- Expect to do a lot of walking while on a trip. You will not find ramps, people movers, elevators, or escalators in 500 plus year old castles.
- Don’t expect lots of ice in your drinks. You may not get any ice unless you ask. For example: once I did ask, the waiter used tongs to put one ice cube in my drink.
- There probably isn’t an ice machine in your hotel, either.
- Try to figure out how much something costs before you pay for it. One time I emptied my coin purse out on the counter and asked the cashier to take the coins out to pay for my purchases. The people in line behind me didn’t really appreciate this, either.
- Smile and be polite. Admire your surroundings. Don’t loudly mention how everything is smaller/older/more confusing than in your hometown.
- Have fun! Look forward to all the great things you will experience. The memories you will accumulate along the way are well worth the effort it took to make the trip.
Does anyone have other handy tips to share?
Meg Travels 
Nice tips and pictures, Meg! I love the first one about elevators, escalators, etc. in the 500-years old castles. Wear good walking shoes, people! :) I actually had to buy a better pair when I was in London, and they were not CUTE… :)
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Wearing sturdy walking shoes (and hopefully cute ones) is a great travel tip. Thanks!
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The nice thing about doing a lot of walking is that you can eat all of the wonderful food on a trip without gaining weight.
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Karen, you are so right! Of course, I tend to focus on desserts, chocolate, and other treats. So I walk, walk, walk!
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Pack comfortable clothes, good shoes and carry water.
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Thanks for the excellent tips! And layering comfortable clothing gets you through any kind of weather :)
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Good points, All!
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I really wanted to share some little-known tips, just in case!
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No matter where you are going (domestic or international flights) travel light, take carry on luggage only. Saves lots of time and aggravation. Works for me every single time, short or long trips!
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That is a great tip that I try to follow, too. Thanks for your insight!
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Absolutely agree with being polite – you’re in someone else’s city because you want to expand your horizons and learn something new – not to find a place to compare against your own hometown (you can do that when you get back home !). Politeness goes such a long way at the best of times, especially when you travel – it also helps when you’re lost :)
And absolutely have fun and explore off the beaten track ! Love the rest of your tips.
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I really appreciate your comments. They show a lot of insight. Thank you very much!
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