1. Learn to pack light
2. Buy & wear good walking shoes
3. Make sure your bank card works
4. Eat where the locals eat
5. Protect & keep track of your passport
6. Learn key phrases of the local language
7. Learn the art of patience...Go with the flow
8. Take lots of photos
9. Keep an open mind to new things
10. Always pack a hat
11. DO NOT go to a McDonald's
12. NEVER carry your wallet in your back pocket
13. Wear shoes to the airplane bathroom!
14. Have an extra stash of cash...just in case
15. Watch for traffic...No SERIOUSLY, watch out! You WILL get run over if not careful
16. Take a picture of your hotel's business card...if you get lost from the group you can always cab it back to the hotel
17. Buy a little souvenir from every place you visit...I like magnetic bottle openers...you know the kind that sticks to the fridge. They're small, easily packed, & very cheap to buy. I also like to pick up one nice piece (glass art, etc.) for the trip. Something that can be displayed in my home.
18. Remeber where you are... respect the people and the culture you are getting the honor to experience.
19. Drink water... LOTS of water to stay hydrated.
20. ALWAYS try the local foods... I've had snails, horse, fresh seafood (and I mean very fresh), Haggis, and so many other interesting foods that we will never get to experience in the U.S. I say GO FOR IT!