Seeing as I'm the first one to bring this up, maybe I'm alone, but we always lock our dingy and lock our boat. Heard too many stories of things getting taken.
We have never worn life vests in the dinghy and in 3 trips have only ever seen kids wear them.
Don't be focused on an agenda and always have a plan B for if you get to a field with no moorings left. Maybe it's anchor, maybe it's go to another spot.
Don't be afraid to ask questions - even to neighboring boaters in a mooring field - most sailors are happy to share their knowledge and experience.
Don't forget to order water - you may laugh, but we did on our first charter. Promptly bought some, but it was more expensive and a pain to transport vs ordering it with the provisions!
