To get the most out of a trip to China, you need to take your travel planning pretty seriously. Here’s a checklist of 11 useful things to bear in mind when preparing to visit China for the first time.

Swan into China without making a few adjustments to your cultural radar and you’re setting yourself up for a fall. You’ll want to buy one or two absolute essentials before you head out, too. And then there’s the visa – do not forget the visa.

Apply for your Chinese visa as early as possible

Unless you’re from Singapore, Brunei or Japan, you need a visa to stay in China for more than 72 hours. Contact your local Chinese consulate or use a third-party visa company for greater ease (and higher fees). The process for obtaining a tourist visa differs from country to country, but you should plan on it taking up to a month.

You’ll need a Virtual Private Network to visit many websites

Downloading a VPN before you travel will allow you to bypass China’s so-called Great Firewall, which blocks Google, Facebook, and Twitter. Astrill VPN is popular among expats.

When in China, carry cash…

With the emergence of mobile payment methods such as Alipay, WeChat Wallet and even Apple Pay – most of which must be linked to a local bank card – China’s economy is no longer so reliant on cash. That said, cash is still accepted everywhere and you’ll be able to withdraw it from ATMs using foreign bank cards.

There’s no need to tip in China

Tipping culture simply doesn’t exist in China. Some of the really nice restaurants in the big cities may include gratuity on the bill but leaving cash tips on the table is not the done thing.

Don’t drink Chinese tap water

Locals don’t drink it and neither should you: tap water in China tends to contain an unhealthy level of heavy-metal particles. Using a bit to wet your toothbrush is fine, but don’t start guzzling the stuff. Bottled water is ubiquitous and cheap.

Be cautious when buying hard liquor in China

Beer and wine are generally safe anywhere you go in China, but exercise caution when it comes to buying spirits in bars and clubs: a cheap brand – or even moonshine – may have been poured into an expensive-looking bottle.

Haggle at Chinese markets but not in shops

Some people will tell you that you should haggle everywhere in China, but this just isn’t true. Haggling is encouraged (and often necessary) in the markets that abound in Chinese cities but it’s rude to do the same in a brick-and-mortar shop where items have price tags.

Bring toilet paper and hand sanitiser

While your hotel will have a Western-style toilet, squatty potties are still the norm in China, and most bathrooms don’t have toilet paper or soap.

Buckle up in Chinese taxis

Wearing a seat belt is still not common practice in China, however chaotic the traffic gets. The buckle may be buried deep in the cushions but be sure to dig it out – even if your driver starts accusing you of questioning their prowess behind the wheel.

Carry a photocopy of your passport and visa info everywhere

Chinese hotels are required by law to register guests with the police and they will need your passport in order to do so. It is also possible (though not common) for a police officer to stop you in the street and ask for your identification.

Get ready to feel like a celebrity in China

Even with millions of international visitors every year, China is still fascinated by a foreign face and people may ask to have their photo taken with you. Though it’s no longer common in Shanghai, be prepared to say qiezi! – which literally translates as ‘aubergine!’ but is used thanks to its similarity to the English ‘cheese!’

Whether you are looking to enjoy the ocean air at a links style golf course, or to accept the challenge of one of America’s toughest courses, the United States has plenty of incredible options for a golf vacation. In fact, of the 34,000 golf courses worldwide, over 15,000 are in the US. Here are four of the best golf cities in the United States.

1. Colorado Springs, CO

Along with dozens of public and private courses, Colorado Springs promises three-hundred plus days of sunshine per year, making it an inviting destination for golfers. While the peak golf season is from April to October, Colorado Springs’ location at the base of the Rockies keeps it shielded from most of the extreme weather affecting the rest of the state. The Broadmoor Resort plays host to the US Women’s Open and boasts three courses, luxury accommodations, and three swimming pools. If you prefer something quainter, the Cheyenne Canon Inn is a Bed and Breakfast less than a mile away from the Broadmoor Golf Club.

2. Kohler, WI

Kohler is home to five of the midwest’s best golf courses, all within 20 miles from each other. The Whistling Straits, a walking-only, links-style course will host the 2015 PGA Championship and the 2020 Ryder Cup. The American Club, a five-diamond hotel located in between Blackwolf Run and Whistling Straits, is a great option for those looking to hit both courses. A half-mile north, is the Inn on Woodlake, a small boutique hotel on the shore of Wood Lake.

3. Kiawah Island, SC

In a 2014 poll, Kiawah Island was voted No. 1 island in the US and No. 2 island in the world by Conde Nast Traveler Readers, and the Kiawah Island Golf Resort had a lot to do with it. With 90 holes, and five championship courses designed by the likes of Klaus, Johnston, Fazio and Player, many will choose the torture of playing what is widely considered the toughest course in the US, The Ocean Course. Designed by Peter Dye, the course has superslick greens, massive sand dunes, and trying pot bunkers.

4. Pebble Beach, CA

Pebble Beach Golf Links was once again voted America’s Number 1 Public Golf Course by Golf Digest. Providing sweeping vistas along the coastline, this course has undoubtedly made it into many a golfer’s must-play list. The Lodge at Pebble Beach encompasses the 18th hole of Pebble Beach Golf Links, and it’s only five minutes from Spyglass Hill Golf Course. The Inn at Spanish Bay overlooks The Links at Spanish Bay — a true links course, rooted in Scottish tradition — as well as the Del Monte and Peter Hay Golf Courses.

