How to travel abroad
How I did it: I agreed to share a trip with an experienced backpacker. I was nervous about going abroad alone, especially with the language barriers. I had repeatedly put travelling off for many years, and consequently it had become a bit of a fear barrier for me to overcome.
I spent a week travelling around the Baltic states. Many people do speak English, though a lot don't. I guess a tip is to look out for information centers at coach and rail stations, and at airports. They usually speak many languages and are keen to help you get to the hostels/hotels/transport you require. They also usually seem to have local maps - which are pretty essential for exploring cities etc.
Surfing the internet can always help for a source of information, and most hostels seem to provide access to that - though hotels not so much. Most hotels provide wifi, .however, though unsually at a price (if you intend to take a laptop that is).
Other travellers are also an invaluable source of information, I found.
Lessons & tips: If you have put off travelling for years:
Go with someone experienced.
Find out how the local road systems work - so you don't get fined for jay walking - or killed by a tram.
Make sure you _know_ the person you are travelling WELL. This was a mistake I made - if you fall out, well, I was on my own.
Be cvareful to work out currency exchange rates.
Buy the best. Don't compromise with woalking equipment (especially boots) - if you intend to walk more than you ever have before.
Enjoy the experience - you will handle it! (I did).
Resources: Tourist Info centers
Guide books
Maps
Internet
