Are you looking for a place to go on a trip? Andrew Zimmern, host on the Travel Channel, can help you plan a trip to exotic or international destinations. “Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern,”These are some tips to spice up your travel plans
* Create a story. Decide if you are going to travel or just relax. Planning is key to traveling. Make sure you have a storyline. Traveling includes riding the Orient Express from St. Petersburg to Venice or biking through the French wine region. Take a risk on your next adventure.
* Eat local. It is usually safer to eat local food than to choose American cuisine in other countries. When it comes to foods they are familiar with, chefs tend to use safer food handling practices.
* The happy-face rule. It’s not hard to find a great place to eat. Find restaurants that have a lot of satisfied customers. You can camp out on a street with several restaurants and see which ones have the most smiles. For additional guidance, you can also visit chowhound.com and andrew-zimmern.com.
* Safeguard your stomach. It is not uncommon for people to feel sick during vacation. Therefore, it is important to practice common-sense hygiene and to wash your hands frequently. Pepto-Bismol is also a good option for symptom relief, such as nausea, heartburn or indigestion.
* Spend smart. You can save money by purchasing your tickets to events, museum passes, and train passes in advance. You can also book car services, restaurant reservations, tours, and similar services in advance. This will save you time and money.
* Stay protected. Give photocopies of your credit cards, passport, driver’s license and other important documents to a trusted friend, or leave them in a safe place at home. Keep important numbers such as hospital and embassy numbers handy in case you need them.
* Head off the beaten path. Most people choose France or Italy when they travel to Europe. Consider the next country instead. Belgium, for instance, is a country I love because it is much more accessible without having to deal with crowds.
* Make your trip kid-friendly. If you are traveling with a toddler, make sure to bring along your own food or beverage. Ziploc bags can also be used for snacks, diapers and other items. Keep your children’s pepto handy!
* Be prepared. Make sure you have everything you need. It’s worth the extra five pounds I carry around with me, which includes everything from Pepto to a book to a new pair of shoes. When I have a need for something, I know where to find it.
