12 Interesting Facts About Japan

Japan is certainly near the top of my travel bucket list. The food, culture, history would be my main reasons to go, in addition to it being an absolutely gorgeous country. According to the site World Strides, here are 12 interesting facts about Japan.

1. There are approximately 6,852 islands that make up Japan

-These islands were originally attached to the East coast of Asia, until tectonic plate activity split them off into the body of water now known as the Sea of Japan. Earthquakes tend to be common here because Japan is located in the area known as the Ring of Fire because of the high percentage of volcanoes located in the country

2. In the Japanese language, words come in different order than in English

-Japanese language puts sentences in order of subject, verb, object. Such as "I write words" in English would be written as "I words write" in Japanese

3. Nara, Japan is home to wild deer that run free

-These creatures were once considered heaven-sent creatures. Now considered a national treasure, people who visit Nara Park can purchase crackers sold on site and offer them crackers in exchange for respectful bows

4. The samurai were the most powerful warriors in all of Japan

-From the 12th century to the 19th century, when feudalism ended, the Samurai were the most powerful warriors in all of Japan. They earned respect with their expert swordsmanship, fighting skills. These warriors had a license to kill, with the power to destroy any threat to their honor. They would commit seppuku (ritual suicide) if they should bring shame or dishonor to their lord

5. Bowing is how respect is shown in Japan

-It's customary to bow before someone to show respect. Japanese locals work hard to get it right. The lower the bow, the higher respect one shows

6. Kimono is a traditional form of dress in Japan

-When one thinks of Japan, kimono are one of the things that come to mind. It's not said in the plural form of kimonos. It's said as one item-kimono. That is the proper way of referring to the iconic clothing item. This clothing item is worn by both men and women. It's a long robe-like dress wrapped around the body, the left side always covering the right. The belt that keeps it in place and secure is called an obi. A single kimono can cost up to $10,000

7. Geisha are one of the more iconic sights in Japan

-Geisha are often made up in elaborate kimono with equally elaborate hairstyles. They, with their white painted faces, have been entertaining people in Japan since the 18th century. The white powder makeup covers the face and neck, leaving a W shaped area of uncovered space on the neck. This is considered incredibly alluring to men in Japan

8. Traditional Japanese rooms have straw mats called tatami

-These rooms will have traditional rooms with straw mats called tatami. They will be edged in fabric and sometimes even silk. Room size is determined by the number of mats used to cover the space. The length of the mat is always twice the width, making it more long than wide

9. Japan has bathing monkeys

-Japanese macaques, or snow monkeys, are native to Japan, where they can survive in the colder climates. The Nagano Prefecture is home to the Jigokudani Monkey Park, where the snow monkeys can be seen bathing in the water

10. The Tsukiji Fish Market is the largest seafood market in the world

-This is the world's largest seafood market. This market has over 60,000 people employed and is open at 3:00 am. The iconic wholesale tuna auctions begin at 5:00 am

11. Japan hosted the second summer Olympic Games in 2020

-The motto for the Olympic games was "Discover Tokyo" and the mascot was a blue and white superhero with the power to teleport. It was chosen by Japanese school kids 

12. Japan is known for its beautiful gardens

-It's considered art of the highest order to maintain immaculate and beautiful gardens in Japan. "Borrowed scenery" is a concept that is considered important in garden design. This refers to the garden taking elements from outside the limits of the garden to form backdrop, such as mountains or forests

Reasons to Visit Japan

Each person who visits Japan has a different reason in mind. Some are total foodies, people who love food, and want to eat the local cuisine. Some are history buffs, fascinated by the history of the area, such as the story of the 47 Ronin, 47 masterless samurai who committed seppuku (ritual suicide by disembowelment) after avenging the death of their master. Others want to see the local sights. According to the site Conde Nast Traveler, here are some of the reasons it's thought that people should go to Japan, according to travel blogger and food connoisseur Tokyo Halfie

There are other sights and things to experience. You just have to know where to look on the internet to find out how to access these sights

1. The massive restaurant scene

-The diversity of restaurants is staggering. They range from casual walk-in places to Michelin five-starred rated places. The chefs take extreme pride in their work, and when guests truly appreciate the food they prepare, it makes them feel worthwhile

2. The wide array of cuisine

-This country offers a mind blowing amount of diverse foods. They can range from the traditional foods, such as sushi, kaiseki and tempura to more modern fusions. They strongly appreciate the change in seasons and adjust food to each season. Vegetables and fruits vary according to season. Each region will have their own unique specialty

3. The excellently brewed sake

-When you think of Japan, sake might come to mind. This strongly brewed "rice wine" is a staple of Japanese culture. Some sake can be light and sweet while others far stronger. Originally brewed in Shinto shrines, this beverage has a strongly sacred place in Japanese culture. The mountainous areas where the ingredients to make sake are grown are watered with nutrient-rich water. This often determines the character and flavor of the completed drink

4. The spring blossoms

-Spring in Japan represents new beginnings. After a long, cold winter, the delicate blossoms start blooming and there is a sudden explosion of color from the various cherry blossom trees planted throughout the country

5. The wide array of summer activities

-Summer is the busiest time of year in Japan. There are dozens of festivals to be celebrated. It's the matsuri festival season, with these festivals featuring food vendors selling things like ringo ame (candy apple), yakisoba (a type of noodle dish with soy or other sauces)

6. The explosion of color in autumn

-When autumn rolls around, there is an explosion of beautiful colors with the changing of the foliage. Mid-September marks the beginning of the fall season in Japan. Many visit the Buddhist temples and view the stunning colors of the traditional and iconic momoji (Japanese maple trees)

7. The beautiful and refreshing winter weather

-Contrary to popular belief, Japanese winters are not as harsh as other winter time periods in other countries. There is a wide array of wintertime activities that can be practiced in Japan, including snowboarding, skiing and hiking. The onsens or "hot springs" are also popular during the winter. Many Ryokans (traditional Japanese inns), offer hot springs. And there is even a location called the Jigokudani Monkey Park where snow monkeys or Japanese macaques, can be found bathing with people

-Just a warning though: if you have tattoos, exercise special caution. There is a strong cultural connection between tattoos and the Yakuza (Japanese Mafia), who are known for extensive tattooing all over their bodies.  A lot of onsen owners are hesitant to see tattoos and it might upset their clientele. Find out ahead of time what the policy is on on tattoos at hot springs just to avoid invoking the wrath of the owner and offending the customers. Finding out ahead of time will not only save you trouble, but will earn you respect from the owner, because it will show you are respecting their wishes. Although, in years past, restrictions on tattoos have relaxed. But it's still good to find out ahead of time. After all, you are a guest in Japan and, as such, you need to respect the wishes of the locals, including covering up tattoos if that is what they wish

