Four: Try to learn at least a few words of language.

This will be greatly appreciated. My French is what you might describe as school girl (that was 25 years ago) but I do try when in France.  Often I receive reply in English but at least I tried.  I always apologise if I cannot speak language.  I don't assume that person I am talking to should speak English, I ask in their language if they speak English.  As I do have a Scottish accent, I try to speak more slowly and clearly than usual, certainly not raising my voice.

Five: Don't be too structured.

You should allow some time just to wander around, enjoy a leisurely lunch. You do have to plan an itinerary, or you can just waste a lot of time, but it doesn't have to be written in stone!  Allow yourself opportunity to be spontaneous.

  Six: Don't just stick to tourist traps.

Try to visit some authentic local restaurants, markets, villages, etc. where you will meet local people, rather than just other tourists.  Surely part of reason for going abroad it to experience at least a little of local flavour, not just spend all your time with other tourists.

Seven: Book your accommodation in advance.

This may mean that you miss out on a charming establishment you come across in your travels, (you could always stay there on your another trip). However it will mean that you don't waste precious time going from hotel to hotel trying to find a room, having to arrive early enough at your next destination to look for accommodation. I am not even convinced that you save money by last minute searches.

River cruises are well designed cruises – you are neither seasick nor loose sight of land as in blue water cruises and neither do you pack, unpack or hip-hop hotels like in a car or motor coach tour. The River Explorer sails over rivers Missouri, Mississippi and Ohio – to and fro on four to ten days trips throughout year. Vacationers can sprawl on Sky Deck, read, play games or watch videos. The dining is casual, informal having no assigned seating. You can meander into pilothouse and catch a glimpse of real-time radar and navigational charts, if interested. At various ports storytellers, bluegrass and blues bands, dancers and Cajuns step aboard to entertain guests.

You learn about America’s heritage-it’s a rich experience to understand development of commerce and industry in America or why river towns Tenn. and Clarksville were founded. Imagine seeing colors along riverbanks or rising sun or setting sun-are truly natural wonders. You might like to undertake shore excursions to New Orleans French Quarter or Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tenn. It is such a wonderful idea to have some river cruises to observe themes like 1950’s music, big bands, old-fashioned holidays, or fall foliage along Ohio River.