We are all very good at excuses. And you will always find a reason why you can't travel. These excuses invariably will either be about money or time. But the reality is, if you make it a priority, you will find a way. I have a very good friend called Stephen who works in a retail store in New Jersey. He has managed to come to Europe three times in the six years we have been living here. He has made it a priority, and he has made it happen. I have another good friend called Jimmy who lives here in London. He is a part time substitute teacher, yet he has traveled to more countries than I have. He often ends up in camp sites, and survives on street food, but he does it! He could not live without the adventure and education that traveling brings. These two guys are amazing people. They don't have much in regards to material possessions, but their lives are rich and their minds are fascinating. So when other friends of greater means tell me they can't afford to travel, I don't offer them compassion. It is a decision they have made.

If you are among the 20% of Americans who have a passport, then you have already taken the first step. If not, I suggest you get over to the Federal Building and apply for one. A passport sitting on your dresser, just begging to be used, is a powerful motivator. Think of the millions of people in the world that would give anything for an American passport. All you have to do to get one is show up with your birth certificate and pay the fee. This small thing will change your life.

So now you have your shiny new passport in your hands and the whole world is beckoning. Where to go first? Perhaps you want to start with your own ancestry. Maybe your great grand dad was from Scotland, or you had an uncle who emigrated to Brazil many years ago. Even a small family connection can be a great place to begin your adventure. Or maybe you love Thai food and have always wanted to visit Thailand. Or maybe it is just a matter of finding a good deal, and a place where your money will go far. There are no bad reasons to travel. I can only suggest to choose a place close to your heart. Everyone always has a place they have dreamed about visiting...

And here is the next thing you need to know: You will be welcome pretty much everywhere you go. Many countries rely on tourist dollars for a large part of their income, and for some it is their primary source of revenue. Trust me, YOU ARE WANTED. I know there has been a lot of bad press about "hating America" and I can tell you it is bullshit. Most of the people that write things like that haven't even traveled abroad. Since 9/11 American politics have been fear driven, and surely after ten years it is time to stop being afraid. As an American living in Europe, I can tell you I have never experienced negative attitudes towards Americans. No doubt there were plenty of Europeans that were disgusted with the actions of the Bush Administration, but that never reflected on the American people themselves. And after Obama's recent visit, those negative memories are well behind us now. Obama is a rock star in Europe: the coolest guy in the world. I love seeing the European leaders maneuvering to stand close to him when the press is around. It has never been a better time to be an American in Europe.

If you are still undecided on where to travel, you also might want to consider visiting places that have had a recent disaster. This may sound distasteful at first, but when you think it through, it makes perfect sense. For instance, a vacation in Japan right now, after the earthquake and tsunami would be a perfect time to visit this beautiful country. Not only would it be cheaper than it has been in many years, but you would also be doing the Japanese economy a great favor. We traveled to Thailand not long after their tsunami. It felt wonderful to have made a small contribution to the Thai economy when they needed it most.

There are many emerging nations that can be excellent choices to visit. They can offer you a fantastic vacation for less money than staying close to home for your vacation. Argentina is a great example of this. Buenos Aires has all the glamour and excitement of a European capitol, but it is closer and much cheaper for Americans. (Be sure to visit my column next month for a full report on Buenos Aires). Developing countries have much to offer in the way of life experience as well. Destinations like Vietnam, Lebanon, and Serbia that were war torn not long ago are now peaceful, inexpensive places to visit that will welcome you with open arms. Now I am not suggesting you pack your bags and head off to Libya any time soon, but there are many fantastic places with checkered pasts that are now perfectly safe and ready to be explored.

This is also true of many Muslim countries. I feel safer in Muslim cities than I do in most American cities, and the crime statistics will bear this out. With such a strong religious faith, crimes are few and far between. Last year Freddie and I walked down a crowded, poverty stricken street in Cairo with hundreds of Muslims buying, selling and bartering, and I never felt safer. The only thing you need to do is respect their culture, which means dressing modestly, and acting discreetly. Wherever you go, do your homework to find out about the people you are visiting.  Always treat them with respect, and follow their customs. It is a simple thing that will make all the difference.

There are plenty of places in the world where you really do have to be on heightened alert (the cities in Brazil come to mind) but a few simple precautions will drastically reduce your risk. Don't wear flashy jewelry, especially if you are in an area with big differences between rich and poor. Leave all your valuables back in the hotel safe, and only carry a photocopy of your passport with you when you are out exploring. Keep your camera on a strap around your neck, and try to use it discreetly. Try to blend in with the locals. Learn a few phrases of their language. Try new things, and don't go to Starbucks! I promise you there is a perfect little place tucked around the corner where the locals are having a better coffee for less than half the price.

And finally, READ UP BEFORE YOU GO. I cannot stress enough how a $10 investment in a guidebook will make your vacation so much more rewarding. My favorite is DK Eyewitness. These books have excellent maps, beautiful pictures and highlights not to be missed. In addition, DK always gives you a good few pages on the history of the place you are going to visit. Please, please take the time to read the history. It will put everything into perspective when you get there and discover the sights. Anyone that walks up to the Coliseum or the Great Pyramids is bound to be impressed. But if you visit these places knowing a little bit about when, how and why they were built, the experience will be awesome.

To sum up these points:

* Get a passport, if you don't already have one.

* Choose a destination that has some personal connection for you.

* Take some basic safety precautions.

* Read up on the places you are going to visit, in advance.

* Do what the locals do.

And since many of you will start your traveling adventures in Western Europe, I have provided a few helpful hints for these favorite destinations:

Things you should know about Italy:

1) Italy has the best food in Europe. Avoid the obvious tourist traps, but it is actually hard to go wrong.

2) Be prepared for nothing to work. Finding an ATM, a gas station, or a bank that actually is open and in working order can be tricky.

3) The Italians are not big drinkers, and do not like drunkenness.

4) Italians dress up to go out in the evening, and are very fashion conscious. If you are joining them, dress to impress.

Things you should know about France:

1) Parisians all speak English, even though they pretend they don't. Outside Paris, you will need a few French phrases to get by.

2) Paris is expensive. To keep costs down while out on the town, order a glass of house wine (which will be half the price of a beer).

3) Taxi's are useless in Paris. There are many rules about where they can stop and whom they can pick up. Take the Metro instead.

4) French bakeries are the best in the world, and offer an inexpensive way to have breakfast or lunch.

Things you should know about Spain:

1) Nightlife in Spain doesn't get started until 2am. Many restaurants will not even open before 9pm.

2) Shops often close in the afternoon for "siesta".

3) Spain has absolutely nothing to do with Mexico. Don't expect Spanish people to have ever heard of tacos and burritos.

4) The Spanish still smoke wherever they want and bull fighting is still a great day out for the kids. Get over it. It is Spain.

Things you should know about England:

1) London is the most cosmopolitan city in the world. Over 150 languages are spoken here, and different areas of the city have their own accents.

2) London is a fabulous city for food. It has come a long way from the fish and chips of the old days.

3) People go out early in England, and are often drunk off their asses by 7pm.

4) Transportation is excellent. You can always rely on trains, the tube (subway) and taxis. Keep in mind the tube stops running at midnight!

That's it folks! Get out there and do some Discovering of your own!