Touts, hawkers and scam artists are a persistent nuisance in countries from Morocco to Vietnam, yet many a novice (and seasoned!) traveler believes that to remain open to local cultures, they must be polite and friendly to a pushy people who just want money.

In my experience, the best bet is to completely ignore anyone trying to sell you something if you did not start the business transaction yourself. Do not make eye contact or even say "no thank you." If you do business in common markets, the things you want to buy will initiate plenty of genuine, local contact as it is.

[Photo: Flickr | mckaysavage]

Looking to lighten your luggage load? Instead of bringing more clothing, bring along a small bottle of Woolite and do hand laundry instead.

By using a sink or the bath tub, you can stop and do a load of laundry anywhere you travel.

Just remember the rule of threes when it comes to hand-washing and travel:
1.) you need at least one item to wear while...
2.) one item is drying, and...
3.) a third in reserve.