If you’ve got a trip coming up, then you’ve come to the right place. Preparing for a trip can be one of the most stressful things you do. But below we have some advice for stressed out trip goers that can help things run much smoother and not leave you needing a vacation from your vacation.

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Travel can be a good way to get away from it all, but sometimes it is necessary to get in touch with the rest of the world. For this purpose, make sure your cell phone works wherever you are going or purchase a prepaid phone in your destination country. You will be glad you did if you lose your credit cards or passport and need to contact your bank – or embassy! – right away.

Whether you are traveling within the United States or in a foreign country, always make sure the taxi cabs you use are certified with the city. There is usually a sticker visible from the back seat of the vehicle. If you are unsure, research city-licensed cabs before you travel. This way, you can avoid unlicensed cabs that overcharge their patrons, and save money to do more fun things during your travels.

When traveling, it is important to make sure your airline will suit your needs. Different airlines maintain different niches. Some are inexpensive, some provide superior service, and some cater to far more destinations than others. Before you book any trip by airplane, research different airlines first. It will save you a headache.

Before leaving on a trip, it is vital to make sure that all of your documentation is up to date. This includes identification such as your driver’s license and passport, any necessary immunization or medical records, and credit or bank cards. This way you will not run into any problems when making purchases or during your travels regarding non-matching ID.

If you are concerned about theft in the countries you’ll be visiting, set up your wardrobe in advance to ward them off. You can sew passport-sized pockets into the top of your pants; this option might be more comfortable when walking than a moneybelt. Also consider lining the bottom of a cloth bag with chicken wire to deter theives with razor blades.

Laundry is Important

If you are traveling and planning to wash laundry in your hotel room, set up your drying line somewhere with a good breeze, preferably in front of a fan. Because Bali is extremely high humidity, your laundry will take longer to dry unless there is also air movement.

If you are worried about traveling with a large carry-on bag, plan ahead. Airlines usually board in groups of five or ten rows, so pick a seat in row 11 or 21, not row 19. Also, as soon as the airline calls the seat block ahead of you, go get in line. This way you’re waiting at the front instead of the back.

You should always bring something that will keep you occupied on a flight. A simple entertainer is a pen and paper. You can play games, write poems, draw little sketches, anything you can imagine. This will keep your mind focused so you are not concerned about how much longer the flight will be.

Travel is a great opportunity to learn more things.

You should not fear traveling if you take the right precautions. It will be a great opportunity for your children to see how different parts of the world operate. Traveling to other countries is a good way to better understand them and the world as a whole.

Fanny packs are back! These trademarks of the 80’s had their day in the sun and then were quickly shunned. As a lot of things do, these have now come back into style. They are perfect for travel as you can keep a lot of important things at your finger tips including ID, passport, money, and even snacks.

Weighing your checked bags before you arrive at the airport can save you money and frustration. Many airlines charge an extra $50 or more for checked bags weighing over 50lbs. This can result in spending more money, or having to leave items behind. Put your luggage on a scale at home before you head to the airport to save yourself a headache!

If you are traveling in a car, bring a roadside geology book with you. They have a variety of maps, mileage logs and geologic primers that will make your trip a little more interesting. They also contain beautiful collections of photographs that will make the scenery around you come to life.

If you are in an unfamiliar location such as a hotel and someone knocks on your door, do not answer until you have checked them out. Anyone who is coming to see you at the hotel has either spoken to you or been in contact with the front desk. Call the desk and ask for information about the visitor to verify.

Hand Sanitizer, Asprin and Vitamins

One of the most important things that a person forgets about when traveling is their health. There are items you can bring with you that can prevent a cold or other illness including aspirin, hand sanitizers, and vitamins. These are all small items that can easily fit in a carry on bag or purse.

Don’t put your child in the aisle seat on a plane. Make sure there is an adult between the aisle and your child. Children may hurt themselves if they decide to reach into the aisle while a cart comes through. This will prevent them from being hurt as well.

When traveling with young children, try to book an efficiency rather than a traditional hotel room. Having separate sleeping quarters will help to keep your children on their schedules. It will also give Mom and Dad a place to watch television while the children nap. Everyone will enjoy their trip more since they will feel a little more at home.

Hopefully at least some of these tips will be helpful for you on your upcoming vacation. While each tip may not work for every person and every vacation, you should now be armed with some extra knowledge to make things run a lot smoother and help you avoid any problems.