Ready to travel? Here are some tips and tricks from my personal experience that you won't see on T.V.

1) Blend in! Have you heard of people intentionally wearing Canadian apparel and flags while traveling in Europe? They say to do this because they think people don't like Americans. While they may be partially true, there is a much better way to approach the situation. Some countries are very educated in geography, and may ask you questions about your Canadian origin that you simply can't answer, making you, and the rest of us, look foolish. Instead, try embracing other cultures. When you are in Paris, do as they do. Instead of wearing flashy american clothing, talking loudly, and letting the world know you are a tourist, try to blend in. Specifically in the French region, people are low key. They wear dark, subtle, clothing; they do not want to stick out. As a tourist, you should not want to stick out either. There are many thieves and people wanting to take advantage of your lack of knowledge concerning local culture. Don't speak loudly, for more than one reason. First, nobody else speaks loudly, so you will look rude and inconsiderate. Second, Everyone will hear your English, making you an even bigger target to thieves.

2) Embrace the country. Do everything differently than a tourist would. When you get sucked into tourist traps, you spend way more money! In France, I saw a croissant for 3 Euro in a tourist area, then I walked two blocks, and they were only 1 Euro. My advice to you as far as cost and where to eat is to find somebody who looks like they know what's going on, and see where they go to eat. Also, bakeries in tourist areas make terrible food, trust me. Tourist food is made in bulk to fit the American lifestyle. Local bakeries make their food daily, and it is so delicious! Don't make the mistake of going across the world to experience gas station quality food.

3) Don't get robbed. Seriously. If you listened to step one and you are trying to blend in, you shouldn't face as many problems. However, thieves may see through some of your tricks. The most common thing that happens in big tourist areas is pickpockets. I recommend containing your money, passport, and anything else valuable in a pouch that is hidden beneath your shirt. Not a fanny pack, those are dumb. A very thin pouch designed for this purpose will make it nearly impossible for thieves to get your money. Keeping anything valuable in your pockets, including cameras, is a terrible idea. You will not make it home with them. Be aware though, that reaching into your money pouch in public makes you a target as well. You should optimally have a pocket in your pants, that has a zipper to close it. If you don't have any pants with a zipper, you should buy one at the store and sew one into a pocket. That way, you can carry a very small sum of money for the day, and keep it as protected as possible, while still keeping it somewhat safe. Back to the camera thing though, your camera should be attached to you. I suggest a tether of sorts, tied to your belt or something. If you are on the metro, and you will be, someone could easily take anything in your pocket without you even noticing. A tether will make it more difficult, and if they don't notice it, and pull on the camera, you should feel a tug and they should try to get out of there as soon as possible.