Planning a Big Trip?

You can resist it no longer. The call of The Big Trip. The world is out there and the time has come to get out there and eat it up. But where to start? What do you need to know? We've assembled a few choice articles to get you going.

Top 7 reasons to go on a round-the-world trip: Call it a reason, call it an excuse, but here are 7 prime motivators for getting out on the road.

Trip by design: themes to plan a trip around: If you're looking for inspiration, here's the ticket.

Essential backpacker trails: The classic journeys that continue to inspire both new and seasoned travellers. There's a reason people take to these routes - they're incredible. See which ones tweak your wanderlust.

Greatest historical journeys: If you want to follow in the footsteps of history's movers and shakers, use these ideas for inspiration.

How to budget for a big trip: Once you've made the decision to go, you've got to do some number-crunching. These tips will turn your plans into well-funded reality.

Australia on a shoestring: a bumper guide: Australia's a popular destination for backpackers - its sheer size and range of landscapes lends itself well to a good, long trip. These tips will help you get the most out of your Australian adventure.

Long-term travel as a couple: Where you go can be almost as important as who to go with. If you're travelling as a twosome, here's some handy advice.

Cool working holiday jobs: One way to make your trip a truly big trip is to take on some work while you're on the road. It plumps up your budget for further travel and gets you meeting some interesting people and gaining some skills at the same time. Here's a selection of viable travel jobs.

Responsible volunteering: You might want to help out while you're travelling - here are some tips for how to be most helpful and what to look out for when choosing an organisation to work with.

How to travel light: When you're travelling long-haul, you need to get pretty lean with your packing because an overstuffed bag can get very heavy very quickly. Here's how to travel feather-light.

How to pack for a round-the-world trip: It's about travelling light - it's also about travelling smart. Get the essential RTW packing list.

10 essential stops for Europe first-timers: If you're not sure how to tackle such a varied continent, this is a good starting point.

Round-the-world with kids: Mini travellers have different needs and considerations - here are some tips for cross-generational happy trails.

Long-haul FAQs: Our forum is a bottomless cup of hot travel knowledge - here are the most frequently asked questions revolving around living and working abroad.

Here Are The Top 25 Cities You Should Visit In Your Lifetime.

The expert travelers at Trip Advisor came together to compile their list of the best rated cities in the world to visit. I suddenly have a lot of plane tickets to purchase.

#25 - San Francisco, USA

The city by the bay is laden with adventure and attractions, whether it be a ferry ride to Alcatraz, sampling the cuisine of Little Italy, or exploring the hills that surround the city. San Francisco is home to one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse communities in the United States, making it an amazing place to visit. Be sure to get breakfast at Mama’s before heading onto Coit Tower and the Golden Gate Bridge.

#24 - Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai is far greener and quieter than other cities in Thailand. The ‘Rose of the North’ township encapsulates much of what is unique and breathtaking about Thailand, including magnificent temples.

#23 - Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is both Medieval and Moorish in design, sitting on a luxurious beach that’s hard to beat in the summer. The city is overlooked by the gargantuan Caste of St. George. This same traditional architecture is found throughout the city, including in the century-old wooden trams.

#22 - Sydney, Australia

While Sydney is a sprawling city, it remains largely dominated by nature, with national parks carving their way through the ports. The luxurious beaches, amazing weather, and nightlife make Sydney an unforgettable destination.

#21 - Budapest, Hungary

Hugging the Danube River, with the Buda Hills to the west, and Great Plains to the east, Budapest is surrounded by beautiful landscapes on all sides. The neoclassical city is just as gorgeous, though it still wears scars from World War II and the 1956 Uprising. The city is built on numerous hot springs, making the local bathhouses a must-see.

#20 - Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is home to beautiful Buddhist temples and amazing nightlife. The value of the dollar makes this incredible city a relatively cheap place to travel.

#19 - Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is unique getaway, surrounded by glistening seas and pristine beaches on one side, and a breathtaking mountain range on the other. The city is by far one of the most cosmopolitan in Africa, stemming from its colonial roots, which one can still see in the architecture today.

#18 - Chicago, USA

Chicago is the stronghold of the American Midwest, the home of the blues and a hotbed for jazz music. The picturesque skyline is home to the world’s first skyscrapers, as well as some of the best comedy clubs in the States.

