Travel tip #4 - Take little gifts for unexpected occasions.

I got the idea of takings gifts for strangers while travelling from Rick Steves, the travel writer and guide.

There are countless opportunities for receiving help and making new friends while travelling. Whether it's getting directions, help with deciphering a train schedule or free advice on sightseeing, simple acts of kindness can lift your spirits or make your day. It's nice to be able to do something in return for those occasions when a smile and "thank your" just don't seem like enough. Things that represent your home town or country are best.

One of the simplest and easiest things to bring are postcards from YOUR hometown because they're distinctive and good for writing "thank you" notes.

On this trip, I brought a couple of these little bottles of birch syrup. Canada is known all over the world for its maple syrup but birch syrup is even more special and it's made near home!

I brought larger presents for people I knew I was going to meet but it was great having little gifts as well.