You may think you’re a seasoned, worldly traveler but are you really? Check out these 25 signs that you’re a true citizen of the world!

I’d love to define myself as a citizen of the world but, frankly, I’m a long way off.

Some people, on the other hand, roam around the planet identifying not with any one nation but with the world itself.

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Are you one of these people? Test yourself on these 25 signs that you’re a true citizen of the world!

1. You know about global disasters within minutes

2. Your National Geographic collection is taking on a life of its own

3. You never enter a country without at least 5 phrases in the native tongue

4. You have a good friend on every continent

5. You’ve eaten the same animal you once had as a pet

6. You rarely stay in any one country for more than 3 months straight

7. You don’t use guide books but just figure it out when you get there

8. You make friends in the street

9. You make friends in the sea

10. You make friends on top of mountains

11. You’ve worked for at least one international NGO

12. You’ve taught English to kids somewhere in the world at some point

13. When you see tourists from your native country abroad, you hide

14. You’ve been bitten/stung by at least one scary insect/animal

15. You’ve feared for your life on several occasions

16. You’ve never been to the Hamptons

17. Your lucky sandals have holes in the soles

18. You’ve been invited for dinner in families’ homes all over the world

19. You sleep best under the stars

20. You know that couch surfing has nothing to do with waves

21. Your iPod has songs on it from every UN member state

22. Your favorite author is not from your native country

23. You take photos… and print them

24. When people talk about celebrities you feel dazed and confused

25. You sometimes forget where you came from

How did you score?? Are you a true citizen of the world? Post up your comments below and let us know!!

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Let’s face it, everyone loves a freebie! Check out these 11 top tips for getting something for nothing and freeload your way around the world!

It seems that everyone’s after a bargain at the moment. Most of us don’t have wads of spare cash to splash out on expensive vacations.

So once you’ve managed to get away, why not score some extras as you go along??

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Getting stuff for free is a lot easier than you might think. It’s also kinda fun!

Check out these 11 handy tips and watch your shame fly out the window!

1. Ask

Seems obvious doesn’t it? But you’d be surprised what you can get when you swallow your pride and just ask!

More often than not, people will be more obliging than you might think.

2. Smile

A smile can go a long way. A toothy grin and the recognition that you’re being a bit cheeky can make the world of difference.

3. Strike a Multi-deal

Whether you’re staying in a hotel for a good few nights or buying up the souvenir shop, recognize the value of your custom and propose a good-will freebie.

4. Make Friends

People do business with people they like. The same principle applies to getting stuff for free.

Have a laugh and a joke with the staff on reception and you might just find an exotic fruit basket in your room!

5. Complain

Just had the worst meal of your life? Don’t sit and fume about it. Make a polite complaint and the chances are they’ll be champagne and tiramisu coming your way.

6. Don’t Push it

No one likes being pressurized, so be cool and know when to back off. A laid-back strategy is guaranteed to get you further in the long-term.

7. Dangle a Carrot

Provide an incentive. You’ll find people much more accommodating after you’ve mentioned that big corporate booking or wedding reception that you’re planning.

8. Name Drop

Use your contacts. Remember that friend who works at Conde Nast or Lonely Planet? Well now’s the time to slip their name into the conversation!

9. Flirt

A shameless tactic but a fun one. Whether you’re trying to bag a flight upgrade or a free cocktail, 9 times out of 10 you’ll do better addressing a member of the opposite sex.

10. Try Stuff

Ah the beauty of the trial. After-shave, cosmetics or Italian ice-cream – whatever you’ve got your eye on, explain you’d like to try before you bye and lo behold that cute mini something is all yours…. absolutely free!

11. Exploit your Skills

Got a special skill or talent? Exploit it! Offer some free music/dance/comedy/magic in exchange for what you want. Genius!

Got more freebie tactics or funny stories?? Post up your comments below, we want to hear from you!

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Some superb travel links to save you money and make you happy … Enjoy!

1. 6 Strategies for Finding Low Airfares, Brad Tuttle @Budget Travel Blog

2. World’s Weirdest Hotels, from David Ewalt @Digital Download

3. Readers’ Travel Tips @Travel Rants

4. Beth Whitman on Solo Travel, Matt Gross @Frugal Traveler

5. Tuesday Travel Trivia, Aaron Hotfelder @Gadling

Coming up… How to get stuff for free wherever you go! You won’t want to miss this. Make sure you’re signed up for blog alerts delivered directly to your inbox/RSS.

Happy travels!!

Responding to popular demand, some more incredible lakes whose sheer beauty and grandeur earn them a place in our list of the Most Magnificent Lakes in the World!

Crater Lake, Oregon

Lake Tahoe, Nevada

Check out the original article for stunning pics of the 12 Most Magnificent Lakes in the World.

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Photo credits: Crater Lake – JJ Jersey, Mr. Thomas. Lake Tahoe - Tracy Vierra,  Vijayan.

Prepare to be amazed and overwhelmed by these 12 incredible lakes that will take your breath away.

Sure, the sea is amazing but I always feel that lakes have a phenomenal stillness that makes you feel, well, calm.

Check out these magnificent lakes across the world, and should you feel compelled to go and experience their beauty first-hand then all the better!

1.    Masyuko lake, Hokkaido, Japan

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2.     Lake Umayo,  Sullistani, Peru

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3. Lake Pukuaki, South Island, New Zealand

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4.    Tso Moriri Lake, Kashmir, India

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5.    Laguna Verde, Sud Lípez,  Bolivia

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6.    Peyto Lake, Alberta, Canada

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7. Lake Matheson, South Island, New Zealand

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8.    Pakhal lake,  Pogallapalle, India

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9.    Lake Como, Bellagio, Italy

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10. Long Lake, Minnesota

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11. Lake Diablo, North Cascades, Washington

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12.  Lone Pine Lake, Whitney Portal, California

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Visited any of these magnificent lakes? Got more recommendations for fantastic lake destinations? Post up your comments below, we want to hear from you!

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