gunnar garfors in Afghanistan
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There are some things you should never forget while traveling, and I have discovered most of these the hard way by screwing up myself - during my travels to 198 countries.
1. Download maps in advance
Before you travel, download the maps to your smartphone. This will usually save you a lot of money in roaming charges, especially if you travel to a new continent. The GPS in your phone doesn't cost anything to use, but to download maps will you have to pay for data traffic. You can always try to find a Wi-Fi spot after arriving, but don't count on them being available for free in or near the airport, the train station or at the bus stop. Even if you find a spot, it will delay you when you should instead spend time exploring a new gem of a place.

2. Scout out your transport options
Find out how to get from your point of arrival to wherever it is you'll be going first. You may want to just take a taxi, but you should find out in advance how much it should cost. There are unfortunately a lot of "price-elastic" taxi drivers in many countries, and their prices never flex the right way. There are 11 reasons why I usually travel by public transport when I can. Still insisting on going by taxi? Don't forget this.
 
3. Make a note of the exchange rate
Find out what the exchange rate is before you go. How else are you supposed to haggle?
 
4. Bring cash
You know the phrase. Cash is still king, never forget. While Norway may be the odd exception, Zambia, Panama and Tuvalu certainly are not. The latter of those do not even except any credit or debit cards. US dollars will still create the biggest smiles in most countries, although Euros are not too bad in countries with a European colonial past.

5. Split your cash
You will sometimes become involved in nasty situations. For instance: a policeman, someone who poses like one, or other scam artists may demand money. Have most of your money in one safe pocket or purse, but always keep small notes in another pocket for use in such situations. You can then empty that pocket and lose only the small notes that are there.

6. Never show off stacks of cash or valuables
Common sense, ain't it?
 
7. Print out tickets, schedule and contact details
Some countries will not even let you through customs without a printed return ticket, and certain airports won't let you enter without your itinerary on paper. You will almost always need the address of your hotel or final destination. You do, of course, have it all on your tablet, smartphone or laptop, but flashing any of those gadgets can attract unwanted interest. Don't expect to pay a normal rate to a taxi driver after having shown him a tablet that costs more than he makes in a year. Not to mention there are limited charging options in many countries around the world. Paper is king, especially in countries less traveled. 
 
8. Remember the right adapter
Few things are as annoying as not being able to recharge your favourite gadget. Often the only thing between you and a refreshingly green battery indicator and a new bragging photo on Instagram is that tiny adapter. Do not assume that the country you are going to has the same sockets or plugs as you do. Britain, the US, Switzerland, Israel, China, South Africa and most of Oceania all have different systems. The power plug is actually probably one of the few things the French got right (said the Norwegian).
 
9. Back up everything
Do not under any circumstances bring the draft of your groundbreaking novel, major thesis, proof of a mathematical problem, or the newly-developed cancer cure without a backup at home - or, better still, in the internet cloud. By using Dropbox, Google Drive or something similar, you will always have all your documents when and where you need them, given that there is an internet connection wherever you end up. If you do not have a backup, your computer is likely to be stolen, Murphy said. 

10. Use guidebooks to find out where not to go
I hate guidebooks because they tend to guide people to exactly the same sights, often even in the same order. That means that service will get worse, prices will go up and you will be surrounded by other tourists. If that is what you are looking for, use guidebooks the way they are intended. If not, use guidebooks to find out where not to go.

11. Dare to be impulsive
The more plans you make, the fewer of them you get to complete. Dare to accept possibilities of trying something new, getting to know someone new, tasting something new or taking part in activities you had not planned or didn't even know existed. Having to follow a schedule when I am on holiday is so not my idea of relaxing. It is also the reason why I avoid tour guides like the plague. Even in North Korea, where you are required to have two guides by your side at all times I managed to find a loophole to legally explore on my own.

12. Eat local food
Seriously! You didn't go all the way to Asia to eat western junk. And worms are tasty too! At least they give you a slightly more special story to tell at home than one that involves the words big and mac.

13. Decide on who's boss
If you travel with someone with whom you can never agree, let each of you be boss one day at a time. For fun, give the boss a hat, a scarf, a ring, or a horrible pink shirt. The boss will have limited powers, but should be able to pick restaurants, activities, which route to take and other major minor details. The other(s) should still be able to veto in extreme situations if they really are not comfortable with the boss' decision.

14. Be humble
Yeah, I know you're a rich kid from New York, Paris or Seoul. Does that make you cooler than me? Think about it: would you be nice to someone who wasn't nice to you? Toning down any arrogance is always wise. There is a possible exception if you find yourself being conned.

15. Travel with hand luggage only
It is more flexible and relaxed. You'll never have to take a specific oversized taxi or be banned from a metro or a bus because of luggage that's too big. To travel light gives you more control over the travel experience (8 other reasons).

16. Go to unusual spots
I find it intriguing that some people enjoy standing in lines on vacation. Why else would you always travel to places that everyone else goes at just that time of year? Inspiration here.

17. Trawl the web for cheap tickets
There are many ways to help you find cheaper tickets. Some tips here. 
 
This article was originally published on Garfor's.