And it has nothing to do with trends.

Your style changes so much between middle school and college that of course, they’re going to be some regrettable outfit choices along the way. Everyone has them! But avoiding these common fashion mistakes will help you own your style — sans any major outfit regrets.

1. You spend all your money on the newest trendy clothes and accessories. If you’re constantly buying fast trends that go out of style the next season, you’ll end up with a closet full of stuff you never actually wear. Bye, money! Instead, balance a few new trendy pieces each season with classic items you’ll wear forever, like a goes-with-everything dress and a pair of jeans you love.

2. You wear whatever your friends are wearing, even if it’s not really your style. Sure, it’s much easier to just fall in line with what everyone at school is wearing, but it’s much more fun to stand out with your own personal vibe. It might take you a while to figure out, but if you only buy and wear what YOU like, you’ll feel so much more confident, and over time, you’ll start to develop your own unique style.

3. You wear something just because your mom or dad doesn’t want you to wear it. When it feels like your parents are totally trying to control every aspect of your life, including your style, it’s tempting to wear things you know they won’t like just to spite them. But you know that amazing feeling you get when you win an argument over your outfit? It usually goes away as soon as you realize you actually aren’t into it at all. Like that super-short skirt that your mom didn’t like but you wore anyway to make a point, and then you were uncomfortable all day pulling it down.

4. You buy clothes that don’t fit because you’re worried about the size on the tag. You might be one size in one store and a totally different size in another. It doesn’t mean anything, except that stores can’t get their sizes straight! Don’t even look at the size, and instead pay attention to how it fits. You’ll look and feel your best when you’re wearing something that fits you well, regardless of what’s on the tag. And if you’re really worried about anyone else seeing what’s on the tag, just cut it out!

5. You wear what you think your crush thinks is hot. You might think your crush will notice you if you start wearing mini-skirts, or maybe if you dress sportier, they’ll think you’re hot. When in reality, there’s nothing hotter than showing you’re confident enough to rock your own kickass style.

6. You wear shoes that KILL your feet. No matter how ~gorgeous~ a pair of heels are, if you can’t walk in them, then they aren’t worth it. Flats are just as cute, and won’t stop you from running around all day and showing off the rest of your cute outfit.

7. You have no idea what’s in your closet because it’s so messy. Cleaning out your closet is a huge pain, but you’ll spend half as much time finding something to wear in the mornings if you can actually see all your clothes. Ditch whatever you don’t love or doesn’t fit you well, and only keep what you’re excited to wear every day.

8. You don’t know how to wash your clothes properly, or you don’t pay attention to garment labels. While sorting your clothes or even drying cleaning them (UGH) is such a pain, it could seriously save that shirt you just spent your entire measly paycheck on.

9. You compare your style to your fave celeb’s style. It’s fun to get inspo from Kylie Jenner’s Instagram, but since you aren’t a gazillionaire who gets paid to look perfect, it’s pointless to try to compete (and trust me, it’s exhausting trying!). You don’t have to have a new outfit for every hour of the day or endless designer clothes to look amazing. Plus, celebs often mix in affordable finds, and you can find tons of less expensive alternates to their designer duds at stores like Zara, Topshop and H&M.

10. You’re afraid to experiment with your style. Everyone has regrettable fashion moments in middle school, high school, college and beyond! It’s totally part of finding your style. If you don’t try out different looks, how will you ever figure out what works and doesn’t work for you? Plus, fashion is supposed to be fun, and what’s “in” and what’s “out” is constantly changing. So, don’t be afraid to take some chances. You might cringe when you look at old OOTDs, but that’s all part of finding your style.

11. You listen to to what friends/magazines/ANYONE else says about what you “should” or “shouldn’t” wear based on your body type. Guess what? Your body isn’t shaped like any type of fruit, and no one knows what really looks hot on you. So forget the “rules” about how to dress for your body type, or what anyone says you can or can’t wear. Focus on playing up your fab figure, and highlighting whatever you love, whether it’s your strong legs, or your booty. Bottom line: Wear what makes you feel amazing, and everyone will think you’re *flawless*.

It has happened to many of us: Just when you think you’ve found a great deal on airfare, you realize the price doesn’t include those annoying fees for everything from checking a bag to selecting a seat.

Those little additions can sometimes add big bucks to the ticket price.

However, as Consumer Reports explains, there are some simple ways to avoid them.

1. Research ahead of time so you aren’t surprised by extra costs

Start by checking out the airline’s website to find out exactly what’s included in the price for the type of ticket you are considering. Then decide what extras you’re willing to pay for. Baggage is the most obvious—even carry-on baggage. Others can include a seat assignment and early boarding.

If you’re trying to avoid a checked-bag fee by packing only a carry-on, CR says to remember that there are very strict rules on the sizes of any carry-on items you may have.

2. Search for airlines that have deals

Many airlines have loosened or even eliminated change or cancellation fees. Southwest, for example, allows two free checked bags.

3. Frequent flyer? Airline credit cards offer perks

If you’re a frequent flyer on one airline, consider using that airline’s credit card, which could offer valuable perks such as free checked bags, priority seat selection and boarding, and other travel treats.

4. Book your fare now if you plan to travel this summer

A final piece of advice to snag a decent fare: If you see a fare right now and you think you’re going to be traveling this summer, book it!