Lessons learned from international travel.

• In France, 95% of the shops, except for restaurants, close between 5-7.
• Don't show up an hour before your international departure, and if you do, pray really hard. (I made it through everything in about 30 minutes. I don't want to do that again.)
• Buy a phone card and know how to use it. Write down all the access numbers for any country you will be traveling through--airport pay phones are exorbitant.
• It's nice to pack food so that when you're flying, so you don't have to buy stuff in the airports. That being said, if you pack apples or oranges or meat, the dogs might pick up on your backpack, even after you've eaten them.
• Don't wear heels--you may need to run to make your connecting flight (this I did not learn personally).
• Write down the model and distinguishing characteristics of all electronic items you possess--you'll need them if you lose anything (this I did).
• Have flexible transportation plans for after you land. If you don't and your flight is delayed, you may make people wait a long time or miss the shuttle you booked.
• If you travel without a laptop or wireless device, be prepared to pay for internet, and have a hard time contacting people. That being said, I didn't have a problem without one (but that was more from luck than good planning). 
• UNTETHER YOURSELF. You came to look and experience things that you may never have a chance to again. Angry birds can wait.
• When learning a new bus/train system learn where to look to find 1) what stop you are at 2) which line stops there 3) what direction the vehicle is going. Other useful information includes how to tell when you can transfer, ticket prices, and availability of day/week passes.
• If you plan on spending a few days in Paris and seeing a lot of museums, buy a museum pass. It will save you a lot.
• Bring two batteries for each camera. Heck, bring three. And always charge your camera, even if it's only half empty--an extra five minutes can count.
• Bring your charger with you if you're going into town and it's not to bulky. You may find a place you can use it, oddly enough.
•  If you don't think about how you're going to buy souvenirs, you may spend more money than you want.
• Sometimes, if you're lost, you need to stop and think about things before you move.
• People are more friendly when addressed them in their own language. Even "Parlez-vous Anglais?" (Do you speak English?) will make a better first impression. Try to learn phrases in the language of the country. Not only will it help you to get to know the people better, your trip will mean more.
• If you are going to a country where the exchange rate is higher, then the cost of living will be higher for you (ie. food and lodging). But don't complain about how expensive things are.
• Learn how to use your atm card internationally. Generally there is an atm fee, which means you will want to pull out large sums of money ($100-$200)
• Let your bank know you're leaving the country. Otherwise, you may have problems.
• Luggage is heavy. (duh) Pack light, even for a month/two months of travel.

Happy travelings!