So did I OTF, so did I. But nothing ventured, nothing gained. But that was Another World back then. Would I try that again? Not a chance.
Still have a full box of 'Their Flies' a purchased as an on-going memory of that trip. Much of the trip we stayed at Bed and Breakfast type places. Only thing (pre-travel arraignments) was asked if 'they' had a B & B AND dinner? Appears this was also a 'new question,' but why not? With that, you really got to meet your hosts and enjoy their company. Added immensely to the trip. A few stops were in actual 'hotels,' most older but kept up 'lick the floor' clean.
Average 'stop' was a minimum of three days so you could get a real feel for the ground, the people, etc. (My usual, packing/unpacking is NOT my 'bag. Pun intended.) A lot of these smaller places had 'Pubs' off the lobby, go in, have a 'tibble or two and ask about fishing in the area. Always had a few fellows give me good advise, "What time would you like to go out tomorrow(s)?"
(Bad choice of terms here) But the 'Pay back' was Joan and I took him/wife/sig-other out to a good dinner/drinks that evening. Total Hoot, and the next day more than a few 'Volunteers.' :>) In a couple of exceptional cases I asked the 'Bartender(is) what's his normal 'Call?' Buy a bottle and tell him/her to put his name on same (under the counter) and 'This is from Fred and Joan.' For what-ever reason Johnie Black Label Scotch was the norm; no idea why, save for a quaff was pricie as all heck .. even back then. Bottle 'price' was about $65.00 USD even in the mid-90's. Lordie only knows what that amounted to in NZ dollars, but far more. No way for 'him' to contact me/thank me, but that was EXACTLY the point.
But it was the idea that 'they' would (possibly?) remember the 'Ugly Murican's in quite a different light. Walk light and you'll be most welcome, even if you have to preference a question by saying "This may sound a bit dumb, but ...." Other person will understand, they will not take offense, and probably be happy to fill in the 'blank.'
Oh, before I forget!!!!! Learning to drive on the 'wrong side of the road' is a life experience. Not easy, first place you'll screw up is first thing in the morning pulling out of a parking lot. We'd turn right .... THEY TURN LEFT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!