1.      Eat like a local

Celebrity chef and intrepid world traveller, Anthony Bourdain, said in an interview with Good Morning America’ “Wherever you are, eat what the locals are good at or famous for, and eat where those locals like to eat it. Do not rely on your concierge for dining tips. He’s in the business of making tourists happy. You want the places that make locals happy.”

2.      Get some groovy travel apps

 There are some brilliant apps you can download onto your phone – see our Top 5 Travel Apps and tell us which other ones you like.

3.      Don’t be afraid of the unknown.

It doesn’t matter how remote your destination, you can dispel any fears of the unknown by reading up and becoming more informed. Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2012 has some fabulous suggestions of places you’ve never thought of going.

4.      Photocopy important documents and cards

Take the stress out that moment when you realise your wallet, passport, credit cards and insurance documents have somehow disappeared! How? By making a copy of all documents, bank cards etc and giving it to a trusted person back home.

5.      Five must-have items in your luggage

International plug, first-aid kit, sarong/kikoi (can be used as a bed sheet, scarf, towel…), little gifts from your own country (like postcards, pens or badges for the lovely people you encounter), and a little pocket calculator for quick currency conversions.

What would you add to this list? We already thought of more: hand sani, wet wipes,……