(Note: Please also read my diatribe on web site design before sending me any criticisms about the general design of the site.)
Travel preferences vary as much as the travelers themselves, and there is no "formula" for how to plan your trip. Perhaps the level of flexibility which I prefer may make you feel totally disorganized and crazy, or perhaps even having a destination in mind is too restrictive for you. I can't tell you how to plan your trip, but I have attempted to at least compile a few guidelines.
I cannot stress enough the need to do research on the places you plan to go. This web page is NOT a travel guide, and is not intended to be the end-all, be-all of your travel planning! With a little research, you can have a safe and fun trip, but it only takes a little ignorance to get you killed. (The same is most likely true in your own town, but when the surroundings are foreign, it's too easy to forget.)
I will attempt to provide as much information as possible on this page, but all the information here is based solely on my own experience. What works for me may not work for you, and I take no responsibility for your health, your safety or your enjoyment.
If you find the information here useful, if you feel that I have made an error, or if you just have advice for travelers that you'd like to see posted here, please feel free to email me. I can't promise that I'll use anything that's sent to me, but it can't hurt to try! Good luck, and I hope this information will be useful to you!