#17 - Dubai, United Arab Emirates

If you’re less into history, and more into futuristic metropolises, Dubai is the flashiest of them all. The city is home to the tallest building (Burj Khalifa), as well as the Dubai Mall, the largest of its kind in the world. Other features include amazing artificial islands and some of the best beaches around. When you consider that Dubai was a small tribal town until the 1970s, the current spectacle is mind-blowing.

#16 - St. Petersburg, Russia

St. Petersburg has been called Russia’s window to the West. Unlike Moscow, which features red bricks and domes, St. Petersburg’s canals and neoclassical architecture was designed by Italians, giving the city a European look. It also has a European feel, with modern art galleries and underground clubs, which make the city a spectatle at night.

#15 - Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is a city that combines both the old and the new in a magnificent fashion. Much of the city is as it was centuries ago, with narrow streets everywhere you look. On the beachfront, you’ll find the modern luxuries and unparalleled resorts.

#14 - Buenos Aires, Argentina

Florence is a city, seemingly paused in the past. This beautiful Renaissance city is home to some of Italy’s - if not the world’s - best museums, galleries, cathedrals, churches, squares, and shops. The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Piazza della Signoria serve as a good stepping stone into this amazing city.

#12 - New York City, USA

New York City is arguably the centre of modern Western culture. Whether you’re taking a leisurely bike ride through Central Park, exploring the endless heights of downtown, or chowing down at historic pizza parlors, the city has something for everyone.

#11 - Berlin, Germany

Just like London and Paris, Berlin is the centre of centuries worth of unique culture, art, and architecture. Berlin is a time capsule, including the remnants of time periods from the medieval to the modern and from Brandenburg Gate to the Berlin Wall. Explore the underground and you’ll find some of the most exhilarating non-stop nightlife anywhere in the world.

#10 -Shanghai, China

The joy of Shanghai lies on the street level, where everyday life bustles across miles of metropolis. You’ll find the Shanghai Museum, Jade Buddha Temple, and Dongtai Road market, which make the city a once in a lifetime experience.

#9 - Siem Reap, Cambodia

Although the city of Siem Reap is relatively new, it is surrounded by the ancient remains of Angkor Wat, the City of Temples and the largest religious monument in the world. What Angkor Wat offers in terms of exploration and adventure, Siem Reap offers in rest and relaxation.

#8 - Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi is an fascinating blend of East and West, combining traditional Vietnamese culture with French colonial flair. Thankfully, the city was untouched by decades of war and is now more vibrant and active than ever, with the Old Quarter serving as one of the greatest markets in the world. The Vietnamese Women’s Museum highlights the role of women in Vietnam’s history and is well worth a visit. If it’s nightlife that you’re after, check out one of the many theatres.

#7 - Paris, France

Paris is a treasure trove of cultural heritage. The city contains centuries worth of art and architecture from across the world, housed in historical venues like the Louvre and Orangerie. One week would barely be long enough to scratch the surface of what this city has to offer - let alone the magnificent food in restaurants like Le Fumoir.

#6 - Marrakech, Morocco

The vibrant spices that were once traded through Marrakech have rubbed off on the city itself. With buzzing markets and colourful bazaars, the city is ideal for anyone who wants to get a taste of traditional Moroccan life. Where better to stay than the luxurious Taj Palace, with an amazing view of the Atlas mountains.

#5 - Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is credited as having been a major political, cultural, and economic centre of medieval Europe. Now, the city is having a renaissance. Whether you visit the modern Dancing House or the medieval Prague Castle, the city has found a perfect balance between new and old.

#4 - Beijing, China

Beijing is one of the largest and oldest settlements in the world. With a history of more than 3,000 years, the city is home to some of the most important monuments in China, including remnants of the Great Wall and the Forbidden Palace.

#3 - London, United Kingdom

The former capital of the largest empire on Earth, London is a hot pot of culture, with more than 300 languages spoken within its boundaries. You can find food, art, entertainment from every corner of the world, as well experience the finest English architecture at sites like Kew Gardens and Westminster Abbey.

#2 - Rome, Italy

Rome is one of the most significant cities in the history of Western civilization and has a legacy that spans more than two and a half thousand years. Street artists and fine restaurants line the roads and monumental landmarks of this eternal city. Sights include Ostia Antica, an ancient preserved port the villa of Emperor Commodus.

