Travel educates, energizes and entertains us. It challenges our senses, our attitudes, our abilities and often, our financial resources.

This is not another traveller’s guide to Rome or Paris, or even to Italy or France. That role is very well fulfilled by the Rick Steves and Lonely Planet series, and countless other excellent destination-oriented publications which can be found in all book stores.

This is a traveller’s handbook, written by a fellow traveller who has visited more than fifty countries on six continents, some on extensive business travel as CEO of several large corporations; many others for the simple joy of being a tourist with my wife.

Between us, there are few travel experiences, good and bad, which we have not encountered over the past thirty years. From these have flowed numerous lessons. It is my hope that other travellers - current or aspiring, can save needless headaches, time, and money, through the easy, and fun, reading of this guide.

Regardless of the objective of any given trip, careful planning to achieve best value has always been our objective.

The Naked Traveller identifies the key issues associated with travel. Each chapter provides insight into a specific topic, with many illustrative anecdotes. It delves into each issue, providing practical insights designed to minimize frustration and cost for the traveller, whether wealthy or of more modest means.

This guide offers as well, the added dimension of an appreciation, and even understanding, of various cultures. Between my wife Gaye and myself, we are able to bumble, stumble and even converse in some eight languages. Through this hard-learned, ever-evolving skill, we have gained insights into diversity, the world over. I hope to sensitize the reader to some of the cultural nuances to expect when travelling, in order to not offend and, ultimately, to be rewarded by a richer experience.

You may chuckle as you read on. The touch of humour, with a bit of spice thrown in, is usually at my expense!

So sit back; put your feet up. Prepare to absorb the many TIPS highlighted throughout the book. Useful and practical, they are based on numerous trips and many lessons learned. They should prove helpful as you plan your own adventures. Adopt them as your own, and apply them to all your travels.

The end result?