Some of my favorite travel advice:

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  • "Take only one bag. 'Suitcases are for suits, check-ins are for suckers.'"
  • "Pack less... You’re going to be tempted to pack for every eventuality. Don’t. only to find out when you get there that you only need 1/3 of what you brought."
  • "Mosquitos are made in hell and must be killed."
  • "Toss out your expectations, embrace the differences... Just roll with it and keep a light-approach to life. When something goes wrong, which it will, remember that a smile, a shake of your head and a laugh will take you a lot further than the angry, frustrated and shouting 'white person in Africa act' will."
  • "Live as much like an average-income local as possible (very poor by US standards). It leads to richness."
  • "The one little thing I just cannot travel without is baby wipes... perfect for travelers on long flights who like smelling fresh. Especially any time you have someone special waiting for you on the other side of the flight. Even if its your parents, you don’t want them thinking, 'Oh I’ve missed her…but she smells weird.'"
  • "When you travel, you want to do as the locals do. Not only does it often lead to more fulfilling and illuminating experiences, but it usually saves you money too. Nobody knows the place you’re visiting better than a local does; tap into their resources with these ways to go local on the road."
  • "Go to the street cart with the longest line. That's where you'll find the best food."
  • "Thou shalt remember that endless waiting lines, delays, cancellations and bad food are a part of traveling, and thou shalt smile and not complain."

(Sources include: whiteafrican.com, herpackinglist.com, theprofessionalhobo.com, adventurouskate.com, mappingmegan.com, www.travelindependent.info/africa-west)

On a side note, that Adventurous Kate is just living the dream.

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