8. The combination of loud and chaotic with serene and peaceful coming together in perfect harmony

-Japan is the definition of oxymoron-the clean, organized chaos of the Scrambler Crossing in Shibuya with the Meiji-Jingu Shrine, with its beautiful tranquility, being nearby show that chaos and tranquility can coexist peacefully. Tokyo is said to be the City That Never Sleeps

9. Stunning history in Kyoto

-This was once Japan's capital city, for over 1,000 years. It includes over 3,000 Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines. 16 of these Shinto shrines are listed as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites. There are many things to see in Kyoto

10. A nature lover's paradise in Hokkaido

-If you're a nature lover, Hokkaido is a must! The diversity in landscapes and nearby oceans provide a wealth of fresh seafood and vegetables. There are flower fields which provide a tranquil stroll to skiing in the mountains on powder-soft snow. There are ramen noodle restaurants where slurping noodles is an everyday thing to local hole-in-the-wall restaurants which provide the best food. These "hole-in-the-wall" restaurants are the best places to go because they are off the beaten path and will be less crowded, because not everyone knows about them

11. Crafts galore in Hokuriku

-If you love handicrafts, you simply must travel to Hokuriku. Located on the northwest side of the country along the Sea of Japan, this region provides some of the best unique Japanese handicrafts, including handmade steel knives, pottery and stationery

12. Ramen noodle lovers unite in Kyushu

-On the southern coast of Japan is Kyushu. The Hakata district is iconic for its food restaurants. The local ramen here is served with a pork-based broth. Other local delicacies include mizutaki (chicken hotpot), gyoza (dumplings), mentaiko (spiced pollock roe)

13. Naoshima is where art lovers go

-Located in the Seto Inland Sea, this fishing village is an art lover's paradise. They were transformed into "art islands", over the years. Museums and art displays are everywhere and these museums and art displays have something for everyone

14. The beautiful rainforests of Yakushima

-Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the rainforests of Yakushima have that typical tropical rainforest climate. There is a tree there that is said to be a few thousand years old. This forest is also said to have inspired the iconic Studio Ghibli film Princess Mononoke. This iconic studio also produced My Neighbor Totoro. 

15. The tropical destination of Okinawa

-This tropical island has beautiful white sand beaches that have you thinking you are in the Caribbean rather than Japan. There is a wealth of summer activities that can be done here, including scuba diving and snorkeling. Here, you can encounter manta rays, turtles and even sharks. In the urban areas, castles and fortresses are scattered. This island is also home to a US Air Force base called Kadena Air Force Base. So it won't be too surprising to find a lot of US military running around and hear a lot of US English being spoken

16. The beautiful Mount Fuji

-This is the first thing that comes to mind when someone is asked what they think of when they hear Japan. This beautiful mountain can be seen clearly from Tokyo on a clear day. It's strong spiritual presence can be enjoyed all year round. There is a lake nearby, called Ashinoko Lake in the Hakone region that provides opportunity to get picturesque views of the mountain. There are even ways of climbing the mountain by taking hiking trails

17. The calm, serene and relaxing hot springs

-This country has over 100 active volcanoes, and as such, there are tons of hot springs, or onsens, located here. They range in quality from rustic town bath houses to elaborate spa-like locations to luxurious ryokan (traditional Japanese inn). Visitors can soak in mineral-rich waters that contain a wealth of minerals that can aid in healing various conditions, from aches and pains to various skin conditions. Remember to shower and clean yourself thoroughly prior to entering the onsen. It's important to enter fully unclothed, as swimsuits are prohibited due to sanitary reasons

-Just a warning though: if you have tattoos, exercise special caution. There is a strong cultural connection between tattoos and the Yakuza (Japanese Mafia), who are known for extensive tattooing all over their bodies.  A lot of onsen owners are hesitant to see tattoos and it might upset their clientele. Find out ahead of time what the policy is on on tattoos at hot springs just to avoid invoking the wrath of the owner and offending the customers. Finding out ahead of time will not only save you trouble, but will earn you some respect from the owner, because it will show you are respecting their wishes. Although, in years past, restrictions on tattoos have relaxed. But it's still good to find out ahead of time. After all, you are a guest in Japan and, as such, you need to respect the wishes of the locals, including covering up tattoos if that is what they wish

18. The wide array of architectural styles

-There is a combination of traditional architecture with modern architecture in Japan. Various styles blend together easily to form a unique type of architecture not found elsewhere. Temples and shrines dating back 1,000 years or more can be found nestled next to high-rise buildings

19. Contemporary art found no place else

-Japan is home to many forms of contemporary art. Some of the names becoming well known as international artists include Yayoi Kusama, Takashi Murakami and Yoshitomo Nara. Their unique art can be found at the various galleries and museums located all throughout Japan. Kusama is known for polka dots and infinity rooms defining perception. Murakami takes pop culture and traditional Japanese art and motifs and blends them together with vibrantly and flowery characters. Nara takes a wide-eyed character, like one found in traditional anime (animation) or manga (cartoons) and gives them both innocence and a bit of rebellion with a charm that makes them irresistable

20. The many festivals going on during each of the four seasons

-The calendar year in Japan is jam packed with festivals celebrating one thing or another. Springtime brings about festivals celebrating the cherry blossoms in full bloom. Summer brings about festivals where people hang tanzaku paper on bamboo stalks during the Tanabata Star Festival. Autumn brings about festivals where offerings of Mochi are made during the Tsukimi Autumn Moon Festival. Winter brings about festivals showcasing ice sculptures

21. The public transport is top quality

-Japan is a nation that takes strong, deep pride in its efficient public transportation. It's known for not only being reliable, but punctual. The Shinkansen bullet train runs frequently, taking passengers where they need to go at 300 km per hour. The various subways and trains arrive at the stations frequently on time. Those who want to travel outside the city can apply for the Japan Rail Pass, which allows them use trains to access cities like Hakone, Hokkaido and more

22. Cleanliness is of the highest priority

-Japan is a nation that prides itself on top notch sanitation and cleanliness. It's considered respectful to be clean and tidy. There is a deep seated sense in the community to keep things neat and tidy. It's even customary in Japanese homes to remove shoes prior to entering. Travelers will be baffled at the lack of public trash bins. This is due to the custom of taking one's trash home to dispose of

23. Safety is incredibly important

-Japan is said to be one of the safest countries in the world. Like most countries, it will have the occasional crime, but Japan has eyes and ears everywhere and police respond with lightning fast efficiency. Police have even asked local taxi drivers to assist in preventing crime, through a program called the Takusha Crime Prevention Program, where taxi drivers act like the eyes and ears of the streets. There is also koban, police boxes where officers will be readily accessible. Any cash found on the street is handed over to police. This is done out of goodwill and respect. It's not uncommon to see children commuting by themselves to school or other places. The sense of community trust is shown through a program called Old Enough! It's a program showing kindergarteners going on errands alone for the first time

