Lesson 3: Negotiate price before getting into a taxi.

Site of lesson learned: Nice, France

My hotel was only 1km away, which I knew. But it was night, I was in an unfamiliar city, and I didn’t really know my way. So I got into the taxi. It cost me $15 Euros for that brief ride, and to this day it just tans my hide. Always, always settle on a price before you enter a taxi.

Lesson 4: Pack light. Then, take only half of it with you.

Where wisdom was gained: Cambodia

Once you lug your rollerbag over dirt roads or cobblestone streets, you learn this one pretty quickly. Do you really need all that stuff? No. Leave it at home, ship it home, or give it away as it accumulates, and if you truly need to supplement your supplies, buy them in the country you’re visiting. You will never be sorry when you pack light. Even if you have to do laundry a few times.

Who busted my chops: various

Relationships are challenging enough. Within the pressure cooker of travel, they can either grow fast as fungus or explode in a mushroom cloud. If you’re traveling with strangers, be prepared to feel like intimate friends within an accelerated time period. If you’re traveling with friends, be prepared to navigate some tension.

Lesson 6: There are few problems credit cards can’t solve.

Where card was swiped: various

Remember the pepper spray incident in Amsterdam? Thank you, Visa! Don’t sweat the small stuff—from lodging issues, to getting lost, to being sick, hungry or cold, your credit cards can get you out of any number of binds. Just be sure to call your financial institution to make sure you can use them on your journey—and be sure you’re aware of charges for overseas use.

Lesson 7: Don’t carry everything in your purse, and keep your hands on your valuables.

Scene of the crime: Tucson, Az

Friends and I had left our bags in a car so that we could be unencumbered at a dance club. Stupid. Several cars were broken into that night, including ours. My losses included my passport, license, credit cards, cell phone, camera and journal. I’ve also heard of friends having their bag stolen while sitting at a cafe or on a train. Be aware of where your belongings are, and if possible, secure them so no one can snatch them easily.

Lesson 8: Remember who you’re bargaining with.

Site where I was schooled: Nogales, Mexico

I was a young girl when I visited the border town of Nogales with my family. I prided myself in driving a hard bargain for everything, and I got some good prices on a few souvenirs. Once back in the States, my father wisely pointed out that the people with whom I was bargaining didn’t make much money. It dramatically changed my point of view on bargaining. Now, I look at the goods and services provided in terms of what I am willing to pay for it, not what I think I can bargain vendors down to. It makes me a terrible bargain hunter when I travel, and I take pride in that.

Safe and Sensible Travel Starts with You