On a similar note, sometimes, you have to sacrifice style for convenience. Those cargo-style capris you bought yesterday are the most comfortable pants you’ve ever bought–or, at least in recent years–and they’ll serve you well during travel. Wear them proudly.
At least try to make an effort to speak the other language(s). If you try and the natives see you trying, they’ll help you. Most of the time. But still keep a record of some important key phrases, like “How much does this cost?” “What is this?” and “Where is the bathroom?”
You know the old adage, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”? It applies outside of Rome. Broaden your culinary horizons and eat what the locals eat. You can push your pickiness aside for a little while. And who knows, maybe you won’t come back quite as picky as when you left.
Don’t go to Starbucks for your coffee. You do that too much at home. Get your coffee from the local coffee shop or chain. It’s probably definitely better, anyway.
Drink the beer. No, not the cider. The actual beer. Don’t even start light. Just pick something and go with it.
Try the wine, too. Maybe go for a red instead of a white.
You will gain weight while traveling. Accept it now. Enjoy the currywurst, pierogis, and various cheeses (or whatever the local cuisine is wherever you’re traveling) and worry about the extra pounds later.
Write down anything that sounds remotely interesting so you’ll remember it later. A name, a place, a food, a beer, a strange flower or plant, an unexpected sight…whatever it is, write it down. The same goes for taking pictures.
Take your earphones out and listen to what’s around you, even on the train. Look out the window and try to observe as much as you can. See above.
Always be aware of your surroundings and environment. Keep an eye on your purse/handbag at all times.
Buy souvenirs, but remember that you have to keep your suitcase under 30 pounds to fly back. Shot glasses are easy. So are scarves.
Take pictures of the city/cities at night. Remember that one really beautiful picture you took in London last summer? Take more like those in Berlin and Prague and Vienna and Budapest. Build a collection of nighttime skyline pictures.
Pick up a newspaper or tabloid in the new cities. See what their journalism is like. Read their news. Try to find your favorite magazine (or book) in their language/edition.
Say “yes” more than you say “no,” unless it would put you in danger.
And lastly…
