Amazing Race

In all my travels, I have come to find that a well researched trip goes a long way to improving the quality of your vacation. Case in point. A couple of things I learned before I went to Japan were life savers

-almost every place I read recommended travelling light. I was a bit skeptical of this, but I decided to follow it and all I brought with me to Japan was a backpack and a carry on luggage! Sounds crazy, but it worked out perfectly. I knew from research that the trains only had space for carry ons and nothing larger, or else I would had to use a courier service everytime we moved cities.

-I read that there were no paper towels in Japan and to carry a handkerchief with me to dry my hands and it was just as I read. No air drying for me!

A helpful website I've found is www.virtualtourist.com, where people post their experiences and tips on various places they've been to. The postings aren't screened so sometimes you get a lot of stupid nonsense, but otherwise its a very good resource especially when it comes to packing lists. Also a good travel book I find is essential. I highly recommend the Lonely Planet series, they're a highly detailed and entertaining read. A phrase book/dictionary is also very helpful

Man I hope one day they let Canadians on the Amazing Race, I'm so gonna own!*

*arrogance disclaimer