the globeTROTTERS

The following tips are things that we have acquired on our own or through other travellers as we make our journey around the world. Please help us add to our list by posting a comment.

GEAR

• If you aren´t making use of something in your backpack, throw it out or better yet, donate it (remember brochures and guidebooks can also be donated to other travellers)
• A heated Nalgene water bottle can double as both a sleeping bag heater as well as a dryer for clothes
• Always wear the waist strap from your backpack, even if you are only walking a few feet away; I did some serious damage to my back and was out of commission for not heeding this advice

TOILETRIES

• Maxi pads can make your underwear ¨cleaner¨ for maximum useage (totally gross, but inevitably useful)
• Dr. Bonner´s 8 in one soap has obviously many uses – Bill has taken to preferring it for shaving - and is biodegradeable to boot
• Grab toilet paper anywhere you can
• Contact lens solution can be difficult to find and VERY expensive (e.g., $18 USD) in some places. Bring plenty
• Bring hand sanitizer and handy wipes. You can also buy these in pharamacies
• Two-in-one shampoo/conditioner can save space and time

CLOTHING

• Bring one ¨cool¨ outfit to wear. In big cities, you feel like a dork wearing all of your travel gear
• Clean underwear and socks make you feel clean even if the rest of you is not 
• Buy knit clothes in Peru and Bolivia
• What you hear at home versus what you hear on the road are often completely different – geopolitical situations change rapidly – be open to changing your itinerary based on other traveler´s more up-to-date and often better perspective
• Bring flip flops for showers, going to the bathroom on long train/bus/airplane rides, etc.

LANGUAGE 

• Learn a few key phrases in the native language
• Always ask if people speak English before making that assumption in a non-English-speaking locale. Not only is it polite, but you may get better results
• Complement non-native English speakers on their skills. Keep in mind that although some people may speak some English, they often are not confident in their skills just as you may not be in their native language
• It is not always easy to find good reading material in your preferred language. You can´t carry it all either. English-language books can be hard to find in parts of South America, but Africa and Asia are full of English bookstores with both new and used

TRAVEL PLANING AND LOGISTICS

• Buy tickets as far in advance as possible, but consider the risk in losing some flexibility
• Travel planning and logistics take a lot of time. Consider building in planning time in your schedule
• Be open to change - things will change. Sometimes this is a great thing, sometimes it isn´t so great
• If you find some good travel buddies and are about to embark on an adventure,  leverage your buying power for discounts
• Travel agencies are sometimes less expensive than self-service. It is counterintuitive to us, but sometimes true 
• Other travellers have invaluable insight to other locations, but proceed with caution. Ask them what they did or did not like about a place. Sometimes an extenuating circumstance will provide a favorable or non-favorable opinion. Likewise, other people have different interests than you
• You can often negotiate a better hotel deal if you arrive without a reservation in the early to middle part of the day. Showing up at 10 p.m. with a backpack may not get you far
• There are sometimes country entrance and exit fees – know before you go

COMMUNICATION

• Computer to computer is the cheapest way to call home. It also may be the slowest and most frustrating depending on connection speed
• Internet cafes are abundant and fairly inexpensive

HEALTH

• Malaria pills - Malarone is the daily alternative to Larium. If you are prone to anxiety, depression or are not sure if you are susceptible to the nightmares associated with Larium, consider spending the extra money for the peace of mind (quite literally)

MONEY

• Money exchanges accept bills, but not coins
• Some airlines will collect extra change on flight for UNICEF. Give your change to a good cause
• When you get money, try and get small bills
• If you have large bills, try to get rid of them at the first place that will accept them 
• There is a thriving black market for money exchange. Know the published rate and consider saving yourself some money
• Know culture specifics related to bargaining. Some cultures expect it, others find it offensive
• Tips are sometimes included in your bill, sometimes voluntary, and sometimes considered offensive

MISCELLANEOUS

• Don´t trash talk your country or leaders in front of other travellers – they will feel more sorry for you than agree with you
• You represent your country - always keep that in mind