When you fly out of a country, you generally have to pay an "exit tax" for the privilege. (If you never knew this, it's because the US, the UK, and a number of other countries have arranged with the airlines to include it in with the cost of your ticket.) But why on earth would you do it if you don't have to?

No matter how long you're traveling for or where you're traveling to, you need to make peace with the fact that you will poo yourself (or at least come damn close) at some point in time.

One of the things that struck me most about the thriving, optimistic, marvelously warm and open nature of the place was how profoundly it conflicts with the usual image it has in the wider world.

For most of us, researching before traveling is a lot of fun. It lets us daydream without even leaving our house. And while it's not absolutely necessary, a little research before you travel (or while you're on the road) might save you a few headaches along the way.

Guidebooks and "must sees" and UNESCO heritage sites be damned. We all need to stick our toes in the sand now and again, and not give two hoots about anything else.