FOOD FOR THOUGHT

• When you’re staying the night inside a functioning monastery, don’t ask for a double bed (even if you’re married). You’ll immediately wish you hadn’t.
• We’ve come to realize that the majority of people in the World genuinely want to help you out in your time of need. Either that, or they just don’t want to look like a jerk.
• The dirty laundry bag is where clean clothes go to die. Resurrecting them (without washing) is a courageous task. So, think very carefully before depositing something into the odorous abyss.
• Eggs! Man, these babies are versatile. They are in every market, no matter where you go. You're familiar with how they taste and you can make breakfast, lunch and dinner with them. Boiled eggs can help sustain you through a long day at the museum.
• Never underestimate the power of a spare tissue in your pants pocket (even if it's already been used).
• Try to pack as light as possible. There's always something in there that ends up being useless for your trip and heinous on your back.
• Bring a paper travel journal and A PEN - you'll start collecting all sorts of tid bits from your travels, whether it be directions to the closest eatery, phone numbers of fellow travelers, beer labels stuck to the pages, or whatever else you want to remember on the fly.  
• I've never realized how many ways one can wear a pashmina (AKA: scarf). It can be used as a belt, earmuffs, hat, sweatband, scarf, dressy shawl, tourniquet, bathing suit cover-up, blindfold...the list goes on and on.