Prepare your journey, but don’t overdo it. Especially: try not to see images of your destination. It will make you arrive with an open mind and look with fresh eyes.
Try to think out of the box. You can travel in every country, and they all have something to offer. Many countries will probably surprise you - especially the lesser visited ones.
Leave your preconceptions and stereotypes at home. This will greatly help you appreciate a country for what it is.
Travel with a positive attitude. Most people are there to help you and are proud to have you as a visitor to their country. If you act positively, and treat people with respect, by far most people will reciprocate.
Try to only use local agents and businesses. This way, you will directly contribute to the country and its people.
Travel as slow as you can. Instead of seeing as much as you can in a short time, focus on fewer things and take the time to actually see and experience them.
Travel light. You really need much less than you probably think. Do regular laundry and re-use the same clothes for the duration of your journey.
If you are into photography/video: make regular backups of your media. Take a portable harddisk, or back up online if you find fast connections.
Use your wits wherever you go. Always be conscious of your surroundings, develop an eye for suspicious behaviour.
Trust your intuition. When you don’t like a situation, get out.
Eight Reasons Why Travel is Important
It teaches you about our world, it can broaden your mind, it enriches your life.
It fosters understanding between people from different backgrounds.
It makes you appreciate the richness of our planet and its inhabitants.
It makes you see things in perspective.
It will give you energy.
It grows your confidence.
It creates memories that will last a lifetime and that no one can take away from you.
It gives you friends you would have never met had you stayed home.