#1 - Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is a vibrant city, straddling Europe and Asia as well as Christianity and Islam for thousands of years. The city is known for its delicious food, amazing coffee, sprawling marketplaces, and ancient architecture - including grand mosques and churches. At the end of a long day, be sure to take a moment to relax in a luxurious bathhouse.

Top 10 Ways to Travel Smarter, Safer, and Cheaper

A vacation can range anywhere from a dream to a nightmare. While some of that depends on circumstance, there's plenty you can do to make your travel easier, more efficient, and more fun. Here are our top 10 favorite tips, tricks, and hacks to help make your next trip really great. 

10. Pack Your Bags More Efficiently

A well-packed bag is one of the best ways to make traveling quite a bit more comfortable. If your stuff takes up less space, you can take a smaller bag—which is especially useful if you're flying and don't want to check your luggage—or you can just leave room for anything you might buy on your trip. Either way, it helps to know how to pack like a flight attendant. They fly all the time, so they've learned to be efficient. For the most part it involves rolling your clothing to fit more and avoid wrinkles, along with packing items in the most efficient order. If that's not your style, you can always try the bundled wrapping method or take some tips from author and super-light traveler Tim Ferriss

9. Find a Cheap Place to Stay by Renting an Apartment

When I planned an awesome last-minute vacation on the cheap, I saved a ton of money by using a home-renting service called Airbnb. By now you've probably heard of it, or something similar like VRBO and HomeAway, but if you have yet to give it a try you should consider it on your next trip. Not only can you grab an enormous, wonderful place for the price of—or even less than—a hotel room, but you'll even save food on trip costs because most places will have a kitchen where you can cook your own food (if you want to). You are renting from individuals, in most cases, so you will want to read reviews and choose a reputable place in a good area. Also, be sure to ask the owner any questions you may have ahead of time so you don't run into any problems when you arrive. With those things in mind, you should end up having a really great experience for less money

8. Get a Better Rewards Card and Fly Cheap (or Free)

Travel rewards credit cards are no secret, but if you're going to try and earn miles you should have the best travel rewards card possible. As was explained in the Ultimate Travel Hacking Guide, often times you can sign up for an airline-branded credit card that will award you with several thousand miles as a bonus. Generally you will end up with enough miles to fly for free right away. Earning miles slowly and steadily isn't bad, but if you really want to get some cheap (or free) tickets you'll find the most success by picking the right cards.

7. Easily Refill Your Travel-Sized Items

Travel-sized containers are really useful when you need to pack things like toothpaste, suntan lotion, and other tube-based items. If you're flying, it's particularly important because the TSA limits how much liquid you can take with you on the plane. Whether you're trying to save space or play along with the security theater performed by the Transportation Security Administration, buying tons of tiny tubes can get a little expensive. Instead of making several repeats purchases, just make yourself as simple tube refiller out of sugru. This way you can buy one travel size and refill it using a larger size, allowing you to buy in bulk and save some cash.

6. Compare Transportation Type Costs to Find the Cheapest Method

We make a lot of assumptions about the cheapest method of travel, but sometimes reality can surprise you. When you're deciding how you're going to travel, be sure to check all your options. Sometimes driving may seem cheaper, but the cost difference won't be worth the enormous increase in travel time. To find out, use this time and cost comparison calculator to discover which method of travel is best for you. Perhaps you won't be surprised after all, but it's worth a look to quickly find out if the better option isn't what you think.

5. Get Discounts at Retail Stores by Asking for a Tourist Discount Card

While it won't be an option everywhere you go, it's a good idea to ask if a store offers a tourist discount card to get discounts up to 11% on your purchases. Generally, all you have to do is show your out-of-state (or country) ID and you'll get a card to use with your purchases. This practice is most common at larger retailers and department stores, such as Macy's and Bloomingdales. You don't have to haggle—just ask.

4. Ask Retail Stores to Ship Your Purchases Home to Avoid Taxes and an Overstuffed Suitcase

While shopping isn't necessarily a primary attraction for everyone on vacation, most people come home with something new they picked up along the way. These items can be hard to fit in your suitcase, but most stores will ship them home for you for a small fee. Depending on how much you buy, this fee can be smaller than tax—which you won't have to pay at many stores if your order is being shipped out of state. It can save you money and hassle while traveling, so be sure to ask to have your order shipped home whenever possible.

