A few last words on safety:

Don’t carry large sums of cash with you unless you are just arriving and then in a money belt under your clothes. That as well as any nicer jewelry belongs in a safe in your room at the hotel. Do not carry a wad of cash and multiple credit cards with you when walking around, it may attract the wrong kind of attention.

Don’t be afraid to use ATMs to get cash in foreign countries. I have done this numerous times without incident. Make sure to do it in daylight in a well-traveled part of town or inside a bank. Some hotels will change money, but your concierge or tour guide may know a good place with a good rate to change money if no ATMs are around. If you are going to use an ATM, make sure you let your bank know in advance and see if there are any reciprocal agreements in place. Also make sure you are clear on any fees that will be coming your way. When I am buying something, I usually always ask my credit card to be charged in the foreign currency because my bank will give me a better exchange rate than the credit card company will.

Be aware of your surroundings, minimize being targeted as a tourist by dressing in neutral tones, lowering your natural voice volume and knowing where you are going. Blend in. But most of all, have fun!