24. Customer service is of the highest priority

-It's considered a high priority to provide top notch customer service in Japan. Politeness and attention to detail are strongly important. There is a word for this, called omotenashi. This culture takes the concept of hospitality and ensures that those who practice it anticipate the needs of guests. This can range from hotel concierges to shopping mall staff. Visitors are welcomed and provided warm, friendly service and tended to with top level care. Bowing is the ultimate form of respect and humility, this is the way that those in Japan show respect. It's also important for visitors to know to bow to show respect

Home Alone (1990)

For most people, watching this 1990 classic is a holiday tradition

Summary

-A young boy, left home by mistake by his family, who were en route to Paris for the holidays, defends his home against two bumbling burglars during Christmas Eve

Cast

-Macaulay Culkin: Kevin

-John Heard: Peter

-Catherine O'Hara: Kate

-Joe Pesci: Harry

-Daniel Stern: Marv

-Roberts Blossom: Old Man Marley

-Angela Goethals: Linnie

-Devin Ratray: Buzz

-Hillary Wolf: Megan

-Gerry Banman: Uncle Frank

-John Candy: Gus Polinski

-Kristen Minter: Heather

-Kieran Culkin: Fuller

-Terrie Snell: Aunt Leslie

Did You Know?

-On set, Joe Pesci purposely avoided Macaulay Culkin because he wanted Culkin to think he was legitimately mean

-As of 2014, Macaulay Culkin still refers to Catherine O'Hara as "Mom"

-Both Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern felt different about how the movie would turn out. So they both did over the top performances during shooting, not believing the movie would turn out as successfully as it did

-During an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Joe Pesci told them "Mac is not like a nine year old. He's an old man already." Everyone else on set was stunned by how professional and mature Macaulay Culkin was

-Despite insisting the lines in the script be delivered as written, John Hughes, the producer, allowed John Candy to improvise his lines

-The stunt double for Macaulay Culkin was a very short 30 year old man

-Roberts Blossom, who played Old Man Marley, considered this to be a high point of his career. People would stop him on the street and ask "Aren't you the guy..."

-When the original music composer stepped out, John Williams stepped in. Despite never meeting director Chris Columbus, Williams saw an early cut of the film and was amazed and happily offered his services

-During takes, Macaulay Culkin would sleep on the ground if he got tired

-As a kid, Chris Columbus feared burglars. As such, it's a part of why he wanted to make a movie involving burglars

-Because of child labor laws, Macaulay Culkin was only allowed to work five hours a day

-In order to get Macaulay Culkin to memorize the lines, Chris Columbus made him a promise to let him play with his Nintendo system and it worked

-The success of this movie and the following sequel, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York provided Chris Columbus the opportunity to move on to other films, including the first two films of the massively successful Harry Potter series and Mrs. Doubtfire

-Originally, the role of mean Uncle Frank was written with actor Kelsey Grammer in mind

-The actor who played Kevin's cousin Fuller is actually Macaulay Culkin's real life brother Kieran Culkin, who made his acting debut in this movie

-The exterior shots of the McCallister house was filmed in front of a house in a suburb on the outskirts of Chicago. The interior shots of the home was built inside an old, abandoned high school

-The police station was actually an office in a high school

-Sandra Macat, who played the Santa's elf Kevin encounters, appeared in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, playing a flight attendant

-Harry Lyme, the character Joe Pesci played, got his name from the Orson Welles movie The Third Man (1949)

-The scene where Marv had the tarantula on his face was done in one take. The spider trainer told Daniel Stern that if he screamed, it would startle the spider and cause it to attack. Daniel Stern had to do the scene and do a silent scream while the scream audio was added in at a later time

-During the scene where Kevin is staging a Christmas party at his home, to fool the burglars into thinking his family is still there, he is wearing an orange speaker-like item around his neck. This is a laugh box, a 1970s-era novelty item that produces the laughter heard in the scene. While difficult to hear over the music, it's heard far better in the scene where the mannequin is spinning on the record player

-The flag on the wall above Kevin's bed is the flag for Chicago, where the movie was filmed. This flag is also featured on the uniforms of the Chicago Police Department

-Alan Rickman was one of the considered actors to play the role of Harry Lyme. He had worked with Bonnie Bedelia, who is Macaulay Culkin's aunt in the 1988 film Die Hard

-While Peter and Kate are trying to get a flight home to Chicago from a French AA ticket agent, an Eastern Air Lines Boeing 727 is seen in the background. Despite being done at Paris Orly Airport, it was actually filmed at a terminal of Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. Eastern Air Lines never did any Europe-based flights or other international flights. Trans World Airlines (TWA) and Pan American World Airways (Pan Am) did more international flights in the 1980s

-Despite people thinking that this film seemed realistic in how police would treat a "home alone" situation, writers and producers actually worked with a real Chicago police officer named Jeff Jefferson. He had assisted the writers and producers and wrote the police scenes. Ironically, five years later, Jeff Jefferson himself would be arrested by police for child neglect after it was discovered he left his own children alone for the last six years

-The airport attendant taking the tickets for the McCallister family never asked why there was a person missing from their group. It was because Peter had mistakenly thrown away Kevin's ticket after cleaning up the spilled milk from the previous night. This led to the attendant counting as many people as she'd received tickets for

-The plumbing van Harry and Marv drive says Oh-Kay Plumbing with the slogan "Your flood control experts." It's ironic because they are known as the Wet Bandits, who flood houses with water running from faucets after running them

-The ornaments Marv steps on were made of sugar. He insisted on stepping on them barefoot and the screaming reaction was not real, just acting

-The reason there is a Michael Jordan cardboard cutout featured in this movie is because Michael Jordan is Macaulay Culkin's favorite basketball player

-In addition to home invasion and burglary, Harry Lyme commits another crime-impersonating a police officer

-The Funko POP! company released figures of Kevin McCallister and Harry Lyme

-31 years after this movie was released, on December 23, 2021, Devin Ratray, who played Buzz, was arrested by police after it discovered that he tried to strangle his girlfriend in a hotel room

-Michael Douglas, Kevin Costner, Charles Grodin, Jim Belushi, Christopher Lloyd, Rick Moranis, Alan Thicke, Jeff Daniels, John Ritter, Ed O'Neill, among many others, were considered for the role of Peter McCallister, Kevin's dad

-Diane Keaton, Holly Hunter, Glenn Close, Linda Hamilton, Helen Hunt, Laura Dern, Anjelica Huston, Annie Potts, Maureen McCormick, Mary Steenburgen, among many others, were considered for the role of Kate McCallister, Kevin's mom

-Joe Pesci is known for heavy profanity in his films. He had to work extra hard to avoid using any profanity in this film, since it was a family Christmas film

-When Kevin looks through Buzz's steamer trunk at the end of his bed, he finds a picture of Buzz's girlfriend. He proceeds to say "Buzz! Your girlfriend. Woof!" The picture is actually of art director Dan Webster's son, who was made up to look like a girl. Chris Columbus thought it would be too cruel to make fun of a girl like that

