Imagine the thrill of swimming in the same pool where an athlete earned a gold medal or attending an event at a stadium built for the Olympics on your honeymoon. By visiting a former Summer Olympics venue, you can do that and more after the crowds have gone.

Check Out Recent Summer Olympics Venues:

• 2008: Beijing, China
• 2004: Athens, Greece
• 2000: Sydney, Australia
• 1996: Atlanta, Georgia
• 1992: Barcelona, Spain

See locations for all Summer Olympics years >

_{Beijing photo © Getty Images.} 

Martha Bakerjian, About.com's Guide to Italy — which has more World Heritage Sites than any other country — has compiled a blog carnival that lists UNESCO World Heritage Sites visited by About.com Travel Guides.

UNESCO — the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization — is committed to "the importance, for all the peoples of the world, of safeguarding... unique and irreplaceable property."

As such, it maintains and adds sites of outstanding universal value to the World Heritage List. If you're embarking on a life of travel, seeking out places on the List is an excellent way to make worthwhile journeys.

_{Photo of Brussels' Grand Place World Heritage Site © Susan Breslow Sardone, licensed to About.com, Inc.}

Unless someone tells you what an appropriate tip to give is, you'll either neglect to reward someone for good service — or you may overtip.

Avoid either extreme: Read my Tipping Guide, which covers what's appropriate to give at hotels, restaurants, in taxis, and even to tour guides.

Don't like to carry around money and tip every time you're served? Consider staying at an all-inclusive resort, where tips are factored into your cost.

_{© Getty Images.}

Two people with heart can make a difference. Discover how a volunteer vacation can change the way you feel about the world -- and each other -- and find links to organizations that can help you to arrange a helping honeymoon or regular vacation.

During most service programs, volunteers have weekends and evenings free and serve during the day on projects that range from building classrooms to teaching business courses to teaching English. No experience is necessary.

_{Photo © Global Volunteers.}