6. Learn how to walk. Learning how to pace yourself and how to move comfortably over rocky terrain means you'll be less tired, and less likely to twist an ankle.

7. Learn about animals. Can you tell if a bear is "bluff charging" or stalking you? If it's latter, playing dead will make you a bear's supper. Hint: lots of noise usually means he just wants to frighten you, but you need to read up on this one.

8. Learn to watch sky. Is that a lightning storm coming or not? It might be useful to know when you're on that ridge. Learn basics of predicting weather, and you'll be a lot safer.

9. Learn basic first aid. Can you recognize symptoms of hypothermia? Do you know how to properly treat blisters? Good things to know.

10. Learn navigation. Maps don't help if you don't know how to use them. The same is true for compasses

You don't need to be an expert in wilderness survival to enjoy a safe hiking trip. It can help to know a little more though. Use backpacking skills list above, and learn something new.

Let's suppose you visited South Dakota and you just visited cities such as Mitchell and Pierre for sight seeing only. Upon your arrival back to your place, you tried bragging to a friend of your travel unaware that he had been there before. He would probably ask you, have you been to Mount Rushmore? You probably might say, why should I go visit a mountain? It is site of sculptures of heads of presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt! You just missed number 1 tourist attraction of South Dakota. How would you feel? Wasn't your trip a waste of money too?

It would therefore be wise to have a travel guide or to do your home work ahead of time and know what to see and expect in that place you wish to visit.

Most of all, always try to make your hotel reservations ahead of time if you are visiting a place for more than a day or two so you won't keep on bringing your luggage with you as you travel around place. You may make your hotel reservations at www.yourcheaphotels.com.

Well, well, well. Have you grasped wisdom of importance of having a travel guide? Are you ready to go for a tour now? Enjoy your trip and good luck.