1. Travel light. Face it, it's just easier.
2. Be nice. Please and thank you go a long way in any language.
3. Ask locals. They live there. They know where the best pizza is and the friendliest clubs. And when you're in those places, ask the people who work there where they go.

4. Think positive. Everyone is NOT out to get you and paranoia is a really heavy piece of baggage to carry around.
5. Speak softly. Also, slowly and clearly. They're not deaf, they just don't speak your language.
6. Be adventurous. Try something you don't recognize on the menu, wander a neighborhood instead of taking a tour bus.
7. Visit supermarkets. Seriously. Supermarkets in "other" places can blow your mind. Stuff on the shelf you don't recognize, the way people interact, what their junk food looks like... (a personal favorite of mine).
8. Don't judge. Things are different in other places, not always better or worse.Be humble about where you come from and gracious about what you receive.
9. Slow down. There's no way you're going to see it all, so why not really see what there's time for.
10. Spread understanding. Interactions with other cultures and countries not only gives us the chance to learn about them, but for those places to learn about us. Take that on with great honor and responsibility and make your home country proud.

What are your rules of travel?

Pam blogs about travel and other adventures at Nerd's Eye View.