3. Pack These Items for Added Security When Traveling

Being a tourist can be risky, because you're suddenly thrown into a new environment you don't know. For some additional peace of mind, there are a few items you can pack to boost your safety. A secure bag or purse can help deter a robber. A rubber door stop can provide additional security in your room. An RFID-blocking wallet can help shield your passport from identity thieves. These are all pretty negligible items to bring with you, and there are more options if you want them.

2. Protect Your Home While You're Away

When you travel, your home is particularly vulnerable, regardless of whether you live in a house or an apartment. It isn't too hard to protect your home while you're away, however, by taking a few simple precautions. You can turn your Windows PC or Mac and webcam into a DIY security system. You can use motion-sensing lights and leave the radio on to appear like you're home. And just in case the worst happens, it's good to create a home inventory so you're ready to provide it to your insurance company should you need to make a claim.

1. Prepare Your Smartphone and Laptop for Travel

Traveling is so much easier when you're prepared to explore a new destination. While you don't want to spend too much of your time behind a screen, it's a good idea to prepare your laptop and smartphone for your trip so you have tools to help you discover great new experiences. This means having your geek vacation checklist in order, getting useful apps on your phone (here are some suggestions for Android and iPhone, knowing where to find free Wi-Fi, and keep track of your itinerary with a service like TripIt. If you don't let your technology become a distraction on your vacation, it can be an incredible asset to help make your trip far more fun and memorable.

12 Most Amazing Pools in the World

1 – Crown Towers Hotel in Taipa Island Macau

This is a cool infinity pool that looks out over a breathtaking skyline from several stories up. This is definitely a great place to enjoy the sunset in Taipa Island.

>>Crown Towers Hotel in Taipa Island Macau
>> Find other hotels in Macau

2 – Burj Al Arab in Dubai

Leave it to the hotel designer in Dubai to create a pool of this magnitude.  It’s just too bad you probably have to own a helicopter to be able to comfortably afford to swim here.

>>Burj Al Arab in Dubai
>> Search airfare to Dubai and find more hotels in Dubai

3 – Golden Nugget Las Vegas

While the pool might not seem too cool at first glance, notice the salt-water aquarium complete with sharks that is flush with the pool.  There is also a clear tube slide that goes through the aquarium and into the pool.

>>Golden Nugget Las Vegas
>> Read about the best pools in Las Vegas and learn more about Las Vegas hotels

4 – Blue Lagoon Geothermal Resort in Grindavík, Iceland

Ok, technically this isn’t a pool in the typical sense of a hotel pool. But, it is a warm body of water that you have to pay a pretty penny to get into. Therefore it falls into the category of a luxury hotel pool.

>>Blue Lagoon Geothermal Resort
>> Find flights to Iceland and look for hotels near the Blue Lagoon

5 – Begawan Giri Hotel in Ubud, Bali

This small villa style hotels pool might not be big, but it has a million-dollar view.  Combine that with the fact that at any given time you will probably be the only person in the pool and you get one luxurious little swim.

>>Begawan Giri Hotel in Ubud, Bali
>> Find flights to Bali and discover the best beaches in Bali

6 – Mandarin Oriental in New York

At the Mandarin Oriental hotel, you can enjoy the famous New York skyline while lounging in the pool any time of the year.

>>Mandarin Oriental in New York
>> Find affordable New York hotels and learn about things to do in New York

7 – San Alfonso del Mar in Chile

The pool at the San Alfonso del Mar is a mini ocean in and of its self.  This pool is easily large enough to enjoy water sport activities like paddling and sailing, and it’s by far the largest freshwater pool in the world.

>>San Alfonso del Mar in Chile
>> Look for cheap flights to Chile and learn about wine tasting in South America

8 – Four Seasons in Costa Rica

There is no better way to appreciate the coast of Costa Rica than from this infinity pool at the Four Seasons Hotel.

>>Four Seasons in Costa Rica
>> Book tickets to Costa Rica and find tours in Costa Rica

9 – Six Senses Hideaway in Zighy Bay, Oman

This small infinity pool might not look like much at first, but when you take into account that the pool comes with your own private section of beach, cabana, pool, and more; it gets pretty luxurious.

>>Six Senses Hideaway in Zighy Bay
>> Find airfare to Muscat and book a hostel in Salaha

10 – Perivolas Luxury Hotel in Santorini

The infinity pool at the Perivolas Luxury Hotel may be one of the most famous hotel pools.  It has one of the best views from any hotel pool and has been featured on a large number of travel magazine covers.