-The Playboy magazine Kevin finds had pages taped together so Macaulay Culkin wouldn't see any nudity. The issue was from July 1989

-The movie Kevin watches, Angels with Filthy Souls, was not a real movie. It was specially created. It was a play on words of the classic 1938 James Cagney film Angels with Dirty Faces

-While rehearsing the scene where Joe Pesci attempts to bite off Macaulay Culkin's finger, Joe Pesci actually bit Macaulay, leaving a small scar

-For any of the barefoot scenes, Daniel Stern wore rubber feet. Much the same way that Bruce Willis did as John McClane in 1988's Die Hard

-While filming, Macaulay Culkin came down with a cold. He was given time off to recover, except for one part. While attempting to buy a toothbrush, his voice is hoarse, he is pale and his eyes were red and puffy from watering so much

-To strongly promote that this was a Christmas movie, red and green are the prominent colors featured all throughout the movie

-When Kevin talks to "Santa", the car he is getting into was a 1980 Honda Civic hatchback. It did actually stall out as the actor was attempting to drive away

-Despite being a family movie, Daniel Stern accidentally swore. He said the "s" word when getting his boot through the dog door. It can be heard in this scene

-The rundown look for Harry and Marv was based on Fagin, the iconic thief in Charles Dickens' classic story Oliver Twist

-When leaving the house to go to the airport, Uncle Frank complains that the flight to Paris leaves in 45 minutes and that they would never make it. In reality, the journey from the house to Chicago's O'Hare International Airport would take only about 29 minutes. Since this was done before 9/11, security was much more relaxed and only consisted of belt-fed x-ray machines for luggage. Not only that, anyone could go all the way to the departure gates without so much as a boarding pass

-In an interview, when Devin Ratray, who played Buzz, was asked what happened to Buzz later in life, he replied that he probably went to prison. Ironically, Ratray was arrested in 2021 for domestic assault and battery against his then girlfriend and a few years later, a suspected rape

-Old Man Marley is a tribute to Jacob Marley, one of the old business partners of Ebenezer Scrooger in the classic Charles Dickens' story A Christmas Carol

-The inventions Kevin used to fend off the burglars were inspired by Chris Columbus' love of inventions. These types of inventions also appeared in 1984's Gremlins, 1985's The Goonies, 1985's Young Sherlock Holmes, which were produced by Steven Spielberg. Both Spielberg and Columbus are big fans of the James Bond films

-The item Kevin uses to heat up the front doorknob is an electric charcoal tool for barbecue grills

-When Kevin goes after Buzz for eating all of the cheese pizza, milk gets spilled and a plane ticket on the counter gets coated in milk. When Peter is cleaning up, he accidentally throws away a plane ticket, which happened to belong to Kevin. The ticket is seen with Kevin's name on it. The following morning, Kevin is left home alone because his cousin is doing a head count and counts the nosy neighbor kid, thinking it was Kevin

-The July 1989 Playboy issue Kevin finds in Buzz's steamer trunk featured actress Erika Eleniak for Miss July. This same issue was featured in 1992's Under Siege, which also featured Erika Eleniak

-Journalists had asked medical professionals if the Wet Bandits would have survived any of the injuries they sustained. The medical professionals stated these were life threatening injuries and that they would not likely survive the injuries

-When Kevin is banished to the attic, there is a pull out sofa bed. There is no visible insulation in the rafters, which would leave the attic, in Chicago temperatures, sub-zero cold. This would not be an ideal place to sleep

-Prior to eating the macaroni and cheese he prepared, Kevin crosses his chest after praying, suggesting that he and his family are either Catholic or Episcopal

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)

It's happened again. Kevin McCallister (Maculay Culkin) has, once again, been left behind by his family. In their haste to make a flight to Florida for the Christmas holidays, Kevin gets his father mixed up with another gentleman who has the same type of coat his father wears, not realizing this other gentleman is bound for New York City, the Big Apple. Kevin quickly finds out he's in the wrong city when looking at the skyline of New York.

Summary

-During a Christmas holiday vacation to Miami, Kevin accidentally boards a plane to New York and encounters the same burglars he met last Christmas. This time, they're planning on robbing a toy store on Christmas Eve

Cast

-Macaulay Culkin: Kevin

-John Heard: Peter

-Catherine O'Hara: Kate

-Joe Pesci: Harry

-Daniel Stern: Marv

-Devin Ratray: Buzz

-Hillary Wolf: Megan

-Maureen Elizabeth Shay: Linnie

-Michael C. Maronna: Jeff

-Gerry Banman: Uncle Frank

-Terrie Snell: Aunt Leslie

-Kieran Culkin: Fuller

-Tim Curry: Concierge

-Dana Ivey: Desk Clerk

-Rob Schneider: Bellboy

-Brenda Fricker: Pigeon Lady

Did You Know?

-Due to the cold temperatures in New York, several cameras literally froze during filming

-Director Chris Columbus stated that the production crew had spent considerable money on fake snow for Central Park. Then, New York had a blizzard with real snow

-The phone number given for the Plaza Hotel in the movie is the hotel's actual phone number

-This was the first film shot at the famous Carnegie Hall in 30 years

-After completing this movie, Chris Columbus wanted to start another film. His wish was granted when he received the script for what would become 1993's Mrs. Doubtfire

-When Harry and Marv are talking at the ice rink, the ice rink is Wollman Rink in Central Park

-The scenes that were supposed to be in Florida were actually shot in California

-At the time, Donald Trump owned the Plaza Hotel and insisted on being given a cameo in exchange for the crew film at the hotel. Director Chris Columbus considered editing out the cameo, but ran it against a test audience, who loved it

-The scene where Marv gets electrocuted with the sink made director Chris Columbus laugh so hard he couldn't yell "Cut!", even after Stern collapsed onto the floor

-The children who appeared in the toy store scene were allowed to take home a favorite toy as part of their pay

-The scene where Kevin goes to the pool was shot at the Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago, Illinois because the Plaza Hotel doesn't have a swimming pool

-The bird woman, played by Brenda Fricker, was inspired by the "old bird woman" from 1964's Mary Poppins

-Real medical professionals were asked for their advice on Harry and Marv's injuries. They stated that three to four bricks to the face would cause "at best, brain damage, at worst, death."

