This article was published on August 13th, 2017

Any travel guide can tell you what to do and where to go when visiting a location for the first time. However, there are definitely some things you should never do when vacationing whether at home or abroad. These are the 7 travel don’ts for the modern gay man.

Don’t worry; be happy. You’re going on vacation. This is 2017. 90/95% of places you’ll go have some type of Internet connectivity, electricity, running water, readily available sources of food and water, and ample resources to enjoy. There is almost always a convenience store located in touristy areas with the basics. That way, in case you didn’t remember to bring them, you’re covered.

Don’t forget the essentials. That bowtie, your favorite shirt, and those Gucci loafers may be missed if not packed. Items like contact lens solution, proper walking shoes, a travel douche, sunscreen, moisturizer, a decent jacket, a solid pair of swim trunks, Band-Aids, etc. are sometimes harder to come by in foreign countries than in North America.

Don’t be an asshole. Study the locals. Know where you are going and have at least some basic insight as to some things about the place, as well. Understanding a bit of the culture or history of a nation or region can go a long way. So can picking up some of the language or customs.

Don’t follow an itinerary. Unless you’re on a guided tour through Greece for seniors, don’t be so strict as to establish an itinerary. A good outline helps to establish the places you’d like to go and the times available, but adhering to a detailed schedule can lead to anxiety. You’re also not allowing for yourself to sit back and enjoy the experience without constraints.

Don’t be a negative Nancy. If it rains the entire week of your Hawaiian honeymoon, go to a museum. Go rain forest hiking. Stay indoors and order room service. But no matter what, don’t be negative about your experience away from home. Your vacation will be over before you know it, so enjoy it while you can.

Don’t be closed-minded. The point of venturing overseas and traveling in the first place, is exploring new parts of the world and the people that live there. Try different foods. Experience different customs. Be open minded to situations that mightn’t be in your comfort level.

Don’t forget to have fun. Some of the best memories of your life can happen when traveling. If you let yourself have a good laugh or some drinks with some strangers and end up the night with several friends from different places around the world, you know you’re having a good time.

BONUS: Don’t: Don’t bother changing money at your bank before you leave. You’ll get a much better exchange rate at an ATM once you’ve reached your destination, and then won’t have to pay for conversion fees as well as against the exchange rate.