Things I Learned from Traveling Abroad (Again)

Always pack one more pair of jeans than you think you need. You will thank yourself later.    Always bring and wear layers. Always. 
Buy souvenirs. But buy useful souvenirs that won't just take up space or become nuisances. 
Showering every day is not a necessity, but smelling good is. Dry shampoo and body spray/perfume are handy. 
Long flights are the worst. I already knew that, but it was worth repeating for the effect.
I still don't like beer, but wine is growing on me. 
Comfortable walking shoes (sometimes multiple pairs) are a must. You do not want sore feet on your second or third day. Or any day, for that matter. 
Keep band-aids handy. 
Don't even bother with a flat iron. Both times I have brought one with me on international trips, they've shorted out and died, even with the correct plugs and converters. If you really need one, buy a cheap one when you get to your destination. Or just go without it for a week or three. It's good for your hair sometimes. 
In some places, beer is cheaper than water. That's both awesome and terrible, depending on how you look at it (and if you like beer). 
Related: Czech Republic is the top beer-consuming country in the world.
Paying to use public toilets is annoying, but they're always spotless and stocked. It's worth it. 
Currywurst is absolutely delicious. So is schnitzel. 
You will get tired of potatoes eventually. 
If you go to a dinner and pierogis are just your appetizer, it's going to be a huge meal. Save room for the main course. 
Rain coats are essential. Don't get caught without one. Learned that the hard way.
Jorts are apparently only out of style in the U.S. 
Opera is way more popular in Europe than the U.S. I can never understand what they're singing, but I will always appreciate that kind of talent and dedication. 
Hungary is known for its paprika. Poland is known for its amber. Czech Republic is known for its crystal. Austria is known for schnitzel and chocolate and apparently coffee (but I never got to try it and judge for myself). Germany is known for beer. 
Travel while you can. It's exhausting and tiring and will drain you, but it's worth every second.