Know before you go, the more the better.
There are certain practical matters that even the most casual traveler must check. Of course you have a passport valid for at least a year. Do you need a visa? That’s a project. Are there any health warnings where you will be traveling? Here’s a nice source of Know Before You Go information and don’t miss this great resource: www.travel.state.gov/.
And why not know more? We all have travelers in our circle of acquaintance who announce that they never bother to make preparations. They don’t need maps or guide books or reservations. They think it’s better to just go. OK, going is better than not going, sure, but how can knowing more not be better than knowing less?
If you enjoy knowing then you will get the pleasure of reading to go along with the pleasure of travel. Guide books are exceptionally good for this. First you get to read about the history, geography, language, politics, architecture and much more of the places you will visit. And then you get to read all the books on the guide book’s reading list. Double the fun.
Directory of TIPS!
My two best suggestions.
Deciding where you want to go.
Planning your itinerary.
Getting the logistics right.
Where to stay.
Know before you go!
Schlepping your stuff.
Some good ideas that aren’t for me but might be for you.