-While out sightseeing, Kevin visits the once iconic World Trade Center. When the movie aired after 9/11, his visit to the World Trade Center was removed out of respect for those who perished in the terrorist attack. In 2018, the scene where he visits this building was restored

-Duncan's Toy Chest was loosely based on the flagship store of iconic toy store F.A.O. Schwartz

-The key icons on the uniform for concierge Mr. Hector (Tim Curry) are for the Les Clefs d'Or USA. This organization is for professional hotel concierges and is considered extremely difficult to get membership to. Earning these gold keys is a respected privilege, given only to the true professional, one dedicated to providing the highest level of service to the guests and the hotel in which they are employed. There are other requirements as well, which can be found on their website

-The turtle dove figures were created by artist John Perry, who is known for his sculptures of sea life

-There was a theory going around that Robert De Niro was one of the officers arresting Harry and Marv in Central Park. It's not Robert De Niro. It's an actor named William Dambra who plays the officer who fires a shot to scare the pigeons away and arrest Harry and Marv

-In the scene where Harry and Marv are stealing money from the toy chest, Marv says "Happy Hanukkah" to himself. In real life, Daniel Stern is Jewish

-The gun Harry pulls out at the end is a police issue Colt Police Positive

-When Mr. Hector (Tim Curry) attempts to find Kevin in the hotel room, Kevin uses an inflatable Bozo the Clown to fool the concierge into thinking someone is in the shower. This spooks Mr. Hector into leaving. Ironically, it was Tim Curry who played Pennywise the Clown in the 1990 film adaptation of Stephen King's It

-The song "Cool Jerk" by The Capitols is the only non-Christmas song featured in this movie

-Originally the role of the Pigeon Lady was to go to Estelle Getty. Unfortunately, she couldn't do the role, as it would conflict with her schedule on The Golden Girls, playing Sophia Petrillo

-Near the beginning of the movie, Uncle Frank takes Fuller's cola and tells him the rubber sheets are packed. This indicates that Fuller is still suffering from bedwetting

What TSA first notices about you

Ah, the glorious TSA. They are the first line of defense for both leaving the airport on your destination and coming back. Only with coming back, you have to pass through the gauntlet known as Homeland Security or whatever that type of security is known as in other countries. They are there to ensure you are bringing nothing suspicious back. When going through the airport to find your terminal, you enter the first line of defense-TSA! Simply put, make sure you do what you are supposed to, be upcoming and honest, cooperate and everyone wins. Just understand they have a job to do and as a responsible traveler, it's your job to ensure you follow their rules. According to Reader's Digest, here is what TSA notices about you.

Some of the people providing advice are experts. They include Mike Delgado, a TSO (transportation security officer) with 17 years experience under him, Jeffrey Price, a trainer for the American Association of Airport Executives, Richard Rozins, a former TSO officer and Sahara Rose De Vore, a coach in travel

Not listening

-No matter what time it is that you're going through the airport, whether it be your first trip or 100th trip, you need to obey and listen to what the TSO's are saying. If you're not listening, they have to repeat it, which wastes time. Follow the instructions to ensure a smooth transition. Mike Delgado says "People not paying attention is my top pet peeve and we definitely notice if you're not listening-because you mess up and we have to explain it again, which wastes everyone's time.  Throughout the TSA area, there are signs posted in multiple languages. Simply put, it pays to listen. It makes TSA's job 100% easier

Offering gifts

-This is a no no

-Since you can't take the Red Bull or bottle of liquor you got from the hotel through security, why not give it to TSA? This is a bad idea. TSA or TSO, depending on how you want to refer to them since they both mean the same thing, cannot accept gifts. Delgado says "We actually aren't allowed to accept anything free from anyone in the airport, including vendors, because it can look like a bribe. And don't ever tell me, 'just take it quick, no one will see' because there are cameras covering every square inch and I will get in trouble. Accepting a gift is one of the fastest ways to get fired." Don't keep insisting that they take a gift, because that can trigger a call for the supervisor to be present

Thinking you're special

-"If everyone else in front of you is emptying their pockets and taking off their shoes, then just by common sense, you should know you have to do it too." says Delgado. "Yet there are so many people who want us to give them special treatment. You're not special." There are some exceptions, such as breast milk being exempt from the "no liquids" rule, being inconvenienced for anything is not a good reason. Adding "Jeez, do I look like a terrorist to you?" will not help you as well. "We don't profile people, so you need to let go of this idea of what a terrorist looks like, not to mention a terrorist can look like anyone." You can ask the TSOs for clarification and they will gladly help you understand what is allowed and what is not allowed. Don't argue with them; with that, it will only make the situation worse. The TSA Precheck does not always exempt you from from the rules. It might save time, but it will not always clear you of following the rules. It only helps you get through security faster with shorter lines and more efficient processing. But you still have to go through the same rules of emptying pockets, taking off shoes, etc. just like everyone else. This is not made to annoy, this is made for security. Not just for your security, but the security of everyone, from TSA to the other passengers. Arguing with TSOs or TSA brings extra attention to you and they will pull you aside to do a thorough check on you

Fighting a pat down

-For some people, getting patted down might be awkward because they have something to hide or they don't like a stranger's hands on their body. For other people, it's part of traveling and they let the TSA people do their job. Simply put, don't fight it. Understand getting patted down is part of being a responsible traveler. "One of the biggest myths is that we do 'strip searches.' That's not a thing! People have seen too many movies, Hollywood always gets it wrong." says Mike Delgado. He is right; Hollywood does get it wrong. When a body search is done, it's because of the person is suspected of being a smuggler of something and the search will reveal if they have the item internally, inside the crevices of their body. These misconceptions just make people angry or nervous, forcing them to try and buck the pat down.

-Contrary to widely held belief, extra searches are not triggered by an item showing on the body scan are chosen, at random, by a computer. When you get selected, you are not a bad person or are you in trouble. So if you do get selected for a more thorough pat down or security, it's just the job of TSA to protect you, them and everyone else. The TSA officers do same-gender pat downs, so it's not a man patting down a woman or a woman patting down a man. As they do the pat down, they explain everything. If you prefer, you can also do a private pat down, where you will be taken to a private room and talk to a TSO in private. This often is a good way to let some form of authority know that you or someone you know is the victim of human trafficking or some form of sexual trafficking

Getting aggressive

-This is, in no way shape or form, the way to be at the airport. This is the last thing you want to do. Drawing attention to yourself at the airport by acting belligerent, angry or plain nasty throws up red flags. "It sends up a red flag, and TSA agents begin to wonder what the issue is." says Jeffrey Price, a former assistant director of security for the Denver Airport, and now a security trainer for the American Association of Airport Executives and a professor of airport management at Metropolitan State University of Denver. "If your flight has been delayed or canceled, don't let that put you in a tailspin." Mike Delgado adds that he's seen plenty of people go from cool and collected to losing their cool in every way and he doesn't take it personally. "We see a lot of crabby passengers, sometimes they'll call us names or whatever, and that doesn't bother me. I understand they're frustrated." When those same passengers start getting physical, such as pushing, throwing things, trying to get around the security measures or acting in any way that can lead to scary and unpredictable behavior, that's when tension goes up

-Price explains that TSA screeners look for behaviors that are inconsistent with typical passengers. So do your best to look cool, calm and collected. It's perfectly fine to be excited that you're going to a new destination. Even when airport issues pop up, don't let that get you down

