Time during travel can be precious, so when you have extra it’s best to make the most of it.

Good call. The #1 thing I need to learn about my camera is to use it more!

Expanding a bit on your suggestion to travel locally and take some pictures, I’d suggest that travelers really put some effort during the “gap” period to improve their photography skills. There are some very simple basics to photography that can make a huge difference on whether a photo opportunity on the road results in something you’ll always treasure, or a throw-away, so if you don’t know the basics of light and composition, this is the time to learn!

That’s a good way to ease into things. I’d like to add a bit more pre-trip planning into my last minute style. I’ll chalk it up as a 2010 New Year’s resolution.