any waves".

2. MODERATE MENTION: You can make occasional comments along the way that may (or may not) effect people's actions.   Example; if you see someone littering, you can mildly rebuke them, or (better yet) simply start picking up litter yourself.  

3. PUT OFF 'TIL LATER: If you're a writer or commentator, you can make a mention of troubling observations/events at a later date.   This also applies to investigative reporting, newsletter/magazine articles and/or fundraising.

4. VOLUNTEER: You can ‘pitch your tent’ and take a stand.   This is the type of action for teachers, builders, and/or care-givers.   Some examples are helping to develop (a) sustainable farming methods (b) alternative power (c) clean water resources (d) re-cycling facilities.

5. BEYOND MILD REBUKE: You can verbally chastise someone (or a group) for actions that appear harmful to the environment and/or the social fabric.  In reality this rarely works, and indeed elicits only resistance, defensiveness, and resentfulness. You must have a handle on the language to do this, although flubbing your words may elicit a humorous response, which may be best result.

6. ACTIVE IN THE MOMENT: This is the dynamic action for people who want to make a "big statement" beyond words.   This may be in the form of making and hanging posters, radio interviews, organizing others, and other confrontational action. Major resistance from local powers-that-be would be expected.

7. DONATING MONEY: This can be done from home or abroad and, not surprisingly, is always welcome by the receiver.