Being overly talkative

-With TSA, this could be a red flag that something is going on. Resist the urge to make small talk. Jeffrey Price says "Many criminals try to avert the attention of security agents by using this approach. So being overly talkative may be a red flag." Avoid making small talk at all costs. Mike Delgado also adds "We appreciate it. Especially when the lines are short and we're not busy. Just be sure to keep the line moving, so don't stop to talk to us." It's important to find the right balance of communicating without making the TSA suspicious. Be courteous, polite, tell them thank you and overall having the right positive attitude does make a world of difference

Acting nervous

-Another red flag. Acting nervous and showing obvious nerves throws up another red flag to TSA. If your eyes are darting around, you're visibly sweaty, clearing your throat constantly, being fidgety, stammering / stuttering or breathing heavy / fast are signs of anxiety. You could be displaying these signs because you are flying and have a fear of flying. Or you may be nervous for another reason, a darker, more criminal-related reason. It's up to TSOs to determine that reason. TSA agents are trained to look for suspicious behavior and act as detective to get to the bottom of it. Anything they determine as suspicious they are trained to act upon. Delgado says "We won't pull you aside just for being nervous, but we may start to pay more attention to you. If things don't feel right, I'll call my supervisor and ask them to keep an eye on you, looking for additional red flags."

-This nervous behavior might also benefit you. Especially if there is a private concern you need to express with someone, especially someone with some form of authority. Delgado adds "There was a time a kid came through my line who was clearly very agitated, very nervous, so I went over to him and asked if he's okay. He whispered that he had a vape in his pocket but his parents didn't know he smokes and he didn't want to take it out for security. I offered him a private screening which he took me up on." People with fears of flying find ways to calm themselves, which includes meditation, visualizing a calm area prior to hitting the security area

Avoiding eye contact

-Another potential red flag. When you make eye contact with someone, this can often tell them they have your full attention. Avoiding eye contact could be suspicious or just mean that you're an introverted person. TSA agents are trained to read body language like a book. If they notice that you're avoiding eye contact, suddenly their suspicions go sky high. Richard Rozins, a former TSA officer, says "The eyes are the first place a TSA agent looks." "If you're unable to make eye contact with the TSA or TSO when being asked a question, it could mean you're avoiding or hiding something." says Price. Delgado adds "I may ask them a few more questions, about where they are traveling to or what they are doing, to get a feel." He also adds that this type of behavior also alerts him to potentially dangerous situations, such as kidnapping or human trafficking.

-He mentions an experience where a family came through his line and none of the kids would speak or make eye contact. "We all noticed them that day but didn't have enough reason to stop them so we let them go, a decision that still haunts me." The why to that question turned out to be that the "family" ended up on the news for trafficking and abusing children

Wearing baggy clothing

-This might not seem like a big deal elsewhere, but when traveling and going through the TSA area, this can be a problem. Baggy clothes can hide all sorts of items. They can prompt TSA to check you extra thoroughly. Mike Delgado says "This is why we ask people to remove jackets, suit coats, shirts tied around their waist, things like that. But with the new body scanners, this is less of a problem. Believe me when I tell you they can see everything regardless of how much clothing you got on. Which, again, is why it is so important to take everything out of your pockets. Like we told you ten times."

Wearing clothing unsuitable for the current season

-Any behavior that is not normal, such as wearing clothing not suitable for the current season, is a red flag. Why is that person wearing a heavy winter parka in 90 degree July heat? Are you hiding something? These are the questions TSOs or TSA will ask themselves. This might prompt them to give you a more thorough examination. Of course, you will have to remove said parka, but because you are acting in a suspicious manner by wearing clothing not suitable for the current season, you've already pinged the TSA's suspicions by that point. They may request to do a bag search or a pat down after going through the body scanner

Drinking prior to flying

-The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the governing body of all airports. They are the bosses to the bosses of the airports. They have 0% tolerance for any passenger who gets unruly, including drunkenness on board their planes. Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, travel has never been the same. Incidents of passengers abusing airport staff have been on the rise. The FAA have compiled reports on the types of incidents caused and according to their reports, there have been more than 7,000 reports of unruly passenger behavior since 2021. It has even gotten to the point where the House of Representatives in Congress passed a bill called the Unruly Passenger Restraint Review Act to ban passengers who become unruly on flights.

-If a TSA agent or TSO sees that you're visibly under the influence of alcohol, you could be deemed a person of interest and it will be up to them to possibly stop you from continuing on. Delgado says "Oh, I've totally had to tell people that they were too drunk to fly. I call my supervisor who will escort them out. The thing is even if I let you through, the gate agent probably won't let you board."

Carrying a lot of money

-This is suspicious, according to TSA agents. Why would you be carrying a lot of cash? There had better be a good reason. In the US, if you are travelling with more than $10,000 on you, you have to declare it to avoid paying taxes on it. The same goes with high end items. If you have a lot of high end items on you, you have to declare them before moving on to avoid paying taxes. With cash, if you're carrying a lot of money, you can get stopped by TSA. It doesn't matter what kind of currency it is. Money is money no matter the country of origin. According to Sahara Rose De Vore, a wellness travel coach and consultant, she has visited more than 80 countries. "I've been asked at many airport security checkpoints to explain why I have multiple currencies. They are worried about sex trafficking, and this is something they often want to ask you about." TSA agents will ask you about where you went, if you are employed and by whom. It would be wise to convert the money back to the currency of your native country at the end of the trip

Traveling with coffee

-Ah, coffee. The drink that gives everyone the get up and go to do what they need to everyday. You might think bringing back a bag of the local coffee from your trip is a great souvenir, but be forewarned. Coffee beans or ground coffee is the oldest trick in the book for drug smugglers. They use ground coffee to mask the scent of drugs from the drug dogs. It's an automatic red flag for TSA. If TSA sees bags of coffee beans in your luggage, they will be prompted to question you or search your bag by hand for anything suspicious.

-While they don't prohibit coffee beans or ground coffee from carry-ons or checked in luggage, but to be safe, it would be wise to buy it at the duty free shop at that airport before you come home. Be forewarned that if the TSA dogs are around, resist the urge to pet them, talk to or distract them. Just like the human TSA agents, the TSA dogs are also on shift, working. They sniff for drugs, money, explosives in the main areas of the airport. It's more common for dogs to work flights coming in from international destinations that are considered especially high risk for drugs, explosives or large amounts of currency. If you are bringing back coffee, separate it from your other items when going through security to avoid any obscure images on the X-Ray. Even put it in the gray bin you put your stuff in so the TSA sees it right away and saves you and them time

Traveling with electronics / electrical equipment

-TSA requires that any electronics bigger than a cell phone be put into its own bin and sent through the X-ray. Most travelers know that. Most travelers who also watch programs such as To Catch a Smuggler will also know that people can use said electronics to smuggle items in to the country. De Vore says "I always get flagged for my curling iron." Mike Delgado says "It's a common misconception that our scanners are metal detectors. They're not. So we're not just looking for electronics with a lot of metal but all electronics need to be taken out of your bag, even charging cords." It's wise to follow the rules of TSA and review the rules prior to packing