>>Perivolas Luxury Hotel in Santorini
>> Search hotels in Santorini and book a ferry from Athens to Santorini

11 – Atlantis Resort in Paradise Island, Bahamas

The sheer size of the pool at the Atlantis Resort is enough to get it on the list.  But the pool features a number a slides, waterfalls, grottoes, and more.

>>Atlantis Resort in Paradise Island, Bahamas
>> Find airfare to the Bahamas and discover the best Bahamas beaches

12 – Hotel Villa Mahal in Turkey

The infinity pool at the Villa Mahal made our list because it is a simple infinity style pool that does what infinity pools were made to do; give you the illusion of a pool that drops into the sky.

Cool Castles Located on Cliffs

Castles are already pretty impressive, even when they're not perched atop a mountain. But put them at the edge of a cliff, and you've elevated their awe-inspiring beauty to a whole new level. Touting amazing architecture and great historical significance, these eight structures are sure to impress any traveler.

Swallow’s Nest—Crimea, Ukraine

Built out of wood in the late 19th century as the private quarters—and rumored love nest—for a retired Russian general, this romantic castle, situated on a 130-foot-tall cliff overlooking the Black Sea’s Ai-Todor cape, was modified to its current stone structure in 1912 by oil big-wig Baron von Steingel. Though threatened by an earthquake in later years, the landmark—which is surrounded by swallows and white-winged seagulls—now houses an Italian restaurant. Photo: Keren Su / Getty Images.

Aragonese Castle—Ischia, Italy

Built by Hiero I of Syracuse in 474 B.C., this castle, located on a volcanic rock in the Tyrrhenian Sea near Naples, was home to the citizens of Naples up until the 15th century. After fortified walls were erected around the castle to defend against pirates and a stone bridge was built connecting it to Ischia, the islet became part of the town and thrived through the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, this impressive structure (accessible through a tunnel) is the most visited attraction on Ischia. Photo: DEA / M. BORCHI / Getty Images.

Alcazar—Segovia, Spain

To the best of historians’ knowledge, Alcazar was built as an Arab military fortress in the 12th century and over the years has acted as a nobleman's retreat, a prison and an artillery school. This “royal residence” is known for many of its architectural features, including its shape (like the bow of a ship), its largest tower (built by and named after King John II around 1260) and its sharp slate spires (added by King Phillip II around 1587). Now open to tourists year round, it is home to the Spanish General Military Archives. Photo: Guy Vanderelst / Getty Images.

Gyantse Fortress— Gyantse, Tibet

Constructed in the 14th century, this dzong (Buddhist-style fortress) is one of the best-preserved examples of this type of architecture in all of Tibet. Sitting high on gray-brown rock above Gyantse (the third-largest trade town at the time) and Lhasa (a spiritual epicenter where many Dalai Lamas have lived, including the current one until he went into exile), it was originally built to protect both towns from attack. Photo: Buena Vista Images / Getty Images.

Gillette Castle—East Haddam, CT, United States

With local fieldstone, the Gillette Castle was built from 1914 to 1919 as a private residence for American actor William Gillette. Taken over by the state government in 1943 after Gillette failed to name an heir in his will, it was declared public property and renamed Gillette Castle State Park. Recently refurbished at the cost of $11 million, tourists can both wander the estate as well as tour the inside of the castle from Memorial Day to Columbus Day. Photo: VisionsofAmerica/Joe Sohm / Getty Images.

Peñafiel Castle—Valladolid Province, Spain

A once crucial point of military defense on the Duero river in north-central Spain, this fortress originally belonged to the Christians and then the Moors until it was usurped and renamed by Count Sancho Garcia during the Reconquista. At 600 feet long, 90 feet high and slightly off center, its unique architectural style has been called gran buque meaning “great ship.” Today it can be visited, but only by a guided tour that's in Spanish. Photo: Guillermo Navarro / Getty Images.

Dar Al Hajar (Rock Palace)—Wadi Dhahr, Yemen

Located in Sana’a, one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, this five-story fortress-like mansion was built as a summer residence in the 1930s by Imam Yahya, who ruled the country until his 1948 assassination. Since he built the “Rock Palace” amidst prehistoric ruins, there is some debate whether he can be given full credit as the architectural mind behind it. Now open to the public, it has since become an identifying symbol of Yemen for travelers. Photo: John Miles / Getty Images.

