1. Where’s Waldo?

Don’t put an additional target on your back. Being an American already comes with one. Leave the diamonds and rubies at home, folks. Travel only with items you’re willing to lose or have taken from you. This is not to say you shouldn’t enjoy splurging for your upcoming trip, but bring items that are replaceable.
 

2. Everybody Poops

If you’re an adventurous traveler and want to fully immerse yourself in local culinary delights, you need to know the following: the time and day will come when you will inevitably shit yourself. When that moment comes, consider yourself a graduate of level 1.
Don’t leave the country without Imodium in your carry on. I also recommend purchasing “poop drops”. They’re amazing, they work, they’re cheap, and they can salvage any relationship in close quarters. Also, always carry a square with you—the old hover and drip dry grows old quickly.
 

3. Ice Ice Baby

Yes to circle, no to square. Huh? When you are traveling to Third World countries you must watch every item you intake, including the ice cubes floating in your Margarita. When in doubt, only drink bottled water or ask for “no ice”. If you are served a glass with square ice cubes, 9/10 the water used to make them was not filtered. Circular ice cubes containing a hole are a sure sign that the water has been filtered. Of course you can always ask, but better safe than experiencing #2 above.
 

4. Maximize your time, minimize your stress.

While it is nice to “go with the flow”, that quickly grows old if you don’t have some sort of a plan. You need to research and list out “MUST SEE” items in advance in order to maximize your time. Google docs work wonderfully for this and don’t require cell phone data. (My go-to reference materials: Lonely Planet books and travel blogs).
 

5. Aunt FloW

Women, prepare for your monthly bill even if you’re not expecting it. Feminine hygiene products are difficult to find on the road and this is one of those situations where you want to feel the comfort(s) of home.
 

6. Don’t be THAT person

Cultural awareness is a thing, y'all. From churches to temples and mosques, know what kind of message your outfit is sending. In Asia, even in 100+ degree heat, your shoulders, back and legs need to be covered on Holy grounds. Do your research and plan ahead. Save the skimpy outfits for the club.
 

7. Size matters

Don’t make everything more difficult than it needs to be. Travel light and opt for the ‘smaller’ bag. Easier to lift, cheaper to travel with, and overall more efficient. Believe it or not there are laundromats all over the world. Bring enough undies, wash the rest when needed.
 

8. All about the Benjamins

While abroad use a credit card that helps you to accumulate travel points with 0 foreign transaction fees. (Chase Sapphire is my go-to and you get many perks when you sign up). Also call your bank and credit card companies ahead of time to make them aware that you’ll be out of country. Otherwise, they’ll flag your account and your life will become more difficult. Pull local currency from ATM’s upon your arrival.
 

9. Life "off the grid"

Until the world's cellular carriers start being more accommodating, prepare to either pay a lot or be semi off the grid. Save the long convos with Mom and Dad for when you return. Universally, people text via Whatsapp. Pin locations (eateries, grocery stores, bars) on Google maps prior to arrival and download that map to your smartphone. The “blue dot” will help you to navigate as if you’re back in 1999 but it’s readily accessible without data.

10. Bend so that you don’t break

Travel with people who are open-minded and willing to compromise. True colors show in uncomfortable situations and travel requires you to ebb and flow, adapting as you go. High maintenance people should stay at home or in all inclusive resorts. (There’s absolutely nothing wrong with this).