Travel

anti-Americanism are the ones who go around bragging about their country and otherwise antagonizing the locals. I even went to England during the Bush administration, and occasionally I ran into people ragging on Bush, but I'd just smile and say, "Don't worry. I agree with you."

Worries about Montezuma's revenge may have been valid in the 1950s and 1960s, when Europe was still recovering from World War II, but there are no such worries now.

After a couple of experiences, I've decided that I like to combine solo and group travel in unfamiliar places, either starting solo and joining a group later or starting with a group and then going solo.

I suggest watching Rick Steves' videos, especially his most recent European travel skills series, 3 programs of 1/2 hour each, available on Hulu. If those programs make you think, "I can do this," go for it. If the programs intimidate you, go for a tour.

Decide which countries you're most interested in, and don't try to do to much in too short a time.