Read up on your destination. Consult commercial travel guides like Lonely Planet and Frommer's as well as read the official travel warnings issued by the United States State Department or the United Kingdom's Foreign Office.
Learn some basic words and phrases in the language. If you do not already speak the language of the country you will be traveling to, buy a phrase book, consult language learning Web sites or take a short language course to learn survival phrases like: hello, thank you, yes, no, how much, I need help and goodbye.
Buy a book on the customs and etiquette of your travel destination. Learn how to dress and act appropriately so as not to offend the locals.
Go to your doctor or a travel clinic. Discuss your itinerary and get the recommended vaccinations. Depending on where you plan to go you may actually need a series of vaccinations, so try to see the doctor at least a couple months before your trip.
Get some traveler's insurance to cover you at the destination for the duration of your stay. Ensure that the policy covers medical evacuation.
Make photocopies of your itinerary and travel details. Keep one set in your checked luggage, one set on your person and another set with a trusted friend or family member who is not going on the trip. Make a photocopy of your passport for your friend or family member to keep for reference, too.
Bring your ATM card on the trip. It is typically cheaper to get foreign currency through an ATM than with foreign currency exchange bureaus.
Wear slip-off shoes when traveling by air. This will make going through the security line easier.
Try not to walk alone at night, especially in unlit areas.
Try not to wear expensive-looking jewelry or carry obviously expensive electronics.
Wear a money belt or keep some extra cash in your shoe so that in the event of being robbed, you can use that money to find your way back to a safe place.
