When you get your photographs back, arrange them so they tell a story. Show them to friends and ask them to tell you what they see. Another useful exercise is to go out in a rainstorm or snowstorm and see how successful you are at taking photographs in these conditions. Remember to protect your camera or use a waterproof, disposable one. Finally, if you have a tripod or other camera support, practice using it until you are able to comfortably go anywhere with it.
Nothing ruins travel pictures like a shaky camera.