// Never Be A Dollar Short //
Never, and I mean never, spend your last few pesos (Euros, Lira, whatever) on that really cool pair of moccasin-slipper-souvenirs at the roadside trinket stand on your way back to the hotel.
The day you leave yourself short on cash is the very day you'll need it. And trust me, you never want to be cashless in a foreign country. Especially a country where people disappear all the time and no one thinks twice about it.
Lesson : Always have at least the equivalent of $100 in cash on you at all times. Even if it means passing up that must-have trinket.
// Pardon, Excusez, Help! //
"Excuse me" is a universal phrase of many uses. From innocently trying to get someone's attention, to apologizing profusely to the little old Czech lady you accidentally bumped into (and subsequently started beating you up with her grocery bag). Never was there a more useful phrase to know.
You may think it's amusing to discover how to say a curse word or order a beer in another language. But trust me when I say, your time is much better spent on learning this integral phrase.
Lesson : If you know nothing else in local language, make sure you know 'Excuse Me'. It might just save you from being beaten to a pulp by a 95 year old.
// Make Sense of Cents & Pence //
Nobody wants to be the person holding up the line (queue) in a foreign country because they're fumbling through pocket change trying to make sense of foreign currency. And nobody wants to be the person stuck behind you.
Lesson : Odds are you've got more than a few hours sat on an airplane with very few pressing matters. Use some of that time to familiarize yourself with the local currency.
// Know 'les toilettes' //
Whether you want to admit it or not, most travelers have encountered some level of embarrassment around 'les toilettes'. Whether in the middle of the Egyptian desert, or on your way to the airport to catch a flight; nature calls when she darn well pleases. That would be about half past 'when you don't want it to happen' o'clock; to be precise.
Lesson : Know your options and always have pocket change. Some countries require a small fee for public toilet use, other countries will have you searching for public toilets like a bad Where's Waldo puzzle. "I thought I just saw one!" And for when you're in the desert; take your own TP and hope for the best.
You don't want to be looking at this beautiful view when nature calls.
On the flip side of this scenario I'll just say this. Drink lots and lots of water.
And for your own sake, take it easy on the alcohol while traveling. Or you may end up passed out on a Crag in your kilt like this guy.
//
Ultimately, snafu avoidance comes down to planning. I'm a planning fanatic. E (my lovely husband) is not. We make a good team. Travel is best (in my opinion) when you have a good mix of planned and unplanned activities. We've had many wonderful trips as a result.
Planning can only get you so far, after that, you just have to have a good sense of humor because sometimes, embarrassing stuff just happens.
You'll laugh about it when you get home. Or a year later. Maybe 3...
PS - For all you parents out there...I have three words that will save you in 99% of embarrassing child-related travel situations: Diapers - Snacks - Toys. I'm not above bribery when necessary.
What has been your most embarrassing travel moment?