Kumbhalgarh Fortress—Rajasthan, India

Built in the 15th century by Rana Kumbha, the ruler of Mewar, on a 3,500-foot-tall cliff, India’s largest and most elaborate fortress is surrounded by seven gates and a 22.5-mile-long, 15-foot-wide wall (making it the third longest in the world behind the Great Wall of China and the Great Wall of Gorgan in Iran). Housing over 360 temples, Kumbhalgarh was used as a place of refuge for the rulers of Mewar during times of danger. Occupied briefly by other Indian rulers until the 19th century, the fortress is now open to the public. Photo: Steve Allen / Getty Images.

When In Rome: 10 Mistakes Americans Make While Traveling In Europe

No matter how many times you’ve been to Europe, traveling abroad is always a learning experience. Not only do you absorb the history of the monuments and museums you visit, but you also learn how to be a better traveler.

From pickpocketing to language barriers, there are always obstacles that present themselves amidst travels. These issues can cause mistakes — some more disastrous than others.

Here is a list of 10 common traveling missteps of Americans that can mar an otherwise lovely trip abroad. Hopefully, reading this over now will save you some trouble next time you’re overseas.

1. Don’t assume everyone speaks English.

While many Europeans do speak English, don’t assume that every person you encounter is fluent. This is especially true when you visit more remote towns that are outside of major cities.

To overcome this obstacle, carry a phrase book with you and memorize a few key lines before you arrive at your destination. You can also download translation apps, like SayHi Translate for $1.99, or Google Translate, which is free.

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2. Don’t wear shirts that feature your college’s name.

The same thing goes for fraternity and sorority letters — just leave them at home. These shirts scream, “I am an American,” and make you a pickpocketing target.

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3. Wear comfortable shoes.

After studying abroad in London for three months, I arrived in Rome thinking I knew all of the tricks and tips for a successful study abroad experience. I remembered walking a lot, but I didn’t want to look like an American tourist in sneakers, so I packed my most comfortable sandals.

Learn from my mistake. Bring sneakers! Nothing is more uncomfortable than walking on swollen feet that are covered in blisters.

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4. Always lock backpacks or cross-body bags.

Purchase a small lock and latch it on the zipper of your bag. This will prevent sneaky pickpockets from unzipping your bag in a crowded bar and taking your iPhone, wallet or even worse, your passport. Always be aware of your surroundings and hold your bag in front of you in crowded areas.

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5. Don’t book the cheapest hostel.

Just last weekend, my friends and I booked a last-minute hostel for one night in Florence. We chose the cheapest hostel for 24 euros, justifying the decision by saying, “It’s only one night.”

Well, we got what we paid for. When we arrived, there was a five-foot-wide hole in the floor of the lobby and no locks on the bedroom doors. There was also a strange odor that was strong enough to turn our overnight trip to Florence into a day trip.

While some hostels can be a great, less expensive alternative for students traveling on a budget, be sure to conduct a lot of research and read all of the reviews before you book.

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6. Don’t bring a US hair dryer.

Hair dryers from the States use a lot of power. If you plug one into a European electrical socket, you may be stuck in the dark for a while after you undoubtedly blow a fuse.

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7. Don’t eat at restaurants near tourist attractions.

Although it may be convenient to stop for lunch after sightseeing near major monuments, many of these restaurants are tourist traps with overpriced, mediocre food.

Wander down side streets to try smaller, more authentic European meals. My personal rule of thumb is that if there are swarms of Americans eating at one restaurant, move on to the next spot.

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8. Don’t forget deodorant.

This may seem like an innocent mistake, but when it is 95 degrees outside and you have to walk six miles to see all of the sights, you will find yourself looking for the nearest pharmacy to grab a stick of deodorant.

However, the deodorant that’s available in much of Europe is more expensive and less effective than the US sticks. Don’t expect to walk down the aisle and have 50 choices from which to pick, as you do at home.

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9. Don’t take unmarked cabs.

Just don’t do it. Unmarked cabs will rip you off and aren’t necessarily safe.

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10. Don’t set expectations too high.

Traveling abroad is a wonderful opportunity to learn about another culture and reach outside of your comfort zone. While you are being dazzled by sprawling landscapes and impressive architecture, it’s easy to forget that not every moment of your trip will be perfect.

There will be bumps along the way and sometimes, you’ll miss your air-conditioned home. These uncomfortable moments are also part of traveling, so keep a positive attitude and make the most of your time abroad.