BEFORE YOU LEAVE SAY YOU ARE COMING

It is very difficult to make arrangements for visits when you are travelling. So make your arrangements in advance.

Send out an announcement to anyone who could be helpful before you go. This can be to individuals, companies or organisations. If you are really brave you can send out a general announcement on Usenet, as I did. Post it to relevant groups. Hunt around Usenet for relevant groups. The "alt.culture.country-name" groups are good general posting places. POSTING "Hi-tech tourist in Europe in April"
Set vacation on your e-mail: Set your e-mail account to tell people you are away and who to contact for urgent matters. This reduces the amount of mail you will have on your return and saves the worry of having to work while away.