Traveling Lessons Learned.... so far

1 the less luggage the better
   - I am traveling with 32#, (15 kilos) and that is a little too much.  My laptop is wonderful, but in the long term it has turned out to be a little too big and too heavy.  Replacing it with something lighter may be too expensive though.  Fewer shirts, and a light rain jacket in trade for them.
2 talk to everyone
  - I am at times reluctant to talk to strangers, and this means I do not see some of the local attractions, and miss out on some alternative and cheaper transport.
3 learn the language.
   - take a language course.  Computer or classroom, it will help a lot.
4 Border crossings vary.
   - some countries have odd entry requirements.  Both Costa Rica and Panama require you to have an exit ticket.  Panama requires this to be an airplane ticket.
5 being patient helps
   - Even if you are first off the plane/bus/shuttle, you will still need to wait for your luggage.  Smile, wait your turn, and talk to the person next to you.  The friendlier you are to strangers, the nicer they are to you.
6 find out if you need to book tickets/rooms
   - buses sell out on some runs, finding out if the one you want to take sells out in advance can mean not waiting an extra day or two.  Booking rooms in advance means you have a place to stay when you get to a new locale, but frequently the cheapest places do not use any booking site but their own.  Hostelworld, and others do not cover every hostel.
7 local food
   - do not follow the tourists into cafes, wait until the locals get off work and follow them.  Chances are the food is as good and usually cheaper.
8 cooking
   - if the place you are staying has a kitchen, try and team up with others to have meals.  Sometimes good, sometimes bad, but usually a bonding moment with fellow travelers.
9 feet
   - pay attention to your feet.  Giving them a rest, frequent washing, peppermint lotion, changing socks, can all help keep your feet happier, and you paying attention to your surroundings instead of your aches.
10 rest
   - find out how well you sleep in strange beds, in dorms, in hot and humid places.  You may need more sack time than usual, and nobody likes a grumpy stranger.  Occaisionaly booking a private room or hotel can work wonders on your rest and mood.
11 wi-fi is everywhere.
   - or dang near, at least in central and north America.