Travel tips and best practises?

[sanso]

Hey everyone,

I get the feeling that there are some of You there who have travelled quite a bit (thinking of Seamus Murray et al...). So I'd like to pick Your brains about the things You learned and the mistakes You made when travelling (on a budget) around the world.

I'm thinking of going to Dahab to get some diving done and possibly also teach some. I don't know how long I will stay there or where I will head next - and here comes the first question. It seems that one-way flights are much more expensive than return ones.
Is there a solution to this or is that just the price You have to pay?
How have You managed transportation on Your travels?
Where do You buy Your tickets?
Do any of You have experience with this way of living on the go?
What were important things that You wish You had known or thought of from the start?
EDIT: What were the things that You packed and never needed? And what do You wish You had taken along?

Any hints or pointers are much appreciated.

[sheepeck]

About the oneway flights and round trips flight - just buy round trip and just use it on the way there or use some long term open tickets if possible.

[BatRay]

I always, always, always wish that I brought earplugs and some sort of travel pillow when travelling by air. Earplugs can make the travelling experience more pleasant. It's a minor issue, but the first one I could think of.

[trux]

Also when traveling by plane in summer or from tropical destinations, it happened to me more than once that I regretted not taking enough warm clothing to the cabin. The conditioned air in the plane is often relatively cold and the blankets you get very thin. And nothing is worse than arriving to your dream diving destination with a bad cold.

[sheepeck]

Oh, now I remember - one my friend who flew quite often and got bored in the plane always took one pill of some sleep medicine and slept through the whole flight. Once she timed the taking it badly and fell asleep during the meal with fork in the mouth.