Post: #26

I actually enjoyed the pub crawls. I found that guys there had absolutely no game and couldn't handle their alcohol. The girls were young and naive. Like taking candy from a baby.

I'm not a hostel guy, I do hotels or apartment rentals as I like my privacy, but the pub crawls get people from the hostel.

Post: #27

(01-10-2014 02:03 AM)Tail Gunner Wrote:  For example, buying cut fruit in baggies from street vendors in Latin America is often the surest way to become ill.

Good point - if it's washed using tap water in areas that tap water shouldn't be consumed, you could easily become ill.

As for cooked street food, I've only got sick from this a couple of times. The times I have got really sick was when got unlucky at tourist restaurants which the locals don't eat at and which don't survive on repeat business - it doesn't matter to them if you get sick from expired meat or food that's been lying around all day because they don't expect to see you back any time soon.

Post: #28

Don't know if it was posted already.

Make sure to notify your bank ahead of time that you're traveling abroad, otherwise they'll freeze your account and you won't be able to access your money through ATM or credit card.

Post: #29

Always have a corkscrew and a bottle of wine back at your room and in your backpack. You will understand why ....

Post: #30

1) Go through your wallet and take everything you don't need out. Leave it at home. Your wallet should not be distinguishable through your pant fabric (bulge in your pocket).
2) Repeat #1
3) Keep at least two ATM debit cards with you in case your bank locks you out. I had been using one in Ukraine for over two months and the week before I left, when I really needed the money, the card was declined.
4) Apply for a credit card with no foreign transaction fee (Chase US Airways card) and use it for purchases. Caveat: Credit cards are still not commonly used in many countries.
5) Ask locals about which ATMs to use or avoid. In some areas, almost all the ATMs will steal your identity and scam you. In other areas, there might be legit ATMs and scam ATMs. In one place I was advised to avoid the banks with "stupid sounding English names."
6) Bring or buy a Swiss Army Knife
7) Notify your bank ahead of time but assume they won't note your account correctly.
8) Bring a photo album of your life / hometown. This is helpful on long train rides when you cannot communicate in their language.
9) If they don't understand you in English, don't speak LOUDER like they are retarded or deaf.
10) If you can't speak their language but you suspect they have basic knowledge of English, stand your ground and continue rambling in basic English. Some people are too self-conscious about their English skills because they have never used them outside of a classroom. When they begin to realize they understand you, they will start speaking to you. Encourage them by complimenting their English.
11) If you need to find someone who speaks English, target students under 30 years old. In former Soviet states, these are the people who were taught English in school. Don't talk to the Babuska with gold teeth -- she might kill you.
12) Stay away from Americans or expats from your country outside of a hostel setting. Its not authentic and if they are less knowledgeable travelers and don't know the local language, they can get you in trouble in a flash. Make local friends ASAP. Find another tourist who is from a country which speaks the same language as where you currently are (i.e. Belorussian visiting Moscow). They feel vulnerable outside their country and will enjoy your company.
13) You don't always need to keep your passport with you.
14) In some countries, you are required to have your passport to exchange currency. Keep that in mind.
15) Some countries have currencies of such dubious value that once you leave the country, you will not find a place where you exchange it for dollars. Exchange before you leave.

Post: #31

(01-12-2014 10:51 PM)svenski7 Wrote:  13) You don't always need to keep your passport with you.

That is a good point. I would go so far as to say that you do not want to keep your passport with you. I typically leave my passport locked safely at the hotel and just carry a copy of my passport.

As an American, I will obtain and carry the U.S. Passport Card on my next extended trip overseas along with a copy of my regular passport.

http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_car..._3926.html

Post: #32

I always make this mistake, bring enough warm clothing.

Post: #33

Some additional random thoughts.

1) Some people have a throw away stack - i.e. old cards and a little cash. In the event you are being mugged, throw the stack on the ground and run. I have never done this. But if you are going to questionable areas this might help. I have been saving those fake Amex cards they send when they send you an application, lol.

2) Keep your valuables in the front pocket.

3) An automatic response that some people do is when they get bumped they touch where their wallet is to make sure it is there. Thieves use that technique to identify where to focus.

4) Smile

5) If you are sitting by someone on a flight/bus etc and you for some reason don't like them (come on we have all done it), start a conversation with them, if possible. Much harder to dislike someone once you know a little about them.