As a 20+ year Technician. Learn how things works and like many have said take it apart and carefully put it back. Listen to advice from experienced people and enjoy yourself.

 

All of the above suggestions are excellent.

Please try not to laugh and I know it's a motorcycle book but...

...The best book I ever read for repairing anything was a book by Dave Richardson, called Guzziology (I used to own a Guzzi/RIP). It is a great primer on all things internal combustion, geared, etc., etc. He has a very unique perspective and philosophy on fixing motor driven vehicles and it is a great read (Haynes might be a bit much on a vacation).

 

Live 4 miles from your high school, sell your bike, and buy a $450 car with no spare money or income for repairs. Worked for me.

 

In the same vein, Harry Pellow's (the Maestro's) books on the 356 were great - the real-world descriptions and detail were really helpful for anyone working on cars.