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Anonymous
Regarding the idea of going to any country on my own, without speaking or understanding said country's language, for a week.

What basic, universal travel fundamentals do I need to know?

Asking because I've never been to any foreign country before except Germany a few times as a kid. This year I plan on traveling on my own, on my own dime, for the first time in my life.
>> Anonymous
Show respect to the local culture/people, if you don't show respect you are more likely to be taken out into a desert and beheaded.
>> Anonymous
yeah i dont really understand it but furners seem to love you if you just TRY to respect their customs, particularly if you're an evil amerrcun. you can use that to fool them into liking you and helping you out, even if you dont actually give a rats ass about their customs ;) (and you shouldnt. most customs are dumb. even the few customs that we have as a cultureless culture)
>> Anonymous
>>20715
>>20718

I'm a pretty easygoing guy, a little on the shy side but easy to get along with. I don't think I would come across as brash and oafish. And customs in general are easy to study up on and get accustomed to.

In my original question I was thinking more along the lines of finances (are credit cards universal or, for lack of a better word, "region locked" such that I'd need something else?), technology, knowing my way around and not getting lost (I have enough trouble with that where I live), etc.
>> Anonymous
Major credit cards are not region locked, I would check in with your company if you are planning to use a capitalone or debit card. I NEVER depend on one way of paying for stuff, I always have a mix of cash cards, and travellers checks because you never know when one or even two will be rejected in more remote areas.

As for Technology you can buy universal adapter kits if you want to bring a laptop ipod (to charge etc.
As for cellphones you can bring your quad band phone (which usually means you need a newer phone that you probably paid for not one of those crappy free phones) ONE IMPORTANT THING MAKE SURE TO CHECK THAT YOUR PHONE IS UNLOCKED this will allow you to take out the simcard you use at home and buy a pay as you simcard (which sits underneath the battery) most likely from Virgin mobile, Tmobile,Vodaphone,or O2. If you are not somewhat a techie I suggest leaving your phone at home and buying a pay as you go in europe if you need a phone that bad.
As for finding your way around I suggest getting a tourist/street map for every city you visit that would have the landmarks on it. It is important to have a map that you can reorient yourself with, or if seeking help from locals who may not speak English can easily orient themselves and try to help you out.
I am pretty Good with directions/not getting lost ,but often on the first in maze like cities in Asia or North Africa I take it slow and really try to learn some basic way points which I can get back to if I ever get lost.
>> Anonymous
Buy a T shirt with a Canadian flag on it.

Also, inform your CC company before you go away that you'll be off travelling, as sometimes your spending patterns changing will get your card blocked, and when that happens abroad it can be a bitch to sort out.
>> Anonymous
If you bump into someone who can speak some English and they have a hard time understanding you make sure you use simple words, standard English, enunciate and speak slowly BUT DO NOT SPEAK LOUDLY/YELL.
>> Anonymous
>>20767
O rly? well I guess i never used it yet, more of an emergency back up for mne than anything