Wearing intricate hairstyles

-TSA will not tell you that it's best to wear your hair down or in a simple ponytail. Wearing an elaborate hairdo, such as corn rows, Zulu knots or some other intricate hairstyle could prompt a more thorough examination. Bobby pins, clips, wigs, extensions, most types of hair accessories and hairstyles like braids, updos, hairpieces, Zulu knots, corn rows could set off the metal detector. And if you think it's impossible to hide stuff in your hair, then you're wrong. People have used intricate hairstyles in the past to conceal items. A simple pat down of your hair eliminates all worries. And to avoid even this, simply wear your hair down

Packing batteries / battery chargers

-Most people can't go one day without their electronics. And, as such, we need charging cords to keep those devices going. There are strong guidelines regarding batteries and battery chargers. As per the guidelines established by TSA, lithium-ion rechargeable batteries and portable batteries containing lithium-ion can only be put in carry on bags. Batteries can have a maximum wattage of 100 watts per hour. You must obtain approval from the airport to bring larger batteries, the maximum being 160 watts per hour

Carrying liquids

-TSA has rules about liquids. It must be 3.4 oz or less and placed in a single quart sized bag. One bag per passenger. There are exceptions for hand sanitizer, which is a 12oz limit because of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you try and skirt the rules, forget it. TSA will know. It's better to follow the rules than flaunt them or go around them. One massive mistake is bringing a large bottle of sunscreen to the checkpoint. It's better to put that in your checked in luggage rather than your carry on, because TSA will confiscate it

Talking about bad stuff

-When "bad stuff" is referenced, it's not referring to breakups or things. It's referring to international terrorism references, bad things that happen on airlines and in airports. Bombs and firearms. Weapons of mass destruction. Even remotely mentioning these will get you sidelined by TSA. Even asking the TSA about weapons will get you questioned. And it's become so serious that you can even be arrested by police for joking about bombs in line. Follow the old phrase "silence is golden." And if you do have to travel with a gun, take the proper precautions of getting a locked safety case, ensuring the firearm is unloaded and let the airlines and airports you'll be traveling through know far in advance that you'll be taking a weapon with you. Get it registered with them so they know in advance why you have a firearm on you

25 British Phrases to Learn Prior to Going to the UK

It's an obvious fact that the way people in Britain speak is slightly different than the way those in the US speak. There's British English and US English. According to MSN.com writer Victoria Omololu, there are 25 British phrases she believes you need to know prior to planning a trip "across the pond".

A lot of the words and phrases will be similar to a previous post. I also had to remove #5 only because I don't want to risk trouble using a possible swear word. So it comes out to 24 instead of 25. Better to not take chances

1. Cheers

-Used when saying "goodbye", toasting to something or "thank you." It's a term often heard in the UK. You can say it when raising a glass down at the pub, when someone pays for something or when someone holds the door for you

2. Fancy a cuppa?

-Translating into "would you like a cup of tea?", tea is a big part of the culture of Britain. Asking this interesting question is a good way to be social. You might hear this from a variety of people, from people at work to someone you just met. This is a friendly way of showing that someone wants to chat and spend time with you

3. Knackered

-This means you are extremely tired or exhausted. It can be after a long night out or a hard day at work. It's a casual expression of fatigue and exhaustion

4. Quid

-This is a reference to the money used in England. This is the slang term for the British pond sterling. One quid equals one pound. Instead of saying "it costs ten pounds", someone might say "it costs ten quid". This kind of information is helpful when dealing with money or prices in England

5. Gobsmacked

-When someone is incredibly surprised or shocked, they are gobsmacked. It's a unique way of expressing astonishment at something, especially when the results are unexpected

6. Chuffed

-It means you're happy about something. It's a positive term to express absolute happiness or pride. It is often used to express excitement or share good news

7. Slag off

-When you criticize someone / something, or speak badly about someone / something, you are "slagging off". This is a negative way of speaking. Used in informal settings, this is how you know someone / something is being criticized

8. Dodgy

-This is a term used to describe something that is not right, suspicious, potentially dangerous. It would be a common occurrence to describe a neighborhood as "dodgy" if it was unsafe. It can also mean things that are dishonest and poor quality

9. Gutted

-When you're devastated with the outcome of something, you are gutted. It's deep disappointment and or sadness. This implies real emotional impact, a way of saying that it's more than just a little sadness or disappointment

10. Leg it

-When you run away quickly or make a quick escape, you "leg it". This is a phrase used to describe the need to make a quick getaway, fleeing or leaving in a hurry

11. Knees up

-Meaning a lively party or celebration. It suggests there is a fun, festive mood in the air, when people are dancing and having an all around good time

12. Blimey

-This is a word to show surprise or astonishment. It's the British equivalent of "oh my goodness" or "wow." This term adds a bit of extra surprise into the conversation and it's a uniquely British way of showing shock, awe, amazement in unexpected situations

13. Peckish

-When someone says they are slightly hungry, they might say they're peckish. It's a gentler, kinder way of expressing that you're starving. This term is best used to describe a time when you would like to eat without sounding too hungry or demanding to eat now

14. Bob's your uncle

-This is the British equivalent of "Well, there you go", "here you go", "Presto." It's a way of saying something is simple and is used at the end of a sentence. It's a fun, quirky way of indicating that something is easy, straightforward and able to be accomplished

15. Cheeky

-This term describes something or someone who is playfully mischievous, rude or irreverent, but it comes off as charming or amusing. A boy who's always joking around would be a "cheeky lad." It can also be used for actions. Such as "I'm going for a cheeky pint", which means you are having a drink when it's probably best if you don't do it. Overally, this word adds a bit of playfulness to a conversation

16. Skint

-Absolutely flat broke, without money. When you are skint, you are flat broke with no money or lack of money. It's a casual way of expressing that someone is suffering financial woes. It's a less formal way of saying you're hurting financially

17. Faff

-When you waste time doing unproductive things or just be inefficient, you are "faffing about." It can be used when someone is procrastinating or taking too long to do something. This can best be used to describe moments when you are others are not being as efficient as you should

18. Minging

-This term can describe something that is disgusting, unattractive or unpleasant. It can include smells, food, appearances. It is a strong way of expressing disgust or distaste and is used in casual conversations

19. Chinway

-An informal chat or conversation is a "chinway". Similar to a "chinwag", but written as one word. This term refers to a casual conversation with an overall enjoyable nature. It's a warm, friendly way of suggesting to spend time with people

20. Naff

-Tacky, unfashionable, poor quality. It's a gentle way of saying that something is uncool without being harsh. It shows disapproval or distaste without being offensive. It's used when talking about style or taste in something

21. Gobby

-Talkative. When someone is very talkative, they are "gobby", because "gob" is a slang term for the mouth. When someone is "gobby", they are talkative, in a loud or rude way. It's a term used to describe a person who dominates the conversation or speaks with out thinking, also known as speaking with out a filter. It's not a compliment, so use it wisely

22. Snog

-Kissing. In England, when two people kiss, they are snogging. It's a playful term for kissing. It's used in casual conversations amongst friends

23. Narked

-Annoyed, irritated. When someone is "narked", they are annoyed or irritated. It expresses frustration or anger without the use of strong, colorful language. This can describe every day moments of frustration or anger without sounding too aggressive

24. Chuffed to bits

-Extremely pleased, extremely delighted. Similar to the term "chuffed", when someone is "chuffed to bits", they are extremely pleased, delighted, happy. This can be used to express happiness over good news. It suggests strong joy and is a warm, friendly way to share good news or excitement

Mistakes to Avoid When Traveling Alone

It can be a daunting concept, traveling alone. No one to talk to but yourself. But the pros often far outweigh the cons to traveling alone. Travel + Leisure has come up with a few handy tips on traveling alone.

