Planning your next adventure? Consider these suggestions and best practices before you leave home, and let me know if you have other ideas I should add to this list.

1. Negotiate all itineraries, fees and prices upfront.
2. Demand no add-on’s while touring (you should have control over every place your guide will take you and your time-line; this includes planned restaurant stops).
3. Always have a copy of every confirmation number, hotel address and phone number. You will need it at some point. Paper beats digital in most places, especially India.
4. Insist that your tour company provide a bio and photo of your driver and every guide before you arrive. You will have a much better experience if you use mature, experienced local guides. Veteran guides are more likely to have a good relationship with the Army or Police guarding historical sites and may be able to get you access to areas and features that are off-limits to the general public or help you navigate through heavy crowds quickly via staff entrances or other secured areas.
5. Always carry 2X more local currency than you think you will need.
6. Always make change from big bills into useable denominations at your hotel – never change large bills at street vendors or other locations.
7. Insist that your driver keep doors locked, and leaves separation from the cars ahead of you in traffic and at stops.
8. Sit behind and opposite your driver. You must be able to make eye-contact with him while riding together. And always wear a seatbelt.
9. Keep medicine (aspirin, visine, chapstick)/glasses/socks/earplugs/sunscreen/insect repellent/sunglasses/iphone charger/spare headphones/extra pens in your personal bag.
10. Never take physical keys from a hotel off property – leave them with the hotel staff when you leave. Consider leaving a note for yourself that includes where you’re going, who you will meet and when you plan to return.
11. Assume insects are harmful – don’t let them bite you. Use insecticide and wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
12. Always ask hotel/restaurant staff to provide mosquito coils if you’re dining outside.
13. Do not use deodorant and if you must, use a fragrant-free version. This will reduce your attractiveness to many insects.
14. Stay dry.
15. Cover open cuts.
16. Do not drink anything that was not opened in front of you or boiled. Wipe or rinse bottle tops before opening.
17. Arrange your room to make a clear path to your door in case of darkness/power loss.
18. Stay hydrated/rested and avoid heavy alcohol consumption.
19. Be polite, but firm.
20. Do not accept drinks from strangers.
21. Do not wear jewelry, fancy watches, etc.
22. Never have both hands full.
23. Be aware of your surroundings.
24. Women should not travel alone.
25. Women should never use public transportation.
26. Always keep two extra water bottles with you for emergencies – buy more when you get down to the last two.
27. If you’re approached by a stranger, expect them to have a partner. It’s not usually the person who approaches you first who is your greatest threat.
28. Do not spread out your belongings in your hotel or vehicle. Keep your belongings organized and packed as much as possible in case you need to make a fast exit. Additionally – when you keep your room neat and organized, you’re making it easier on the hotel staff to make up your room. They’ll reciprocate – it’s especially helpful when you forget an item and leave it in your room – they’re much more likely to “find” it.
29. Don’t fall in love with anything you own – be prepared to leave it behind.
30. Keep immodium accessible (you’ll know when you need it, and when you do speed will make a difference).
31. Share the same safe combination with your group – someone else may need you to collect your valuables for you.
32. Carry several “chip clips” in your luggage to keep stubborn drapes closed in your hotel room, or to hang wet laundry.
33. Never keep all your cash, ID’s, and Credit Cards in the same pocket. Use multiple pockets and spread things around.
34. Never store your full data cards with your camera, put them somewhere else (but never in checked luggage).
35. Pack using 1 gallon Ziploc bags. They’re great for all kinds of things, and water-proof.
36. Carry a number 2 kit: Toilet paper (1 roll); wet wipes (1 pack); baby powder (1 10oz container) – keep it in a single 1 gallon Ziploc bag.
37. Stow your overhead luggage across the aisle from your seat, where you can see it.
38. Never set anything down at airports, taxi stands, train stations that isn’t between your legs.