It is very important to enjoy yourself when on a trip, whether it be for business or pleasure and you must not be constantly thinking about what you should or should not be doing. Instead the tips below are meant purely as a guide, for you to take some points from and others to leave all together.
Try
to look as if you know where you are going, this may not be so easy if
after all it is the first ever time in that country, but even still look
confident as IF you know.
Carrying maps around looking
perplexed, and stopping to look at monuments or buildings, obviously
shows that you are from out of town, and may attract the wrong type of
attention.
Using travellers cheques, will always be helpful, as
will using a credit card for any purchases made so that you can take
advantage of the additional insurance offered.
Do NOT pull large
amounts of cash out of your pocket. This will catch attention, no matter
what country you are in. It sounds so silly, but it is amazing how many
people pull out a mound of cash to be some small item.
Try to
think about where you are going that day and carry sufficient cash for
that and any unforeseen extras, plus a card. That should cover all you
need and will limit any losses if anything did happen.
Do NOT
accept drinks from anybody that you have just met, especially if in
dubious surroundings or do not know, they could be laced with any type
of concoction.
Try not to go on "wonderful trips" or to a "super
shopping centre" rides with people who approach you in the street. This
could lead anywhere, and will probably cost you a lot more than by
taking a normal taxi. Ask your concierge or read through this site.
Check
on your first day whether you need to reconfirm your next flight, if so
do it then. Some airlines do not require this anymore but it is still
worthwhile calling them so that they at least have your contact details,
in case the flight is delayed or whatever.
Do not carry your
passport around, leave it in the safe in your hotel. A photocopy will
suffice if local law states that you need to.