1. Don't overpack

-Only pack what you need. So that you don't strain your body lifting or moving a large suitcase. Only pack what you need for that trip. If you're going to be doing a lot of walking or hiking, comfortable shoes are a plus. If you plan on going sightseeing and want to take pictures, bring a camera. If it's a digital camera, bring a charger and a universal adapter to charge it

2. Don't schedule something for every minute

-The whole point of traveling is to see a new region of the world, to see how the locals live their lives. While it's tempting to fill every minute of every day you're in a new region of the world, don't overschedule every minute. Leave yourself some breathing room to relax. Delays will happen, travelling to places can take longer than expected, sometimes things go wrong. Take a little time for yourself by unwinding at a spa, enjoying a meal at a cafe, take in a museum. Just like you checklist your luggage, checklist what you want to do prior to departure

3. Always have a plan B

-Things will go wrong. You can't avoid it. That's why it's incredibly important to have a plan B. A backup plan. This plan will avoid issues like cancelled reservations or destinations that seemed impressive initially, but in the end were disappointing. Make sure you are aware of other hotels nearby in case of cancelled reservations

4. Never underestimate travel costs

-It's costly to travel. Especially travel to countries where there are no all inclusives (mostly found in the tropical regions, these types of resorts are where everything is paid for, you only bring money for tips and souvenirs). It's good to know how much your trip will cost. Figure in costs for sightseeing, food and drink, souvenirs, hotels, etc. Make a budget plan to know how much to bring with you and add some extra as a buffer against pitfalls

5. Don't be afraid to splurge a little

-We all work hard. We all deserve to splurge a little. That's not to say spend a fortune on something. Just make it something simple. Something like a spa day. Reserve a spot at a restaurant you've wanted to try. Make it something you'll remember

6. Don't feel an obligation to fill silence

-Traveling alone can be frightening for some people, especially those who are introverted, or have a shy personality. Silence is indeed golden. Remember, you don't have to interact with everyone you meet on your solo trip. You're not obligated to go on group tours. Self-guided tours and one-on-one experiences are allowed to be had. Sometimes, these solo trips are good self-discovery journeys just waiting to happen

7. Never fear making new friends

-Anytime you go outside your home country, friendship is waiting just around the corner. Never fear making new friends. It's always a rewarding experience to make new friends from a culture that differs from your own. Group tours and hostels offer the easiest way to make new friends. Hotel happy hours are another way of making new friends. When you become friends with someone new, keep connected with them via social media, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. There's even an app called Bumble, which has a "just friends" filter, allowing you to form bonds with people who are also looking to meet new people from all over the world

8. Tell people where you are going

-In case of an emergency, it's imperative that someone knows where you're going. Share your travel plans with a trusted family member or friend. Make an itinerary for them with all of the information they'll need, such as hotel phone number, hotel name, etc. Update them when you change something. It's imperative to put personal security as the number one priority

9. Don't forget those once in a lifetime experiences

-Some experiences can make you feel as if they were tailor made for couples or groups. Don't let that stop you. If your dream has been to stay in an overwater bungalow in a tropical destination, book it. Do you have a favorite musician who just so happens to be doing a residency in Las Vegas? Buy a ticket and get accommodations. Want to go to Walt Disney World by yourself? Go for it. Buy those tickets and get that hotel and enjoy the happiest place on Earth. You don't need permission from someone. Life is too short to worry about the small stuff

10. Never second guess yourself

-One thing that can always be trusted is your gut instinct, your intuition. If something doesn't feel right, odds are high that it probably isn't. Always trust your gut instinct. You can also follow your intuition on good things. If a restaurant looks interesting to you, but is not one of those five star Michelin-rated restaurants, it's fine. You might have found a hidden gem no one else knows about. There are restaurants called holes in the wall that are often the best places to go. They are off of the beaten path and they, more often than not, have the best food. Trust your instincts. Do not second guess yourself. Life is too short for second guessing

10 Habits That Stand Out to Americans

When Americans travel to Europe, they will often get their eyes opened to new things. Things they thought only existed back home are considered commonplace in many parts of Europe. According to MSN.com writer Sarah Norman, here are 10 habits that stand out to Americans.

1. Smoking

-Many European countries see a higher smoking rate than the US. Smoking in public places is also more readily accepted than the US

2. Dining etiquette

-There is a particular etiquette when it comes to meals in Europe. Different utensils are used, longer breaks are taken during meals or eating meals at later times are all considered completely normal in many European countries

3. Etiquette on public transportation

-Public transportation is heavily used by many Europeans. There may be different lines, seating and even noise levels on many of the trains or buses

4. Attitudes towards alcohol

-In the US, there is a law stating that alcohol can be consumed in public only at designated places in times, often called Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas or DORA. Or they can be consumed at music festivals or sporting events. And in some states in the US, it's completely against the law to consume alcohol because of strong religious beliefs. In some European countries, consuming alcohol in public parks is considered completely normal

5. Sensitivity to local cultures

-Many European countries have interesting cultures, traditions and even languages that great emphasis is placed on. Americans notice how strongly aware the locals are of respecting these topics

6. Tipping

-This is a somewhat hot button issue in many countries. Not all countries practice tipping for good service. Americans are often the only ones who tip, to show gratitude for good service. Many businesses across Europe have different standards when it comes to tipping

7. Language use

-While many Europeans do speak English fluently, there will be times when Americans may encounter a person whose primary language is not English. In smaller towns and rural areas, proficiency in that language is preferred

8. Shopping habits

-In the US, it's common to hit up the local grocery store or supermarket to get everything you need. In many countries in Europe, the common thing to do is hit up the local market, specialty shop or bakery to get what you need

9. Fashion

-This is one thing that definitely stands out. Many European countries have different fashion styles. Fashion is often prioritized in many European countries

10. Observance of cultural events

-Many European countries observe cultural events that relate to events in history, etc. There are different holidays celebrated in Europe and it's often fascinating to see how the locals celebrate