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A ' Address peel and stick labels for all your family and friends before you go. Then stick to postcards along the way and you'll come home looking good.

B ' Bottled water is a must ' don't drink anything else.

C ' Cookbooks from your travels are always a great souvenir. Cook a dish from one when you have friends over to see your video and pictures

D ' Digital cameras save the day; their small and you never run out of film

E ' Expect excitement; go with anticipation, not trepidation

F ' Food is fun, try something you've never eaten before like zebra pate or Australian wine

G ' Give generous tips, especially in poor countries, you'll be so glad you did

H ' Hang out with the locals. Get to know a new person on your trip and get a photo with them

I ' Inform someone at home of your itinerary

J ' Journal every day. Can you remember now what you did last week?

K ' Kids love it when you have packed little surprises to open along the way

L ' Learn something: Take a pasta making course in Italy, Scuba diving in Argentina or Belly dancing in Bagdad (just kidding)!

N ' Note the local artisans and buy something authentic

O ' One substantial souvenir is better than a lot of small things. Then ship it home to lighten your luggage

P ' Postcards will rescue you when your photography fails. You can never have too many

Q ' Questions help you get the most out of all you see and experience.

R ' Read before you leave. Read lots of books about your destination. Find out who the local best sellers are, and read one of their books.

S ' Scrapbook within the first week of getting home

T ' Travel as light as humanly possible. Dragging luggage is no fun.

U ' Unpack as soon as you get home.

V ' Vaccinations and certain medications are necessary in some countries ' be sure to check with the World Health Organization about what you need.

W ' Whining never fixes anything ' buck up and deal with the differences

X ' exchange your currency at the airport or a bank and be sure you understand the value of your money

Y ' You are the one who will make or break your adventure. Plan to be positive

Z ' Zero in on one or two experiences and squeeze the most out of them. Adventure overload will leave you confused.