1. Be adventurous, think outside the tried and true; if the beaten tourist track heads right, find out what's down the path to the left. Don't be afraid to get lost . . . some of my fondest memories are experiences I've had while trying to find my way.

2. Know your travel mates! In a member poll, bad vacation companions ranked as the #1 reason for a bad trip. Translation: loving the one you're traveling with is critical . . . especially when renting a villa. I recommend establishing ahead of time who is getting the master suite, who is doing the cooking and cleaning, who is responsible for paying the bill, etc.

3. Look people in the eye, SMILE, say hello (preferably in the local language)—you never know when you might meet a new friend and get to enjoy a true local experience.

4. My mother, an inveterate traveler, always said, “He who travels lightest, travels farthest!” Take this advice to heart and pack only what you'll truly need. Your back will thank you. If you forget something, it will give you an excuse to shop at local store.

5. Plan for exotic purchases. Pack an “expansion bag” into your regular luggage, just in case you happen to find a lot of bargains. I take along a featherweight but sturdy, mid-size duffel made of rip-stop nylon that packs into a small flat square.

6. Always check the spare tire when renting a car, especially when you plan to visit out-of-the-way areas; there's nothing worse than being in the middle of nowhere, getting a flat, and realizing there is no spare—or that it's flat!

7. Try eating at the local spots and from street vendors. In the latter case, you're safe enough if the food is fried or grilled. We find many of our most memorable eating experiences are in no-name places.

8. When renting a villa, bring along a small flashlight (good for finding your way in the dark), a versatile Swiss Army knife (just don't try to carry it in your carry-on luggage!), a travel alarm clock (good for waking up early to catch the sunrise), and all those little toiletries a hotel might provide and you're used to leaving behind. Remember, the charm of a villa is that it is like your own home; you provide the shampoo.

9. Even the vacation road less traveled gets a little busy now and then, but not if you know when to travel. Our motto is to always travel at the very edge of shoulder season (you know, the time right before the tourists arrive and prices go up, or right after they go down). You'll enjoy near-perfect weather, great prices, peace and quiet, and many of the same sights and sounds that are so crowded during the high season.

10. When traveling the world, always take advantage of the VIP service and treatment offered to Hideaways Aficionado Club^® members. Now, get out there and explore!

Have a good tip of your own? Share it with us.

Happy travels,

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