Tips, Tricks, and Trials

There will be many more of entries like this, but here is a selection of tips, tricks, and trials from my various jaunts. I hope they prove as useful to you now as they have to me in hindsight.

Reactions to Nationality
I've gotten everything from: "Oh, you're American are you? Well, I like that," delivered with an obvious leer, to "I'm sorry to hear that"... like I'd just told them I've a terminal illness when people find out I'm American.

Then there was the one farmer in Ireland who stated quite plainly "Well, you don't look American." When I looked confused as to the origin of such a statement, he continued, "Americans are usually rather [pause] heavy, you know, isn't that how it is." I tried to be as nice to the guy as possible, as he was giving me a lift in his tractor to the next town, but it just brought home how the rest of the world sees the USA. Mass-market television is such a supplier of "knowledge" now that if it's not stereotypically Texan, Jersey Shore, New York, or (occasionally) Los Angeles/Berkeley/San Francisco -- because they're usually blocked together -- then it's not "American".

Then there's the times when my local accent is strong enough that when it invariably slips and California comes out, I'm met with wide-eyed, gap-mouthed shock. Admittedly, that last one amuses me a bit too much.

Linguistics
As everyone has undoubtedly seen many times over, the linguistic capacity, capabilities, and intricacies most often have roots in the individual's place of geographic origin (i.e. the way a person talks, inputs and outputs information, is influence by where the are from). For those of the human race who are self-described nomads (and those who listen to music outside of their individual socio-economic-geographic sector), it is important to note that extended exposure to any one culture, society, people, or language will inevitably impact the individual's interaction with and perception of the world around them.
Note: I can pull off a rather credible and thick accent at times. I'd not suggest attempting this course of action if you can't do it well. Let the inflection and tonal change come to you, rather than chasing it blindly. Otherwise, you're liable to scare it away and annoy the locals. I find this especially true in Britain. They've a tendency to laugh at "idiotic Americans" in certain locals, if given the ammunition. You've been warned.

Immigration and Customs
Depending on the target and origin locations, certain things must come into play when traveling. Some countries require visa clearance for even short holidays, while others only if you'll be in the country for a considerable time. If you're not sure if you need one or what kind to get, ask the consulate of the target country or make use of the Google. As my experience is western Europe in nature, I've experience with the British Consulate. They're the ones who allocate student visas, which you need if studying abroad.
Note:When someone says to "Q", "Q up", or any variation thereof, it means that those being addressed should form a line. This is especially important when dealing with situations involving the UK Border Agency.

Transit
When traveling in foreign lands, make sure you know the transit schedules in advance. In fact, as much as I like improv travel and as much as it's provided me with story material, I'd recommend having travel arrangements (tickets, lodging, maps, etc.) worked out well in advance of departure. Not the least of which because the border agency (if traveling internationally) has a penchant for wanting to track the movement of incoming persons.

It's wise to not anger the irritable bear manning the check-in desk at the airport/bus depot/train station/etc. They control whether you can get on the damn thing or not. If your rear gets hauled to security, you will get an epic pat-down. The Scottish TSA is not a fun place. Especially when in a bid to save weight and space in your luggage you're wearing all your clothes, thus messing with the scanners.
Note: Aggrivation is wearing five pairs of trousers, in a bid to save luggage weight, and upon reaching the scanner remembering you forgot a handful of change, a pen, and your keys in the pockets of the first layer.