1. Embrace the place. Be sure to explore around the corners, go into the one of kind shops and meet the locals. Find out where the towns folk go for coffee and the newspaper in the morning and join them. DON'T have breakfast at the hotel.

2. Plan a trip with a theme and find an expert in that field to give you advise. For example an archeology trip, a wildlife safari, or a trip to discover local pottery and fabrics.

3. Read books written by authors from your destination. Go to a lecture on the country

4. Learn some language. Just knowing a greeting or two will endear you to the hearts of the people.

A Address peel and stick labels for all your family and friends before you go. Then stick to postcards along the way and you'll come home looking good.

B Bottled water is a must don't drink anything else.

C Cookbooks from your travels are always a great souvenir. Cook a dish from one when you have friends over to see your video and pictures

D Digital cameras save the day; their small and you never run out of film