Advice on traveling

Ask 5 strangers what to do, where they overlap, you have a plan.

Also pay particular attention to what the most boring, middle class people tell not to do. Those will make for the most interesting stories.

In general trust that things will work out, they most likely will.

Talk to locals, forget the tour guides. Ask about their lives and what things used to be like. Talk to different types of people - poor, rich, black, white, ect - Couchsurf when you can.

Get general directions. When you're closer ask again for specific stores/restaurants.

When it comes to food, I trust poor people. They tend to be less pretentious which also usually means better prices. Also, don't count pennies. Eat well. You're on vacation. One suggestion is to make lunch your biggest meal, it is cheaper. Also, if you don't eat, you'll be grumpy.

Every city worth seeing is best seen on a bike. No roofs, no traffic, no parking, no stop signs or street lights. Just roll. Stop when you want.

An iPhone can replace about 85% of what a DSLR will do (just make sure to take a backup battery though).

Take naps.

Traveling is always better with a friend if you're in a city. In nature it doesn't matter very much...