Want to dip your toes into the world of adventure travel? We went to G Adventures for advice on how to make your adventure travel dreams a reality.

There’s a perception that relying on credit and debit cards when you travel is a better bet than bringing cash, since it’s convenient and allows you to avoid fees. But this isn’t always the case. Here are a few tips courtesy of Dan Northam, vice-president of International Currency Exchange Canada, on how a little planning can make for a stress-free trip.

After a few months of backpacking through Southeast Asia — and a few years left to go — I had reached the point where I desperately needed a haircut. My first mistake: I didn’t ask around or do any research. I just walked into the first place I found with a “saloon” sign over the door.

When it comes to planning a vacation, you probably operate under the philosophy that the earlier you book, the better prices you’ll get. But this mentality doesn’t always prove true. If you’re willing to wait to plan a trip at the last minute or don’t have much notice, you can actually find great deals — often even better than booking far in advance.

Any foodie will tell you the best way to experience foreign travel is through the taste buds. On a trip to Thailand a few years ago I happily forsook the beaches of Railay and traveled north to Chiang Mai, where I immersed myself in the joy of Thai cooking.

While on a recent trip to Playa Del Carmen, my resort was peppered with honeymooners who sat at the pool all day. Why when the turquoise sea and silky, white beach were steps away? Why when this popular tourist destination offers several adventurous activities whether ocean-side or in town?

If you’re planning a weekend getaway, it’s time to start thinking about the task every traveler dreads: packing. Most people struggle between two extremes — either they pack too little or way too much. But there is a middle ground, and you can make it through a three-day weekend without incurring additional luggage fees or feeling like you have nothing to wear.

From our friends at Rough Guides comes the best tips for easy traveling. The ticket? Pack lightly! These smart ideas about what to bring, what to ditch and how to keep your belongings safe on the road come from the amazing travel book, First-Time Africa, but no matter where in the world your savvy travels take you, these nuggets of wisdom will help you along the way.

Pondering your wardrobe options before visiting a mosque isn’t frivolous — it’s essential. Mind you, most mosques that allow visitors are prepared for foreigners who don’t have the appropriate attire and will gladly provide it for you. Regardless, there are a few things to keep in mind about mosque etiquette to avoid offending anyone and get the most out of your experience.

They’re creepy, crawly, night-time feasters. Yep, bed bugs. Even if you’ve never encountered these pesky, skin-nibbling insects, just the thought of them will likely make your skin crawl.

There sit the skinny jeans. And the hip-huggers, along with the shapely boot cuts. Oh, and the sexy fitted off-white jeans purchased in Stockholm, Sweden — worn a total of two times. They will not be joining me on my upcoming trip to Cayo Largo, Cuba. None of these aforementioned items will be, actually.

If you’re planning to backpack your way across Europe (or any continent, for that matter), it’s tempting to haul all the comforts of home with you. In this excerpt from The Rough Guide to First-Time Europe, you’ll learn how to find the right backpack and why it’s so important to take less, not more (from a bigger risk of getting robbed to bigger sweat stains) — plus, take the backpack test before you go.