10 Lessons learned while traveling

Each time we travel we hopefully learn something that can be applied to the next trip. Small and not so small helpful things that make everything a bit smoother.

1) Interac only bank cards like PC Financial suck. If you call them, they will tell you that the cards will work with the plus system, but we have not found this to be true.

2) Carry cash of the country if you can get it ahead of time. If not, american cash is still widely accepted.

3) In South America, just because a place of business or tourist information has posted hours that say they are open, doesn't mean that they will be or are open.

4) Get a travel book and take it with you. We like the lonely planet series, but find something that works for you. These have good back-up maps in case info places are closed.

5) When going through airport security, have all change etc in your carry on / backpack. Nothing slows you down more than having to empty your pockets each time.

6) When in an airport, keep your passport and a small amount of cash somewhat handy. Only keep the bulk of your cash and credit cards in a money belt so you don't have to take off your money belt to go through security or make it look like you are digging your ID / money out of your underwear.

7) Those dumb looking neck pillows and eye masks are the only things that will allow you to sleep in a plane. Anyone that makes fun of you for using it will only end up exhausted on the other end of the flight.

8) If you have an "interesting" job like Laura and don't want to spend your entire vacation taking about it with strangers, figure out another - boring - occupation that you will be on your trip. That's our plan for next time.

9) The best way to not loose anything valuable is to not take it with you. Keep an eye on what the locals are doing - watch and learn. If it's not safe for them to be walking around with nice rings, cameras, watches on - then it's really not safe for you as a tourist. Same goes for backpacks worn on your back vs front.

10) Enjoy the trip. Don't plan too much for yourself. If you find that you're burning out, take a rest day or 2 and just relax. If you get too tired you'll just get sick.