Your Travel Tips For Students Headed To The Developing World

By Malaka Gharib / NPR

Published November 1, 2015 at 1:03 AM PST

This story was published more than 9 years ago.

Well it's not quite the developing world, but whether you're in Stratford-upon-Avon (above) or Timbuktu, Andrea Lance's advice holds true: "Live in the moment."

This month, we asked our audience to offer advice on how to make the best of a student program in the developing world. From dozens of tips, shared on Twitter using #NPRTravelHacks, we chose 13 of our favorites.

1. Get those Zzzs

2. Bring a Polaroid camera

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"Make sure to give back. I have heard from countless people that photographers and journalists visit and never send the photographs they take to these people who offer their time and support. I brought a Polaroid camera with me, so I could give people their picture right there and then." -Molly, in a comment on NPR.org

3. Check your ego at the door

4. Haggle

5. Back up EVERYTHING

6. Do the research

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7. Wash your hands!

8. Don't forget that student I.D.

9. Y.O.L.O.

10. Befriend the locals

11. Keep a journal... or blog

12. Self-reflect

13. Adapt

It's not too late to add your thoughts. Share your advice on Twitter (photos welcome!) with the hashtag #NPRTravelHacks and @NPRGlobalHealth or leave a comment below.